MARIA BUTSIKARIS
New York,NY
Summary
Seasoned Planning Associate with comprehensive background in strategic planning, project management, and business process improvement. Demonstrated strengths include effective communication, problem-solving abilities, and relationship building skills. Noteworthy contributions to previous roles include successful development of operational plans which facilitated company growth and efficiency.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
Work History
Event Planning Associate
SJS Events
01.2025 - Current
- Coordinate hospitality and event logistics for luxury, multi-day events, supporting high-touch experiences for VIP clientele.
- Manage and reconcile event budgets up to $3.5M, track vendor expenses and invoices, and support contract negotiations within client parameters.
- Oversaw hotel room blocks and vendor agreements, negotiating competitive rates and perks to optimize client satisfaction for luxury and destination events.
- Developed event timelines, run-of-show schedules, vendor trackers, travel itineraries, and planning documents to ensure seamless execution for multiple concurrent clients.
- Researched, sourced, and coordinated premium vendors and hospitality offerings, enhancing guest experiences with tailored amenities, gifting elements, florals, and decor.
- Partner with vendors, venues, clients, and internal teams to coordinate ordering, deliveries, event materials, and hospitality requirements.
- Lead onsite execution including vendor load-in and strike, entertainment cueing, guest flow, hospitality details, timeline adherence, and real-time troubleshooting.
- Create mood boards, design decks, and style guides translating client preferences into cohesive floral, decor, gifting, and hospitality concepts.
Event Production Assistant
Sofia Crokos Events & Lifestyle
01.2024 - Current
- Support lead planners in the production and execution of luxury events valued at $2M+, with an emphasis on exceptional client and guest experience.
- Liaised with caterers, florists, entertainment teams, rental partners, venues, and luxury vendors to ensure detail alignment with established standards.
- Coordinate vendor logistics, load-in and strike, event setup, hospitality details, and onsite operations for complex multi-day productions.
- Assisted with month-of planning handoffs, production documentation, timelines, and real-time troubleshooting to ensure seamless event execution.
- Provided hands-on guest and client support, anticipated needs, and resolved issues discreetly in fast-paced environments to enhance overall experience.
Office Manager
George Butsikaris Realty
01.2017 - 01.2024
- Managed operations for 35+ mixed-use residential and commercial properties across New York City, overseeing budgets, contracts, vendors, and administrative workflows.
- Managed vendor relationships from sourcing to execution, acting as primary liaison among contractors, tenants, ownership, and external partners to facilitate smooth operations.
- Oversaw vendor contracts, invoices, expense tracking, and payment coordination, ensuring accuracy in financial and operational records.
- Managed multiple projects and service requests, set priorities for deadlines, and addressed urgent operational challenges.
Education
Master of Arts - Psychology
Long Island University
Brooklyn05-2023
Bachelor's in Business - Business Management
University of Hartford
Connecticut 05-2015
Skills
- Event logistics
- Vendor management
- Budget tracking
- Contract Negotiation
- Event timelines
- Onsite Event Production
- VIP Guest Services
- Guest amenities
- Event decor
- Event inventory
- Design & Mood Boards
- Canva
- Design Presentation Tools
- Event tracking tools
- Market research
- Luxury hospitality
ADDITIONAL
Fluent in Greek
Timeline
Event Planning Associate
SJS Events
01.2025 - Current
Event Production Assistant
Sofia Crokos Events & Lifestyle
01.2024 - Current
Office Manager
George Butsikaris Realty
01.2017 - 01.2024
Master of Arts - Psychology
Long Island University
Bachelor's in Business - Business Management
University of Hartford