KEVIN SUAREZ
Miami,FL
Summary
On-premise marketing and hospitality leader with 14+ years of experience driving brand growth, distribution, and premium execution across the FSOP, nightlife, and large-scale festival ecosystems. Proven ability to build consumer demand through culturally relevant programming, beverage sales growth, staff education, and relationship-driven market expansion. Experienced in executing national festival activations, DJ partnerships, and high-profile brand integrations in collaboration with major promoters and hospitality groups. Deeply connected to the on-premise trade with hands-on experience collaborating with suppliers, distributors, and hospitality leaders. Trilingual in English, Spanish, and Portuguese.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
Work History
Lead Bartender
Papi Steak
03.2024 - Current
- - Drove a 15% increase in beverage sales through cocktail innovation, menu strategy, and elevated guest engagement.
- - Partnered with supplier reps and brand teams to execute tastings, promotions, and visibility-driven programs.
- - Trained staff on product knowledge, execution standards, and guest experience consistency.
- - Managed inventory, ordering, and forecasting to align with demand and budget goals.
Events Manager
Gitano @ Faena
02.2021 - 03.2024
- Led 20+ premium on-premise activations annually, aligning event programming with brand objectives, cultural moments, and consumer trends to drive increased brand visibility and sustained account engagement.
- Built and maintained relationships with 25–40 supplier, vendor, and hospitality partners, enabling repeat activations and consistent brand presence across key on-premise accounts.
- Managed activation budgets ranging from $15K–$75K per event, negotiated vendor and production costs, and delivered post-event performance recaps highlighting attendance, engagement, and sales lift.
Recruiting & Production Manager
Mr. Jones
02.2022 - 01.2023
- - Recruited, trained, and developed front-of-house talent to maintain elite nightlife service standards.
- - Implemented performance systems that improved operational productivity by 18%.
- - Maintained relationships with promoters, VIP hosts, and nightlife influencers.
Event & Operations Manager
El Santo / Kiki on the River
02.2019 - 02.2020
- Led on-premise sales initiatives, brand collaborations, and experiential programming across two high-volume Miami venues, supporting sustained beverage sales and brand visibility.
- Built and maintained strong working relationships with buyers, distributors, suppliers, promoters, and influencers, expanding activation opportunities and repeat partnerships.
- Negotiated contracts, pricing, and activation budgets, helping ensure profitable brand partnerships and smooth execution.
- Supported national DJ-led activations and festival-related programming in partnership with major promoters, contributing to high-traffic events and elevated brand presence.
Skills
- On-Premise Marketing & FSOP Execution
- Brand Activations & Trade Programming
- Festival & DJ Activations
- Beverage Sales Growth & Distribution
- Staff Training & Perfect Serve Standards
- Distributor & Supplier Collaboration
- Account Development
- Budget Management & KPI Reporting
- Nightlife, Hospitality & Cultural Marketing
- On-site execution
- Venue selection
- Staff oversight
- Vendor relationship management
- Cross-functional teams leadership
- Talent recruitment
ADDITIONAL SKILLS & RECOGNITION
- Trilingual: English, Spanish, Portuguese
- Canva (presentations, POS, marketing assets)
- Ocean Drive Association – Participating Member
- 19th Annual Greater Miami & The Beaches Hotel Association – Inn Key Award Nominee
Languages
Spanish
Native or Bilingual
Portuguese
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
Lead Bartender
Papi Steak
03.2024 - Current
Recruiting & Production Manager
Mr. Jones
02.2022 - 01.2023
Events Manager
Gitano @ Faena
02.2021 - 03.2024
Event & Operations Manager
El Santo / Kiki on the River
02.2019 - 02.2020