Open To Work
Felicia Casper
Eden Prairie,United States
Summary
Accomplished Development Manager skilled in event logistics, project management, and vendor negotiations. Expertise in creating and implementing standard operating procedures that optimize event execution and elevate guest satisfaction. Dedicated to fostering collaboration and driving successful outcomes in dynamic event environments.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Senior Events Manager
The Lofton Hotel
Minneapolis, United States
06.2024 - Current
- Facilitated transition during company rebranding phase, ensuring alignment with new brand identity.
- Created and implemented all SOPs for all aspects of Event Management including group turnover, BEOs, BEO review, resume, resume review, tastings.
- Coordinated and executed corporate and social events, enhancing guest experiences and satisfaction.
- Accurately forecasted both catering and guest room projections.
- Effectively communicated every group's needs to the entire operation for flawless execution on-site.
Development Manager
Ronald McDonald House Charities, Upper Midwest
Minneapolis, United States
01.2022 - 06.2024
- Executed tactical plans for signature fundraising events by sourcing venues and negotiating contracts with vendors.
- Executed tactical plans for signature fundraising events by sourcing venues and handling contracts with vendors.
- Collaborated with Executive Team to manage financial growth of fundraising activities and events through goal-setting and strategic planning.
Conference Services and Events Director
Aparium Hotel Group
Minneapolis, MN
08.2016 - 01.2022
- Joined the opening team for the Hewing hotel, which opened its doors on Nov. 17, 2016.
- Managed corporate accounts for hotel by coordinating room blocks and meeting space details, optimizing event logistics for clients.
- Developed and implemented SOPs for event management, standardizing procedures to enhance operational efficiency.
- Coordinated group turnover processes for events, facilitating seamless transitions and effective communication among stakeholders.
Interim Executive Director
Lasagna Love
04.2021 - 08.2021
- Led team overseeing operational aspects of organization, including volunteer management, financial compliance, collaborations, and business development.
- Supported recruitment of diverse and inclusive staff and volunteer leadership, enhancing organizational representation.
- Led and supervised in a collaborative fashion, with a focus on transparency and accountability in decision making and reporting outcomes.
- Collaborated with Founder on public relations and media strategies to strengthen organizational visibility.
Senior Convention Service Manager
Marcus Hotels & Resorts - Pfister Hotel
Milwaukee, WI
03.2014 - 08.2016
- Led event team of 4 convention service managers, managing large corporate and VIP accounts including Northwestern Mutual, Rockwell, Johnson Controls, Milwaukee Business Journal, and Marcus Corporate Events.
- Championed guest satisfaction survey increase from 71.3% to 80% in 2015.
- Prepared weekly and monthly catering forecasts.
Event Manager
Marriott International - Magnificent Mile Downtown Chicago
Chicago, IL
11.2009 - 03.2014
- Coordinated large and small groups for corporate and social events.
- Managed all turnovers from the Sales Office, delegating tasks to Event Managers based on their workload.
- Coached clients on menu options, creating custom menus aligned with client demographics and budgetary limits.
Event Manager
Marriott International - Magnificent Mile Downtown Chicago
Chicago, IL
05.2008 - 11.2009
- Collaborated with banquet and kitchen staff to meet and exceed guest expectations.
- Delivered accurate weekly catering and group rooms forecasts to optimize departmental operations.
- Prepared event documentation for pre-planning, execution, and post-event phases, ensuring clear communication with staff.
Event Manager
Marriott International - Magnificent Mile Downtown Chicago
Minneapolis, MN
01.2006 - 05.2008
- Coordinated sports market-related events, enhancing participant engagement through professional and amateur competitions.
- Monitored guest satisfaction in the 70th percentile and collaborated with EM team weekly to identify and address improvement areas.
Education
Associate's Degree - Culinary Arts
The Art Institutes International-Minnesota
Minneapolis, MN01-2002
High School Diploma -
University of Colorado At Boulder
Boulder, CO01-2000
Skills
- Event budgeting and logistics
- Vendor negotiation
- Catering management
- Project management
- Event strategy development
- Marketing strategies
- Vendor relationship management
- Time management
- Attention to detail
- Creative thinking
- Team collaboration
- Sponsorship acquisition
- Conflict resolution
- Effective communication
- Community engagement
Certification
- Cvent Supplier Network
- Cvent Event Diagramming
- Individual Effectiveness
Timeline
Senior Events Manager
The Lofton Hotel
06.2024 - Current
Development Manager
Ronald McDonald House Charities, Upper Midwest
01.2022 - 06.2024
Interim Executive Director
Lasagna Love
04.2021 - 08.2021
Conference Services and Events Director
Aparium Hotel Group
08.2016 - 01.2022
Senior Convention Service Manager
Marcus Hotels & Resorts - Pfister Hotel
03.2014 - 08.2016
Event Manager
Marriott International - Magnificent Mile Downtown Chicago
11.2009 - 03.2014
Event Manager
Marriott International - Magnificent Mile Downtown Chicago
05.2008 - 11.2009
Event Manager
Marriott International - Magnificent Mile Downtown Chicago
01.2006 - 05.2008
Associate's Degree - Culinary Arts
The Art Institutes International-Minnesota
High School Diploma -
University of Colorado At Boulder