Michelle Cabot
Long Island CIty,United States
Summary
Detail-oriented Director of Private Events, bringing more than 15 years of experience in the Hospitality Industry. Passionate about crafting an unforgettable experience, producing events and managing group sales in unique venues such as the basement of the iconic Studio 54 (54 Below) and Manhattan's first Whiskey Distillery since Prohibition (Great Jones Distillery). Values the Event Industry community and serves on board/committees both locally and internationally, fostering genuine connection and partnership with vendors, clients, venues and more.
Overview
1
1
Certification
15
15
years of professional experience
Work History
Events Manager
Great Jones Distillery
New York, NY
04.2023 - Current
- Established a Private Events Program at Manhattan's first and only whiskey distillery since Prohibition.
- Increased GJD Private Events and Experiences revenue by 75% over a three year period.
- Introduced and hired Events Coordinator and Event Captain positions.
- Developed workflows, standard operating procedures and established protocols for the team
- Scheduled and moderated a weekly meeting connecting back of house and front of house management to review Banquet Event Orders and logistics for upcoming events.
- Coordinated logistics for large-scale events, ensuring seamless execution and high attendee satisfaction.
- Managed vendor relationships, negotiating contracts to optimize budget and service delivery.
- Developed event themes and concepts aligned with larger brand vision, enhancing overall guest experience.
- Oversaw on-site event operations, directing staff to ensure timely setup and breakdown of venues.
Director of Private Events
54 Below
New York, NY
09.2021 - 04.2023
- Increase YOY revenue and met sales goals
- Responsible for sales and planning all aspects of corporate & special event functions
- Trained Events Team on steps of service
- Managed Events Team including Event Coordinator, Captains, Floor Managers, Servers and Bartenders
- Increases client database and builds and maintains relationships with vendors
- Meets with clients to understand event scopes of work, establish budgets and determine timelines, guest list finalization, menu selection and rehearsal, ceremonies, and receptions.
- Participates in industry events
- Works closely with clients to book entertainment for event including Broadway Performers, Jazz Entertainment, Illusionists and more
Event Coordinator
54 Below
NY , New York
08.2018 - 09.2021
- Coordinated schedules and timelines for events and managed event logistics and operations.
- Assisted Supervisor in Managing administrative logistics of events planning, including contract signing, fee collection, event booking and event promotions
- Placed all equipment and linen rental orders and worked closely with our Executive Chef to design and customize each food station and canape style to fit client's requests.
- Supervised onsite team
Bar Manager/Floor Manager
54 Below
New York, United States
10.2014 - 08.2018
- Developed drink menu with creative, seasonally appropriate cocktails, contemporary wines and local craft beer. Strategized plans to increase bar revenue through innovative promotional concepts, specialty drinks and customer-focused events.
- Kept facility compliant with health code
- Kept accurate inventories
- Started employment as server/bartender in 2014 and trained into leadership position by 2015
Bartender/Floor Manager
Pig N' Whistle On 36th
New York, United States
10.2013 - 10.2014
- Upsold daily specials and beverage promotions to exceed daily sales goals.
- Displayed leadership skills that allowed me to take on manager shifts as well as my role as bartender
- Assisted in organizing and managing private events
Server
PJW Restaurant Group
Westmont, New Jersey
11.2011 - 09.2013
- Cultivated warm relationships with regular customers.
- Worked with POS system to place orders, manage bills and handle complimentary items.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Theatre Arts
Fairleigh Dickinson University
Madison, NJ05-2011
Skills
- Client Relations
- Events logistics management
- Venue Sales
- Team Leadership
- Staff Management
- Health and food service regulations
- Salesforce, TripleSeat, Allseated, Opentable, Microsoft Office/Excel, PosiTouch, Avero, AnyRoad, Partyslate, Toast, 7Shifts
Accomplishments
- 2025 Winner Top 50 Power Players in the Events Industry
- 2025 Panel Speaker 92NY Event Planner Expo and Metropolitan Room Fireside Chat Speaker
- 2024-2025 President of ILEA NY Metro Chapter
- 2022 Tony Awards Honor for Excellence in Theatre (54 Below)
Certification
- Venue Sales Certification with Event Leadership
- Food Handlers License
- First Aid/CPR Certified
- ServSafe Covid-19 Training
Timeline
Events Manager
Great Jones Distillery
04.2023 - Current
Director of Private Events
54 Below
09.2021 - 04.2023
Event Coordinator
54 Below
08.2018 - 09.2021
Bar Manager/Floor Manager
54 Below
10.2014 - 08.2018
Bartender/Floor Manager
Pig N' Whistle On 36th
10.2013 - 10.2014
Server
PJW Restaurant Group
11.2011 - 09.2013
Bachelor of Arts - Theatre Arts
Fairleigh Dickinson University