Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
HOBBIES
Languages
Certification
Timeline
Generic

Patricia Kazaka

WESTRBROOK,ME

Summary

Energetic Event Manager with 16 -year successful career in planning, coordinating and executing Mining, Power and Agriculture events. Demonstrated cost-effective budgeting, exceptional time management and event marketing skills.


Results-oriented, coupled with the ability to work under pressure for years of outstanding project achievements from proposal to production and possessing key talents in conflict resolution, issues mitigation and customer satisfaction assurance.

Overview

21
21
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Event Manager - Mining Portfolio

VUKA Group
06.2022 - 12.2023
  • Streamlined event planning processes by implementing efficient project management strategies.
  • Enhanced attendee experience through careful selection of venues, stand builders, printers, media partners and catering providers.
  • Coordinated conferences and exhibitions for mining industry professionals, resulting in increased networking opportunities.
  • Managed budgets and negotiated contracts with vendors, ensuring cost-effective event execution.
  • Manage stakeholders and sponsors relationship
  • Deliver any reporting commitment to stakeholders
  • Provide guidance and train the Operations team on logistics and cost efficient practices
  • Ensure that critical event functions are informed on the milestone and key events initiative to maximise their effectiveness across the event cycle
  • Assist the marketing team with campaign cycle, translation and local media partnerships
  • Implemented innovative event themes and designs to create memorable experiences for attendees.
  • Collaborated with sponsors to secure funding and support for high-profile events.
  • Oversaw logistics for multi-day events, including accommodations, transportation, and scheduling.
  • Increased client satisfaction by consistently delivering well-executed events within budget constraints.
  • Recruited trained, and managed teams of volunteers to assist with event operations and logistics.
  • Established relationships with key stakeholders, fostering long-term partnerships for future collaborations.
  • Conducted post-event evaluations to identify areas for improvement and implement necessary changes in future planning efforts.
  • Reduced event costs by negotiating favorable terms with suppliers and vendors without compromising on quality or service levels.
  • Collaborated closely with clients throughout the planning process to ensure their vision was accurately reflected in the final event layout.
  • Maximized sponsorship opportunities through targeted outreach efforts and persuasive communication skills.
  • Nurtured and built relationships with vendors, venues and industry contacts to obtain best pricing and services for events.
  • Coordinated with sales and marketing teams to publicize and promote events.
  • Negotiated with vendors to achieve most favorable terms.
  • Maintained and built comprehensive database of industry contacts, vendors and venues.
  • Trained and supervised event staff to complete tasks on time.
  • Negotiated contracts with venues, vendors and suppliers to obtain best rates and services.
  • Supported senior leadership by developing status reports on activities related to planning, scheduling, cancellation, inquiries, resourcing, risk mitigation, and proposal development for various events.
  • Evaluated existing plans, processes and events planning services to identify opportunities for improvement.
  • Implemented contingency plans to address last-minute changes or unforeseen events.
  • Implemented protocols and procedures to effectively manage planning process.
  • Analyzed event costs to identify areas of improvement and cost savings.

Operations Manager - Natural Resources Portfolio

Spintelligent As Part Of Clarion (now VUKA Group)
01.2009 - 05.2022
  • Improved operational efficiency by streamlining processes and implementing cost-saving measures.
  • Reduced turnaround time for project completion through effective resource allocation and team management.
  • Enhanced customer satisfaction by establishing clear communication channels and addressing concerns promptly.
  • Developed strong relationships with vendors, resulting in better pricing and improved service quality.
  • Achieved higher employee retention rates by fostering a positive work environment and providing opportunities for professional growth.
  • Conducted regular performance reviews, identifying areas for improvement and developing action plans to address them.
  • Collaborated with cross-functional teams to develop innovative solutions for complex business challenges.
  • Championed safety protocols to maintain a secure working environment, reducing workplace accidents significantly.
  • Empowered employees to take ownership of their responsibilities, leading to increased accountability and improved performance outcomes.
  • Facilitated smooth collaboration between departments through clear communication channels.
  • Managed inventory and supply chain operations to achieve timely and accurate delivery of goods and services.
  • Led hiring, onboarding and training of new hires to fulfill business requirements.
  • Developed and implemented strategies to maximize customer satisfaction.
  • Increased profit by streamlining operations.
  • Negotiated contracts with vendors and suppliers to obtain best pricing and terms.
  • Trained new employees on proper protocols and customer service standards.
  • Assisted in recruiting, hiring and training of team members.
  • Handled problematic customers and clients to assist lower-level employees and maintain excellent customer service.
  • Reported issues to higher management with great detail.
  • Implemented business strategies, increasing revenue and effectively targeting new markets.
  • Program / Agenda building assistance with the program director in relation to the event theme


