Kimberly Suenaga
Honolulu,USA
Summary
Dynamic Special Events Manager with a proven track record at Morimoto Asia Waikiki, excelling in event planning and client relations. Expert in logistics management and vendor negotiation, I consistently deliver exceptional experiences while leading teams to execute large-scale events seamlessly. Committed to maintaining high standards and fostering positive client relationships.
Overview
30
30
years of professional experience
Work History
Special Events Manager
Morimoto Asia Waikiki Momosan Waikiki
Honolulu, HI
09.2024 - Current
- Manage and promote the restaurant’s private dining areas and the restaurant itself. Working with local and international companies and organizations, as well as private individuals on special occasions. From inquiry to invoicing, I am able to set a client at ease on finding a date, securing a room, setting the menu, arranging the event layout, submitting work orders, execution of event, invoicing client, paying out vendors and sending out thank letters. Maintaining professionalism and confidence with clients, vendors, and team members. Additionally, in this position, managed the floor of the restaurant during dining hours with an average team of 15 staff per night.
Catering Sales Manager
Waialae Country Club
Honolulu, HI
01.2017 - 07.2024
- Planned and executed events of varying scales, from intimate meetings to large galas accommodating 800 guests.
Managed food and beverage logistics for Sony Open during the entire tournament period.
Navigated clients through event planning stages from initial inquiry to final invoicing.
Secured appropriate venues, developed tailored menus, and organized event layouts effectively.
Executed essential work orders while collaborating closely with vendors for smooth operations.
Demonstrated professionalism when engaging with clients, vendors, and team members alike.
Handled invoicing processes promptly while ensuring vendor payments were completed accurately.
Composed thank-you letters to reinforce positive client relations after events.
Development Coordinator
The Salvation Army – Divisional Headquarters
Honolulu, HI
09.2014 - 01.2016
- Assist Development Department in raising funds to support the multitude of programs provided by The Salvation Army in Hawaii and the Pacific Islands. Lead, coordinate, budget, follow through on the logistics of fundraising events, Red Kettles, Nativity Reception, Corporate Breakfasts, Annual Gala, etc. Assist the directors of Major Donors and Planned Giving with administrative support and specialty projects.
Group Coordinator, ADHOC
Roberts Hawaii
Honolulu, HI
10.2013 - 09.2014
- Assist visitors and travel agents with their transportation needs on 4 major Hawaiian Islands by coordinating exclusive charters and tours. Communicate with vendors, dispatchers, reservation agents, drivers, and tour conductors on where to pick up, drop off, site location, and accessibility for vehicles. Plan activities, arrange tickets for shows, and provide insight of tour locations. Provide multiple quotes, initiate contracts, input reservations, process payments, communicate via e-mail and telephone, and other job duties on a daily basis.
Program Assistant
RCUH/University of Hawaii/Center on Disability Studies
Honolulu, HI
10.2012 - 03.2013
- Point of contact for Participants of the DOL/ETA funded Program. Assist Program Manager and Program Team in the Job Placement Assistance for Participants of the Project. Initiate relationships with employers, community partners, and local agencies for assistance for the Participants. Provide to Participants training and counsel on employment applications, interview skills, and basic computer skills. Liaison between UHM CDS and KCC for student information and program resources.
Owner/Operator
Prima Donna Productions
Honolulu, HI
10.2005 - 03.2010
- Brought ideas to life, by listening and understanding a client’s needs and wants, fulfilled them by planning and coordination. Assisted guests with hotel room accommodations and amenities. Contracting with various vendors, maintaining progress status, and adhering to timelines. Attending to unexpected challenges and emergencies. Seeing to every detail of the event.
Catering Secretary
Halekulani Resort & Spa
Honolulu, HI
08.1995 - 09.2005
- Provided guests with excellent customer service, gave hotel site inspections to clients, and attended to guest concerns. Assisted managers with their clerical needs and scheduling their appointments, provided computer support for the department, and maintained communication with the other departments in the hotel.
Education
Associate Degree - Liberal Arts
Kapi‘olani Community College
Honolulu, HI01.1993
Associate Degree - Hotel Operations
Kapi‘olani Community College
Honolulu, HI01.1989
Skills
- Microsoft Office Suite
- Event planning and coordination
- Budget management
- Vendor negotiation
- Client relations
- Logistics management
- On-site event management
- Sales forecasting
- Team leadership
- Customer service excellence
- Conflict resolution strategies
- Attention to detail
- Entertainment booking and coordination
- Brand development
- Post-event evaluation
- Audio-visual coordination
- Catering management
- Guest relations management
- Problem-solving skills
- Administrative recordkeeping
- Large-scale event execution
- Multitasking abilities
Timeline
Special Events Manager
Morimoto Asia Waikiki Momosan Waikiki
09.2024 - Current
Catering Sales Manager
Waialae Country Club
01.2017 - 07.2024
Development Coordinator
The Salvation Army – Divisional Headquarters
09.2014 - 01.2016
Group Coordinator, ADHOC
Roberts Hawaii
10.2013 - 09.2014
Program Assistant
RCUH/University of Hawaii/Center on Disability Studies
10.2012 - 03.2013
Owner/Operator
Prima Donna Productions
10.2005 - 03.2010
Catering Secretary
Halekulani Resort & Spa
08.1995 - 09.2005
Associate Degree - Liberal Arts
Kapi‘olani Community College
Associate Degree - Hotel Operations
Kapi‘olani Community College
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