Samantha J. Newman
Chicago,IL
Summary
Dynamic Senior Project Event Manager with extensive expertise in event planning and budget management. Demonstrated success in executing high-impact events that enhance client satisfaction while achieving revenue goals. Proficient in financial reporting and client communication, with a strong ability to train staff and cultivate productive vendor relationships. Aiming to leverage skills in a challenging environment to drive impactful results and further elevate event quality.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Project Manager
First Agency, Bank of America
Chicago, Illinois
01.2024 - Current
- Execute detailed end-to-end plans for significant events hosted virtually, in-person, and through hybrid methods.
- Responsible for financial management, including budget development and management, invoice processing, timely post-event reconciliation, and final financial reporting.
- Coordinate registration, food and beverage, transportation, hotel accommodations, entertainment, gift selection, audio/visual needs, webcasts, staging, and speaker selections for all programs, with a strong focus on vendor management.
- Virtual event planning and project management, including confirming appropriate virtual platforms, creation of timelines, the invitation process, and thorough and regular communication to attendees, suppliers, and stakeholders.
- Assist with the training of new joiners, and be responsible for the coordination of multiple trainings for the entire team.
- Work with the team to ensure adherence to the client's standards of operation and policies; ensure compliance and risk guidelines are followed.
- Create and closely monitor value adds at every opportunity, and demonstrate commercial awareness.
- Share knowledge of best practices, new suppliers, services, and venues.
Project Manager
First Agency, Bank of America
Chicago, Illinois
08.2021 - 01.2024
- Full life-cycle planning and execution of multiple key events in a virtual, in-person, and hybrid capacity
- Conducted timely post-meeting reconciliation and final financial reporting.
- Responsible for sourcing, negotiating, and managing site selections, contract management for venues and suppliers.
- Managed logistics including registration, food and beverage, transportation, lodging, entertainment, and gift procurement for programs.
- Work with the team to ensure adherence to the client's standards of operation and policies; ensure compliance and risk guidelines are followed.
- Post event wrap up including final attendees, budget reconciliation, observations, suggestions for following year, event surveys, as well as client debriefs for year over year improvements.
Director of Business Development
Evention, LLC
Chicago, Illinois
09.2020 - 08.2021
- Maintained effective management across 250 customer accounts.
- Developed relationships with existing and new clients through calls, meeting, and digital sales campaigns
- Worked alongside the Evention Implementation Team to implement client-specific automated accounting for hotel finance teams.
- Strengthened collaboration between Evention's Client Success Team and clients to enhance utilization of automated accounting solutions.
Assistant Director of Catering and Events
Waldorf Astoria Chicago
Chicago, Illinois
02.2018 - 09.2020
- Sold and managed corporate banquet events for up to 300 guests generating $3 Million in annual revenue.
- Supervised five managers and provided guidance to team members during operations.
- Oversaw managerial functions while aligning efforts to boost sales.
- Delivered exceptional service to distinguished clientele such as politicians, high-level executives, celebrities, and VIPs.
- Oversaw all corporate events taking place on property and provided immaculate service to all onsite contacts and corporate groups which included: Initial site tour for potential clients, guide the purchasing journey from awareness to consideration, coordinated rooming lists, ground transportation, food and beverage details, and master account billing.
Senior Catering Manager
Waldorf Astoria Chicago
Chicago, Illinois
02.2015 - 02.2018
- $1.2M annual event revenue achieved with 7,900 square feet of meeting space
- Lead team in developing strategies to exceed revenue goals
- Prospected new clients while strengthening repeat client relationships
- Redesigned wedding package to increase average check by $25 per person
Education
Bachelors of Science - Psychology and Communications
The University of Kansas
Lawrence, Kansas05.2011
Skills
- Event planning
- Budget management
- Project management
- Financial reporting
- Training staff
- Marketing strategies
- Client communication
- Managing events start to finish
Leadership Experience
- Evention, LLC, Employee of the Month in January, 2021
- Hilton Worldwide, Circle of Excellence Award in Individual Catering for 2019 by exceeding annual sales goal by 69%
- Hilton Worldwide, Circle of Excellence Award in Individual Catering for 2017 by exceeding annual sales goal by 51%
- Hilton Worldwide, Circle of Excellence Award in Individual Catering for 2016 by exceeding annual sales goal by 59%
Timeline
Senior Project Manager
First Agency, Bank of America
01.2024 - Current
Project Manager
First Agency, Bank of America
08.2021 - 01.2024
Director of Business Development
Evention, LLC
09.2020 - 08.2021
Assistant Director of Catering and Events
Waldorf Astoria Chicago
02.2018 - 09.2020
Senior Catering Manager
Waldorf Astoria Chicago
02.2015 - 02.2018
Bachelors of Science - Psychology and Communications
The University of Kansas
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