Operations Assistant - Tele Sales

Spintelligent
09.2007 - 12.2008
  • Streamlined operations by implementing efficient inventory management systems.
  • Enhanced team productivity by providing administrative support in scheduling and coordinating meetings.
  • Boosted order fulfillment rates by closely monitoring inventory levels and promptly addressing discrepancies.
  • Improved customer satisfaction by promptly resolving issues and answering inquiries via phone, email, and in-person interactions.
  • Maintained accurate databases of client information, enabling targeted marketing efforts that resulted in new business opportunities.
  • Volunteered to help with special projects of varying degrees of complexity.
  • Proofread and edited french documents for accuracy and grammar.

Store Support Supervisor

Kauai Juice
02.2003 - 03.2007
  • Enhanced customer satisfaction by efficiently addressing and resolving store-related issues.
  • Streamlined inventory management for improved product availability and reduced stock discrepancies.
  • Boosted employee morale by implementing team-building activities and recognizing outstanding performance.
  • Optimized store layout for better customer flow and increased sales potential.
  • Cashing up assistance with cashiers
  • Assisting and preparing the store and staff for auditing
  • Coordinated staff schedules to ensure adequate coverage during peak hours, minimizing wait times for customers.
  • Stock taking and orders placement
  • Maintained a clean, safe, and organized store environment, ensuring compliance with company guidelines and local regulations.
  • Implemented daily operating procedures to keep store clean, adequately stocked, and well-organized.
  • Volunteered for extra shifts during holidays and other busy periods to alleviate staffing shortages.

Education

Bcom (Faculty of Commerce) - Marketing Management And Research

Cape Peninsula University of Technology
Cape Town, South Africa
04.2007

Journalism

Institut Facultaire Des Sciences De L'Information
Kinshasa, Republic Democratic Of Congo
04.2003

Skills

  • Event sales
  • Catering Coordination
  • Vendor and contract negotiations
  • Team leadership and supervision
  • Promotional advertising
  • Cross-functional teams leadership
  • Staff Oversight
  • Expense Control
  • Team mentorship
  • Vendor Management
  • Crisis Management
  • Stakeholder Management
  • Project Management
  • Operations Oversight
  • Supplier Relations
  • Continuous Improvement
  • Deadline Management
  • Event Evaluation
  • Post-event Analysis
  • Payment Approval
  • Resource Allocation
  • Logistics Management

Accomplishments

  • Earned "SPINcredible" Award in 2018 and 2019.
  • Earned "Employee of the year" in 2019.
  • Planned over 4 events per year.
  • Negotiated with vendors to obtain cost-effective services, saving clients and the company an average of $58 000 in barters deals each year.
  • Supervised team of 14 staff members.
  • Collaborated with team of 9 in the development of DRC-Africa Battery Metals launch in 2023.
  • Successfully delivered DRC-Africa Battery Metals Forum in Kinshasa, DRC, in collaboration with the Ministry of Industry, the Federation of Congolese Enterprises, the Ministry of Mines and The DRC Chamber of Mines.
  • Successfully delivered DRC Oil and Gas event a in Kinshasa, DRC, in collaboration with the Ministry of Hydrocarbons.

HOBBIES

I enjoy a good home-made meal and spending time in the kitchen whenever  i am available.


A good book is therapy to my soul. A reader lives a thousand lives before he dies, oh so they say - I am alive.


I am a nature lover and passionate about the outdoors. A great runner in my early years, now i enjoy walking, running within a suitable pace while breathing fresh air.



Languages

English
Native or Bilingual
French
Native or Bilingual
Lingala
Native or Bilingual
Kikongo
Limited Working

Certification

  • [Area of certification] Training - [Timeframe]

Timeline

Event Manager - Mining Portfolio

VUKA Group
06.2022 - 12.2023

Operations Manager - Natural Resources Portfolio

Spintelligent As Part Of Clarion (now VUKA Group)
01.2009 - 05.2022

Operations Assistant - Tele Sales

Spintelligent
09.2007 - 12.2008

Store Support Supervisor

Kauai Juice
02.2003 - 03.2007

Bcom (Faculty of Commerce) - Marketing Management And Research

Cape Peninsula University of Technology

Journalism

Institut Facultaire Des Sciences De L'Information

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Patricia Kazaka