MARIJA TILMANN
Grand Rapids,MI
Summary
Proven leader providing strategic guidance and direction to teams, driving them towards achieving organizational goals. Utilizing extensive experience in customer service, sales, and event management to cultivate strong relationships and ensure top-notch service delivery. Energetic and proactive professional with a keen eye for detail, dedicated to optimizing business operations and delivering impactful results.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
Work History
Global Project Consultant
Conference Direct
01.2023 - Current
- Provide comprehensive support to an entrepreneur in global event planning for conferences, large-scale events, and hotel bookings
- Work collaboratively with international clients across multiple time zones to effectively coordinate and manage conference and event requirements
- Collected and managed event data to inform clients about future locations options, site selection, budgeting and contract negotiations
Director of Events and Sales
The High Five GR
10.2018 - 04.2025
- Directed the launch and operations of The High Five GR to exceed 1 million in event sales
- Lead multiple internal and external teams in creating and managing the brand, marketing strategies, advertising and social media presence
- Developed, researched and implemented appropriate pricing structures and operational policies
- Hired and trained a team of event managers, coordinators, interns and event staff and developed key performance indicators
- Assisted in implementing EOS & promoted & educated team on company culture and core values
- Implemented a new event software system to maximize productivity
- Responsible for all customer experience and established a 5-star service model
- Spearheaded new community relationships and industry partnerships to maximize sales
- Developed & managed all proposals and contracts between clients and industry partners
- Responsible for all sales and budgeting including financial forecasting, financial reporting and sales initiatives
Owner/ Creative Director
City Moves Dance Studio
01.2008 - 01.2017
- Founder of City Moves Dance Studio in NYC
- Opened and operated two Manhattan locations in Tribeca and Midtown
- Hired and trained staff of 20 employees
- Created and executed multiple shows, performances and community events
- Developed a brand and implemented training and staff initiatives to ensure brand standards
- Responsible for all financial operations
Multiple Site Manager
Manhattan Play Inc. Gymboree Play and Music
01.2007 - 01.2008
- Managed the daily operations, scheduling, revenue reports, and member relations at 14 NYC locations
- Directed all marketing & sales efforts to drive membership sales
- Monitored staff performance and implemented coaching when metrics determined
Guest Service Manager
HMS Host
01.2005 - 01.2007
- Lead customer service training in over 40 F & B & retail venues including multiple new store openings
- Served as the expert and go to for multiple brand service standards and training modules to improve guest service and experience throughout multiple outlets
- Responsible for correspondence of all guests concerns and complaints branch wide
- Managed the national & company wide airport customer service scores/reports and implemented specific brand education as needed
- Marketed and executed corporate promotions and companywide events
- Responsible for ensuring each franchise brand met their respective brand standards
- Managed leadership within each unit to ensure brand standards
Catering and Restaurant Manager
Target Center, Suite Life Catering, Bayside Grille
01.2001 - 01.2005
- Supervised the catering event department at the Target Center, executive suite level, with over fifty staff members
- Managed a high-volume seasonal restaurant and bar with annual revenues of $1.5 million
- Developed training materials for the restaurant and suite level operations
- Responsible for guest relations with corporate clientele and VIP status celebrities
- Managed hiring, training, and developed manuals and procedures for restaurant and executive suites
- Produced and reviewed daily and weekly sales reports, labor expense reports and inventory management documents
- Oversaw marketing promotions and nightly entertainment
Education
B.A. - Communications, Strategic Communications, PR, Advertising
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities Campus
Minneapolis, MN01.2004
Skills
- Business analysis
- Risk mitigation strategies
- Leadership skills
- Worksite safety
- Multi-tasking skills
- Team motivation
- Client communications
- Project management
- Process improvement
- Industry expertise
- Customer service
- Problem-solving
- Attention to detail
- Creative thinking
- Interpersonal communication
Timeline
Global Project Consultant
Conference Direct
01.2023 - Current
Director of Events and Sales
The High Five GR
10.2018 - 04.2025
Owner/ Creative Director
City Moves Dance Studio
01.2008 - 01.2017
Multiple Site Manager
Manhattan Play Inc. Gymboree Play and Music
01.2007 - 01.2008
Guest Service Manager
HMS Host
01.2005 - 01.2007
Catering and Restaurant Manager
Target Center, Suite Life Catering, Bayside Grille
01.2001 - 01.2005
B.A. - Communications, Strategic Communications, PR, Advertising
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities Campus
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