Kelsie Conn
Lubbock,TX
Summary
Experienced in event sales and customer communication, adept at operating in fast-paced environments with demanding objectives for sales, service, quality, and relationships. Skilled at multi-event management and vendor communication, with a talent for adapting to changes and independently handling customer issues. Analytical problem-solver successful at managing time and preparing for future events with efficient side work. Proficient in computer skills and working with budgets, with knowledge in sales techniques and up-selling products for weekly, monthly, and yearly promotions.
Overview
6
6
years of professional experience
Work History
Event Sales Director
The Texas Tech Club
Lubbock, TX
01.2023 - Current
- Designing comprehensive conference layouts and managing every detail from concept to execution.
- Traveled for specialized sales training to master advanced techniques in event sales, conference management, and client negotiation.
- Managing multi-meeting room events tailored for CEOs, COOs, and executive leadership, ensuring seamless coordination for weekly, monthly, quarterly, and annual meetings.
- Managed budgeting and financial planning processes for the organization.
- Identified opportunities for improvement in operational performance metrics.
- Conducted regular meetings with department heads to review progress on strategic initiatives.
- Analyzed customer feedback data to identify trends in product performance or customer service issues.
- Established relationships with vendors and suppliers to secure favorable terms for materials or services.
- Prepared budgets for upcoming events and monitored expenditures throughout the planning process.
- Produced weekly and monthly reports highlighting key performance indicators for management review.
- Oversaw florists and rental companies to monitor compliance with contract terms and quickly address discrepancies.
- Networked at local and industry events to prospect for new sales leads.
- Worked closely with clients to coordinate details and maximize satisfaction.
- Created and presented proposals and built successful RFPs for new events.
- Improved profit margins by effectively managing expenses, budget and overhead, increasing closings and optimizing product turns.
- Proficiently coordinate multiple events concurrently throughout the week, ensuring seamless execution and maintaining open communication with each event's hosts for optimal coordination and oversight.
- Excels in dynamic settings, adeptly managing engagements with groups scheduled for tomorrow, next week, and up to a year in advance.
- Maintains organization to ensure seamless coordination of all events.
Banquet Events Manager
Overton Hotel & Conference Center
Lubbock, TX
06.2022 - 01.2023
- Overseeing and managing multi-day conferences and meeting spaces, including leading the team and coordinating all behind-the-scenes operations.
- Directed concurrent events, collaborating closely with hosts and event teams to ensure flawless execution and a seamless experience for all attendees.
- Reviewed banquet event orders to determine room layouts and schedule staff.
- Attended and monitored events to direct staff, proactively address issues and solve problems or concerns.
- Supervised food preparation, delivery and quality to ensure satisfaction.
- Created schedules for food and beverage service employees.
- Hired and trained staff and new hires according to company policy and regulations.
- Delivered exceptional service to every customer through active engagement, effective listening and well-developed interpersonal skills.
- Provided leadership, insight and mentoring to newly hired employees to supply knowledge of various company programs.
- Maintained detailed records of stock and reviewed inventory to plan events.
- Serviced and maintained all audiovisual systems according to project guidelines.
- Repaired faulty wiring connections within AV systems when required.
- Provided training on the use of audio-visual equipment to staff members as needed.
- Provided technical support for audio visual equipment and systems.
- Placed microphones in specific locations to maximize audio quality.
- Prepared sets with lighting and other equipment to meet production specifications.
Event Sales Coordinator
Hillcrest Golf and Country Club
Lubbock, TX
05.2021 - 06.2022
- Selected décor and event materials fitting clients' requests and vision.
- Organized event facility, food and beverage selections and audio-visual arrangements.
- Organized corporate luncheons, dinners, conferences and special events.
- Maintained close communication with clients to mitigate service issues.
- Recommended money-saving strategies for events to bring costs within budget.
- Directed event production in collaboration with sponsors, hosts and internal teams.
- Planned, coordinated and executed weddings and special events.
- Networked to obtain potential event sponsors.
Front of House Manager/Food and Beverage Director
Hillcrest Golf and Country Club
Lubbock, TX
01.2021 - 06.2022
- Interviewed, hired and trained new employees.
