Mahogany Kirby
West Palm Beach,FL
Summary
Seasoned Event Manager with proven expertise in event execution and success in turning visions into reality. Accomplished in managing every event aspect from start to finish while supporting and continuing to reach quarterly goals and annual budgets. Possessing key talents in conflict resolution, issues mitigation and customer satisfaction assurance.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
Work History
Events Manager
USA Today Network
06.2021 - Current
- As part of the 'Community Choice Awards' team, I execute business dinners awards all across the United States
- Connect with Sales team tracking specific market sales and revenue goals
- Coordinate catering services and planned menus to compliment event theme
- Select event entertainment and venue decor
- Travel with execution team as day-of main point of contact overseeing all aspects of event details
- Supervise onsite team of 10, including caterers, audio-visual technicians, and facility management team
- Manage guests event tickets and seating arrangements per business category
- Superintend with participating vendors during both event planning and execution
- Manage administrative logistics of events planning, including contract signing, fee collection, event booking and event promotions
- Coordinate schedules and timelines for all events within my region and support other managers in their respective regions
- Analyze post-event feedback to identify areas for improvement and enhance future events' effectiveness.
- Manage budgets and negotiate contracts with venues and vendors, ensuring cost-effective event execution.
Event Manager
Palm Beach County Convention Center
02.2016 - 05.2021
- Managed and oversaw events with attendance of up to 7,000 guests
- Supervised onsite team of up to 30 people, including caterers, engineers, audio-visual technicians and setup/housekeeping team
- Liaised with marketing department in promoting events on social calendars to increase event attendance
- Enhanced client satisfaction ratings by scheduling on-site service requests, managing show logistics and booth functionality needs to meet demands
- Prepared pre-event financial estimate based on potential operating costs followed by post-event financial settlement through invoicing and collections
- Oversaw client event budgets of up to $200,000
- Evaluated existing plans, processes and services to identify opportunities for improvement
- Supported senior leadership by developing status reports on activities related to planning, scheduling, cancellation, inquiries, resourcing and risk mitigation
- Solicited client feedback to assess event success and uncover opportunities for improvement via post event follow up conference call or email
- Fostered relationships with local suppliers to obtain best price, quality, and delivery of products
- Revised events folder system which more clearly indicates return clients vs new clients
- Redrafted online policies and procedures form to create clearer building expectations directly communicated to outside vendors
- Created 'Contractor Guidelines' Manual
- Revised 'Building Evacuation Manual'
- Assisted in creating the 'COVID-19 Reopening Guide'; a 28-page pre-arrival informational tool for both planners and guests
- Led Employee Orientation for staff returning to work amongst 2020 global pandemic
Bartender/Service Pro/Server
Longhorn Steakhouse
08.2010 - 02.2016
- Maintained secure cash drawers of up to $2,000, promptly resolving discrepancies for accuracy
- Applied excellent organizational and multitasking abilities to handle simultaneous customer, team and business needs while avoiding unnecessary delays or errors
- Took customer orders and capitalized on opportunities to sell special beverage and food options
- Waited on up to 12 customers at bar and up to 16 customers in table area
- Collaborated with kitchen team to support order preparation, manage efficient deliveries and minimize customer service issues by verifying meals
- Educated 15 server employees on menu updates and procedural changes
Event Coordinator
Rochester Riverside Convention Center
09.2007 - 12.2009
- Coordinated schedules and timelines for events in 200,000 sq ft facility for up to 4,000 guests
- Supported senior leadership by developing status reports on activities related to planning, scheduling, cancellation, inquiries, resourcing and risk mitigation
- Organized, coordinated and deployed various events while focusing on delivering superior customer service
- Served as 'Manager On Duty' in absence of building manager
- Enhanced client satisfaction ratings by scheduling on-site service requests, managing show logistics and functionality needs to meet demands
- Streamlined event efficiencies by accurately overseeing customer itineraries
- Supervised and motivated staff of 20 employees to achieve optimum performance
News Producer
WROC TV
07.2006 - 09.2007
- Fact-checked breaking news pieces before putting information on air
- Researched pieces or assigned to various team and freelance journalists
- Fact checked more than 25 articles daily, communicated with at least 4 journalists and interviewed multiple subjects to ensure broadcast accuracy
- Posted at least 10 local news updates on company website
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Broadcasting Communications
State University College At Buffalo
Buffalo, NY08.2001
Skills
- Customer focus
- Vendor relationship management
- Deadline-driven
- Attention to detail
- Critical thinking
- Schedule management
- Quality performance
- Effective communication
- Rate negotiation
- Event billing
Affiliations
- Member, International Association of Venue Managers
Additional Information
- IAVM, Venue Management School, Graduate
Selected from a competitive pool to represent colleagues and coordinate social events for those participating in VMS, a professional conference for Venue Managers.
- Coach, IAVM Mentor Connector Program
Ensure program duo stays on timeline; resource for industry knowledge; provide support for both mentor and mentee.
July 2020
Certificate
Florida Atlantic University, Hospitality & Tourism Management Certificate
Timeline
Events Manager
USA Today Network
06.2021 - Current
Event Manager
Palm Beach County Convention Center
02.2016 - 05.2021
Bartender/Service Pro/Server
Longhorn Steakhouse
08.2010 - 02.2016
Event Coordinator
Rochester Riverside Convention Center
09.2007 - 12.2009
News Producer
WROC TV
07.2006 - 09.2007
Bachelor of Arts - Broadcasting Communications
State University College At Buffalo