Laura Welk Thom
Plato,MN
Summary
Army Veteran with leadership experience in planning events, hospitality, and team management. Proven track record in high-stakes environments, ensuring efficiency, guest satisfaction, and solving problems proactively. Seeking Senior Event Manager role to utilize event planning, staff training, and partner engagement skills.
Overview
4
4
years of professional experience
1
1
Certificate
Work History
Event Service Executive
Mystic Lake Casino and Hotel
Prior Lake
04.2022 - Current
- Orchestrate the prominent NCAI Mid-Year 2023, a 5-day conference driving an extra $600k in revenue through meticulous event planning and execution, catering to over 800 delegates from the National Congress of American Indians
- Efficiently collaborate with multiple hotel departments, ensuring every event consistently surpasses contracted minimums, highlighting exceptional cross-functional team coordination and resource allocation
- Utilize targeted upselling strategies, enhancing each event's revenue by an average of $13k, while promoting one-of-a-kind experiences and garnering positive client feedback
- Actively serve as the primary liaison for event clients, showcasing unparalleled communication and interpersonal skills, and establishing robust relationships with a portfolio of over 33 recurring clients
- Integrate cutting-edge computer tools and software in event management, optimizing organizational workflow, and guaranteeing timely access to vital information for a team of 85+ members
- Consistently surpassed my contracted revenue goals by an average of 30% annually, demonstrating my dedication to achieving exceptional results and driving growth
- Successfully coordinated and managed vendor conventions and trade shows featuring over 100 vendors, including organizations with vehicles, large equipment, and food services
- Responsible for the development of best practices to enhance team productivity and improve overall event service delivery.
Banquet Operations Manager
Minnekahda Country Club
Edina
08.2021 - 03.2022
- Authored the definitive Minnetonka Banquet Policies and Procedures Handbook; established consistent event standards, resulting in a 25%+ reduction in operational discrepancies and boosting event efficiency
- Scheduled a team of 50+ staff members, ensuring optimal staffing for diverse events from weddings to golf tournaments, while guaranteeing that 95% of full-time employees consistently met their designated hours
- Effectively managed the recruitment and release of 15+ employees within an 8-month span in alignment with the club's business goals, and consistently oversaw post-event responsibilities.
Restaurant Manager
Benihana
Golden Valley
02.2020 - 03.2021
- Balanced inventory management with financial acumen, strategically ordering products to mitigate wastage and bolster operational efficiency
- Skillfully resolved guest concerns, leveraging exceptional communication and interpersonal talents to ensure every guest felt valued, fostering a reputation of reliability and trustworthiness.
Banquet Manager
Wayzata Country Club
Wayzata
02.2020 - 03.2021
- Spearheaded the comprehensive overhaul of the banquet manual, streamlining operations and enhancing Wayzata's event execution standards
- Leveraged periods of downtime to strategically prepare the team, provide comprehensive staff training, and implement targeted cleanliness initiatives, ensuring optimal efficiency, performance, and customer satisfaction
- Navigated intricate event orders with precision, guaranteeing impeccable alignment of room setups, staff coordination, and food and beverage provisions.
Education
Associate of Arts - Liberal Education
Normandale Community College
Skills
- Cvent
- Opera
- Fortees
- Aloha
- Micros
- Toast
- Microsoft Office Suite
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Excel
- Mobile App Skills
- Microsoft Outlook
- Business Partner Engagement
- New Skill
- Staff Training and Leadership
- Compliance and Safety Protocols
- Problem-Solving
- Inventory and Resource Management
- Team Collaboration and Guidance
- Strategic Operational Streamlining
- Conference Organization
- Event Technology
- Communication
- Event Planning
- Planning Events
- Meeting Management
- Manage Projects
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- On-Site Support
- Roadmap Development
- Budget Management
- Confident
- Deadline Driven
- Flexibility
- Highly Organized
- Make Decisions
- Manage Relationships
- Meet Deadlines
- Potential
- Strategic Planning
- Verbal and Written Communication
- Demonstrated Ability
Certification
- ServeSafe Alcohol & Food Certified, [Issuer]
- CPR and First Aid Certified, [Issuer]
Timeline
Event Service Executive
Mystic Lake Casino and Hotel
04.2022 - Current
Banquet Operations Manager
Minnekahda Country Club
08.2021 - 03.2022
Restaurant Manager
Benihana
02.2020 - 03.2021
Banquet Manager
Wayzata Country Club
02.2020 - 03.2021
Associate of Arts - Liberal Education
Normandale Community College
- ServeSafe Alcohol & Food Certified, [Issuer]
- CPR and First Aid Certified, [Issuer]
References Available
Available Upon Request
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