Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic

Laura Kidd

Windermere,FL

Summary

Detail-oriented team player with strong organizational skills. Ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously with a high degree of accuracy. Strong interpersonal skills, excellent time management and problem-solving. Focused Project Manager adept at planning, directing and maintaining continuous operations in various departments. Applying creative and analytical approach to operations for continuous process improvement. Skilled at identifying or anticipating problems and providing solutions. Excels through mentoring, training and empowering team to excel in performance.

Overview

28
28
years of professional experience

Work History

Event Manager

Walt Disney World Parks & Resorts
05.2004 - 08.2023
  • Managed administrative logistics of event planning.
  • Liaised with clients to determine exact event requirements.
  • Successfully planned over 3000 events.
  • Generated ideas to enhance and expand current event offerings.
  • Produced detailed proposals for events to document timelines, suppliers and budgets.
  • Nurtured and built relationships with vendors, venues and industry contacts to obtain best pricing and services for events.
  • Utilized job-related software to create standard guidelines, calendars and budgets for each event.
  • Trained and supervised event staff to complete tasks on time.
  • Developed creative themes for events and created related activities to engage attendees.
  • Monitored and controlled event expenditures to meet budgets.
  • Implemented protocols and procedures to effectively manage planning process.
  • Partnered with Disney Marketing teams to showcase venues with elevated decor options to be used in Social Media platforms and sales collateral.
  • Assisted with event designs for multiple sales showcase events.
  • Events featured in Modern Bride, People Magazine, TheKnot.com, Good Morning America, etc.
  • Created and developed themed products to enhance the event story or to create an immersive environment.

Operations Manager

Walt Disney World Parks & Resorts
05.2017 - 10.2018
  • Supervised operations staff of 150 union cast members and kept employees compliant with company policies and procedures.
  • Developed systems and procedures to improve operational quality and team efficiency.
  • Managed inventory and supply chain operations to achieve timely and accurate delivery of goods and services.
  • Led hiring, onboarding and training of new hires to fulfill business requirements.
  • Followed quality standards and procedures to minimize errors and maximize customer satisfaction.

Event Services Manager

Walt Disney World Parks & Resorts
01.2000 - 05.2004
  • Managed administrative logistics of events planning. Coordinated with kitchen or catering staff on delivery, timing and service style of food.
  • Produced detailed proposals for events to document timelines, suppliers and budgets.
  • Worked closely with clients to create goals, maintain deadlines and resolve complaints or service issues.
  • Liaised with clients to determine exact event requirements.
  • Oversaw preparation and management of event budgets to deliver at or below projected costs.

Retail Guest Service Manager

Walt Disney Parks & Resorts - Lake Buena Vista, FL
09.1995 - 05.2000
  • Attended to customer needs, responding to questions, complaints and escalations.
  • Monitored staff training, scheduling and shift changes.
  • Understood and implemented safety and emergency procedures.
  • Optimized store displays and appearance via strategic merchandising.
  • Created employee schedules to align coverage with forecasted demands.
  • Managed inventory control, cash control and store opening and closing procedures.

Education

Bachelor of Science - Journalism, PR & Advertising Emphasis

University of Wisconsin - Oshkosh
Oshkosh, WI

Skills

  • Analytical
  • High Attention to Detail
  • Manage Budgets
  • Vendor Negotiations
  • Complex Problem-Solving
  • Supply Management
  • Managing Events Start to Finish
  • Service-Orientation
  • Persuasion
  • Judgment and Decision-Making
  • Project Management
  • Time Management
  • Active Listening

Timeline

Operations Manager

Walt Disney World Parks & Resorts
05.2017 - 10.2018

Event Manager

Walt Disney World Parks & Resorts
05.2004 - 08.2023

Event Services Manager

Walt Disney World Parks & Resorts
01.2000 - 05.2004

Retail Guest Service Manager

Walt Disney Parks & Resorts - Lake Buena Vista, FL
09.1995 - 05.2000

Bachelor of Science - Journalism, PR & Advertising Emphasis

University of Wisconsin - Oshkosh
Laura Kidd