Hi, I’m
Kellyann M. Bright
Houston,United States
Summary
Seasoned meeting planner and hospitality expert with over 20 years of experience orchestrating high-profile events in dynamic environments. Proven track record of managing over 1,000 successful events for Fortune 500 companies, senior executives, boards of directors, and professional sports teams (NBA & MLB), demonstrating a commitment to excellence. Expertise includes comprehensive event coordination, corporate meeting planning, and effective communication, ensuring seamless execution from conception to completion while adhering to strict budgetary controls. Recognized for adaptability and reliability, consistently delivering exceptional experiences that exceed expectations and foster strong relationships to drive organizational success and customer retention.
Overview
14
years of professional experience
1
Certification
Work History
The Post Oak Hotel
Event Planning Manager
02.2020 - Current
Job overview
- Plan and execute high-profile meetings and events for executives in oil and gas, investment firms, law firms, banking, and professional sports teams (NBA and MLB).
- Managing budgets of up to $500K.
- Current tenure productivity servicing over 300+ programs garnering $$ in F&B and $??
- In room rental, producing an average of 70% upsell.
- Maximize hotel revenue through effective room block management and clear client communication regarding attrition.
- Ensure operational departments receive timely, accurate information to meet client expectations.
- Proactively resolve event challenges to ensure seamless execution.
- Deliver exceptional customer service through understanding the scope of the client's program.
- Support clients in adhering to contractual agreements, ensuring fiduciary responsibilities.
- Develop event timelines and oversee logistics, including transportation, catering, décor, and AV setup.
- Collaborate with internal teams to create innovative event F&B enhancements and setups to maximize event and revenue success
- Houston's only double 5 star rated Hotel & Spa
Hilton Americas - Houston Convention Center Hotel
Event Manager
06.2015 - 12.2019
Job overview
- Organized pre-event meetings with relevant personnel involved in executing a successful outcome thus avoiding any last minute surprises or issues onsite during an actual event day.
- Supervised vendors onsite during events ensuring they deliver according to their contractual obligations and expectations set forth prior to signing agreements.
- Maintained accurate records of expenses incurred during the course of planning an event. Developed comprehensive event plans and managed event logistics for corporate and association clients.
- Conducted pre-event meetings with clients to understand their specific requirements and ensure they are met.
- Managed room blocks for groups, with 300 sleeping rooms on peak nights.
- Assisted clients in menu planning, set-up, budget management, and billing reconciliation.
- Acted as a team leader, fostering a positive work environment, and celebrated the achievements of teammembers.
- Managed event finances, ensuring all expenses stayed within budget while providing best possible experience.
- Resolved any issues or concerns promptly and professionally, ensuring smooth and successful events.
Wyndham Houston West Energy Corridor Hotel
Conference Service Manager/Social Catering Manager
02.2012 - 06.2015
Job overview
- Communicated with customers in person and by phone to promote issue resolution and good customer service.
- Delegated tasks to employees to effectively complete projects.
- Provided exceptional customer service to ensure satisfaction and loyalty.
- Collaborated with other departments in order to increase the effectiveness of customer support initiatives. Achieved and exceeded catering sales goals through effective sales and marketing strategies.
- Acted as the primary point of contact for clients and oversaw the preparation of proposals, and contracts.
- Collaborated with Group Sales Department to develop and execute sales blitzes, to acquire new business.
- Managed the successful execution of a high volume of social events and meetings for non-profit organizations.
- Provided customized event and menu planning services, ensuring clients' needs and budget requirements were met.
- Negotiated and managed relationships with vendors to secure additional products and services for events.
- Ensured billing accuracy by conducting regular reconciliation of client invoices.
- Inspected event set-ups to ensure compliance with hotel standards and to meet client expectations.
- Maintained strong relationships with key clients to gain repeat business, referrals, garnering increased revenue.
Education
Texas Tech UniversityLubbock, TX, US
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) from Restaurant Hotel Mgmt
Skills
- Event logistics planning & Menu Planning
- Adaptability and flexibility
- Problem-solving and efficient challenge resolution
- Effective communication
- Post-event analysis
- Project management
- Budget management
- Coordinate exhibits
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Attention to detail
- Multitasking
- Reliability
Accomplishments
- Planned over 1000+ Meeting & Events garnering $$ in F& B revenue and $$ in Room Rental.
- Earned Nomination for "Rising Star" Award in 2015.
- Earned Nomination for "Manager of the Quarter" in 2017
- Most recognized outstanding customer service
Certification
University of Houston, Conrad N Hilton Event Management Certification
Timeline
Event Planning Manager
The Post Oak Hotel
02.2020 - Current
Event Manager
Hilton Americas - Houston Convention Center Hotel
06.2015 - 12.2019
Conference Service Manager/Social Catering Manager
Wyndham Houston West Energy Corridor Hotel
02.2012 - 06.2015
Texas Tech University
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) from Restaurant Hotel Mgmt