- Managed all front of house certifications and re-certifications.
- Enforced employee image and grooming standards.
- Handled complaints, settled disputes and resolved customer conflicts.
- Delivered high level of quality service to each patron, resulting in consistent, positive feedback from guests.
- Controlled and maintained labor costs through careful scheduling.
- Assisted with local marketing and advertising activities to drive new business development and revenue growth.
- Facilitated daily team meetings to discuss promotions, issues, service standards and team collaboration.
- Maximized profit and revenue through upselling and cross-selling techniques.
- Worked closely with chefs to ensure timely delivery of food orders to tables.
- Explained goals and expectations required of trainees.
- Developed goals and plans to prioritize, organize and accomplish daily service tasks.
- Improved customer service by setting expectations and coaching employees on proper service etiquette.
- Analyzed sales data to identify trends and make informed decisions on front of house operations.
Shift Leader/Bar Waitress/Event Coordinator
Hillcrest Golf and Country Club
Lubbock, TX
01.2020 - 01.2021
- Supervised, motivated and led employees to maintain productivity and customer service levels.
- Implemented continuous improvement programs to increase productivity, improve quality and reduce costs.
- Counted cash on hand at shift change and closing to determine shortages or overages and prepare bank deposit statements.
- Created training manual for employees to use as reference guide.
- Upheld company standards and compliance requirements for operations and cleanliness.
- Conducted one-on-one coaching sessions with team members resulting in reduced lost time and workplace accidents.
- Enforced company policies, answered coworkers' questions and trained new personnel.
Bar Waitress/Event Set Up
The Range
Lubbock, TX
08.2018 - 01.2020
- Answered phones politely and promptly, accurately recording and confirming reservations.
- Processed customers' payments and provided receipts.
- Assisted in preparing for special functions and banquets by setting up and taking down tables and chairs and decorating.
- Maintained accurate cash handling practices while efficiently serving customers.
- Maintained tidiness and organization throughout bar area.
- Checked on guests to verify satisfaction with meals and suggested additional items to increase restaurant sales.
- Handled cash transactions accurately, balancing the register at the end of each shift.
- Conferred with customers to gather event requirements and explore opportunities.
- Worked closely with audio visual technicians and other technical personnel in setting up equipment at the venue.
- Collaborated with clients to identify their goals and expectations from the event.
Education
Communication - Communications
Texas Tech University
Lubbock, TX01-2020
General Studies - General Studies
Blinn College
Brenham, TX01-2018
High School Diploma -
Montgomery High School
Montgomery, TX01-2016
Skills
- Service Prioritization
- Vendor Relations
- Budget Management
- Closing Deals
- Upselling and Cross-selling
- Check Payment Processing
- Relationship Management
- Liquor, Wine and Food Service
- Managing multi-day conferences and overseeing meeting space operations
- Conflict and Dispute Resolution
- Purchasing
- Diverse Beverage Knowledge
- Team Member Development
- Staff Leadership
- Training and Mentoring
- Special Event Coordination
- Sales
- Team Building
- Collaboration
- Creative
- Projection Systems
- Digital Signage
- AV Issue Resolution
- Event Production
- Negotiation
- Marketing
Accomplishments
Ambassador of the Lubbock Chamber of Commerce 2023, 2024
NCA Collage Nationals Champion 2017, 2018
NCA All-Star Nationals Champion 2016
Woodlands Elite Athlete 2012-2016
Additional Information
Personal and professional references available upon request
Timeline
Event Sales Director
The Texas Tech Club
01.2023 - Current
Banquet Events Manager
Overton Hotel & Conference Center
06.2022 - 01.2023
Event Sales Coordinator
Hillcrest Golf and Country Club
05.2021 - 06.2022
Front of House Manager/Food and Beverage Director
Hillcrest Golf and Country Club
01.2021 - 06.2022
Shift Leader/Bar Waitress/Event Coordinator
Hillcrest Golf and Country Club
01.2020 - 01.2021
Bar Waitress/Event Set Up
The Range
08.2018 - 01.2020
Communication - Communications
Texas Tech University
General Studies - General Studies
Blinn College
High School Diploma -
Montgomery High School