Max May
HipPOPs Handcrafted Gelato Bars
Denver,CO
10
years of professional experience
Strategic events and operations professional with 15+ years of experience leading large-scale events, revenue-generating programs, hospitality operations, and cross-functional teams. Proven success generating $2M+ in annual catering and vending sales, developing new business, managing high-profile events, and building strategic partnerships. Experienced in event strategy, business development, client relations, operations, budgeting, and team leadership.
Work History
Director of Events
1 Year 2 Months- Generated more than $1M in catering sales and $1M in vending sales through new business development, lead conversion, client relationship management, and strategic event sales.
- Lead planning and execution of events ranging from private celebrations and weddings to corporate functions and large-scale community events serving 5,000+ attendees, including events for professional Colorado sports organizations, Apple, SpaceX, Lockheed Martin, and Google.
- Drive new business by proactively engaging event inquiries, identifying client needs, developing customized proposals, and converting prospective clients into booked catering and vending events.
- Direct the end-to-end event sales and booking process through Monday.com and Square, managing customer records, proposals, contracts, invoices, schedules, and event logistics across a high-volume event portfolio.
- Oversee the POP After-School Fundraising Program, partnering with 100+ Colorado schools and generating more than $50,000 in fundraising revenue last year through a program returning 15% of sales to participating schools.
- Contributed to HipPOPs earning the Best of Mile High Gold Award for Best Food Truck, strengthening the brand's visibility and presence throughout Colorado through high-profile corporate, sporting, school, and community events.
Events Manager
1 Year 5 Months- Directed the planning and execution of 700+ catered events annually, including weddings, corporate functions, fundraisers, and private events, ensuring operational excellence from initial planning through completion.
- Served as the primary client relationship manager, translating customer objectives into customized event strategies while maintaining high levels of service and satisfaction.
- Led cross-functional event teams consisting of culinary staff, servers, bartenders, and temporary personnel to execute complex events efficiently and professionally.
- Developed comprehensive event proposals, timelines, floor plans, staffing plans, and operational schedules to ensure seamless execution and minimize day-of-event challenges.
- Partnered with culinary leadership to develop customized menus aligned with client preferences, dietary requirements, event objectives, and budget parameters.
Events & Publications Manager
1 Year 6 Months- Directed operational logistics for the organization's continuing education events, coordinating stakeholders, schedules, resources, and event requirements to ensure successful execution.
- Served as Editor of CPhT CONNECT, a monthly publication reaching more than 80,000 pharmacy professionals, overseeing content development and production.
- Managed relationships with healthcare professionals, educators, industry experts, and members to develop high-quality event and publication content.
- Produced and managed content for NPTA Insider, including industry news, videos, promotional materials, and educational articles.
- Coordinated podcast guests, magazine contributors, and industry writers while maintaining project timelines and communication across multiple stakeholders.
- Strengthened relationships with industry experts and partners, expanding the organization's content and engagement opportunities.
Events and Volunteer Manager
1 Year 6 Months- Directed volunteer operations across organizational departments, optimizing resources and creating an engaged, service-focused volunteer program.
- Planned and executed fundraising events that increased community engagement while supporting organizational revenue and mission-driven initiatives.
- Developed and implemented volunteer training programs to strengthen operational readiness, service delivery, and organizational support.
- Cultivated relationships with community partners, donors, and sponsors to secure resources and strengthen strategic event partnerships.
General Manager
2 Years 10 Months- Directed daily restaurant operations encompassing staffing, customer experience, financial performance, scheduling, inventory, and overall business operations.
- Implemented strategic marketing and customer-retention initiatives that increased brand awareness, customer engagement, and revenue.
- Developed and implemented employee training programs that improved service standards, customer satisfaction, and online reputation.
- Optimized inventory and purchasing processes to reduce waste, control costs, and maintain appropriate product levels.
- Led and developed a 60-person team, overseeing hiring, training, performance management, scheduling, and day-to-day leadership.
Event Manager
1 Year 4 Months- Directed fundraising events supporting research, advocacy, and programs serving individuals with Down syndrome and their families.
- Managed comprehensive event operations including venue selection, vendor coordination, budgets, timelines, logistics, and event-day execution.
- Cultivated relationships with sponsors, donors, and community partners to secure financial support, in-kind contributions, and strategic partnerships.
- Led and trained event staff and volunteers, ensuring operational efficiency, exceptional service, and successful attendee experiences.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Sports Management
Skills
Event Strategy & Operations
Business Development
Revenue Generation
Large-Scale Event Management
Client & Partner Relations
Project Management
Contract & Invoice Management
Team Leadership & Training
Fundraising Events
Monday.com
Google Workspace
Microsoft Office
Timeline
Director of Events
HipPOPs Handcrafted Gelato Bars
07.2025 - CurrentRead More
Events Manager
Hippie Chicks Catering
02.2024 - 07.2025Read More
Events & Publications Manager
National Pharmacy Technician Association
07.2022 - 01.2024Read More
Events and Volunteer Manager
Houston Pets Alive
01.2021 - 07.2022Read More
General Manager
Pizza Republica
02.2018 - 12.2020Read More
Event Manager
Global Down Syndrome Foundation
10.2016 - 02.2018Read More
Metropolitan State University of Denver
Bachelor of Arts from Sports Management
Read More