Sarah MCCOY
Houston,Texas
Summary
I am driven, efficient, and love planning, designing, and making events come to life. My passion is to work with a team of like-minded individuals and to raise the bar of success with every event.
Client-focused Event Planner focused on translating visions into one-of-a-kind events. Expert in all facets of event planning with success in controlling costs through strategic negotiations with vendors, suppliers, and venues. Committed to going the extra mile to make clients' wishes come true.
Reliable Bar Manager with an independent approach to handling high-volume customer loads. Well-versed in assisting wait staff with drinks and food orders. Excellent relationship-builder and multitasker, always ready to support the team needs.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
Work History
Director of Events, Promotions & Marketing
South Beach Houston and JR's Bar & Grill
Houston, TX
02.2015 - Current
- Met with sponsors and organized committees to plan scope and format of events, establish and monitor budgets, or review administrative procedures and event progress
- Coordinated services for events, such as accommodation and transportation for participants, facilities, catering, signage, displays, special needs requirements, printing and event security
- Conferred with staff at chosen event site to coordinate details
- Monitored event activities to ensure compliance with applicable regulations and laws, satisfaction of participants and resolution of any problems that arise
- Read trade publications, attended seminars and consulted with other meeting professionals to keep abreast of meeting management standards and trends
- Evaluated and selected providers of services according to customer requirements
- Hired, train and supervised 50+ volunteers and support staff required for events
- Determined how future events could be improved
- Mentored junior staff members in best practices for modern marketing techniques, fostering a culture of continuous learning within the organization.
- Streamlined internal processes for greater efficiency within the marketing department, allowing for increased focus on strategic initiatives.
- Devised marketing plans using digital strategies, print advertising, and word of mouth tactics.
- Conducted market research to inform product development and positioning strategies.
- Cultivated strong relationships with industry influencers and media outlets, securing positive coverage and maximizing brand exposure.
- Developed and presented marketing plans and reports to the CEO and shareholders.
- Built strong relationships with industry professionals and influencers.
- Wrote and distributed press releases to increase brand visibility.
- Generated sponsorships with related and partnering entities to enhance marketing objectives.
- Continually maintained and improved the company's reputation and positive image in markets served.
- Consistently met and exceeded revenue goals by identifying new business opportunities and expanding the company's client base.
- Deftly navigated unforeseen challenges or obstacles during live events while maintaining a calm demeanor under pressure.
Event Manager
Pride Houston
06.2022 - 06.2023
- Streamlined event planning processes by implementing efficient project management strategies.
- Implemented innovative event themes and designs to create memorable experiences for attendees.
- Utilized job-related software to create standard guidelines, calendars and budgets for each event.
- Conducted post-event evaluations to identify areas for improvement and implement necessary changes in future planning efforts.
- Managed administrative logistics of events planning, event booking, and event promotions.
- Coordinated numerous florists, photographers, and musicians for events.
- Utilized feedback from attendees to refine and improve event offerings, solidifying organization's reputation for excellence in event management.
- Collaborated closely with clients throughout the planning process to ensure their vision was accurately reflected in the final event layout.
- Increased client satisfaction by consistently delivering well-executed events within budget constraints.
- Developed and executed risk management plans to anticipate and mitigate potential issues, ensuring seamless event progression.
- Mobilized 100+ volunteers effectively, ensuring smooth operation and positive experiences for both attendees and contributors.
- Managed event logistics from conception to completion, ensuring every detail contributed to event's success.
- Ensured smooth transitions between program elements at live events through effective stage management techniques.
- Boosted audience satisfaction with meticulous attention to detail in event programming and speaker selection.
- Enhanced vendor performance through rigorous selection and evaluation processes, ensuring alignment with event goals.
- Led cross-functional teams to streamline event planning processes, enhancing efficiency and productivity.
- 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.
- Coordinated with vendors to secure high-quality services, ensuring memorable event experiences.
- Fostered strong relationships with sponsors, elevating caliber and financial support of events.
- Implemented sustainable practices in event planning and execution, reducing environmental impact and promoting social responsibility.
- Oversaw logistics for multi-day events, including accommodations, transportation, and scheduling.
- Utilized social media platforms to engage potential attendees and promote upcoming events effectively.
- Developed detailed event reports, documenting all aspects of each event.
- Implemented protocols and procedures to effectively manage planning process.
- Utilized social media to promote events and increase attendance.
- Implemented contingency plans to address last-minute changes or unforeseen events.
- Trained and supervised event staff to complete tasks on time.
- Supported senior leadership by developing status reports on activities related to planning, scheduling, cancellation, inquiries, resourcing, risk mitigation, and proposal development for various events.
- Researched and identified new vendors and suppliers to obtain competitive pricing.
- Produced concept plans for high-profile corporate meetings and events.
- Coordinated transportation and parking arrangements for guests and vendors.
Event Coordinator
Rich's Houston
11.2011 - 01.2015
- Coordinated services for events, such as accommodation and transportation for participants, facilities, catering, signage, displays, special needs requirements, printing and event security
- Met with sponsors and organized committees to plan scope and format of events, establish and monitor budgets, or review administrative procedures and event progress
- Monitored event activities to ensure compliance with applicable regulations and laws, satisfaction of participants and resolution of any problems that arise
- Established positive relationships with clients, ensuring their needs were met throughout the event planning process.
- Coordinated schedules and timelines for events.
- Increased brand visibility through strategic placement of promotional materials at high-profile events.
- Handled crisis management situations promptly, minimizing negative impact on event outcomes and client satisfaction.
- Elevated client satisfaction, tailoring event themes and activities to match their vision and objectives.
- Coordinated with security services to ensure safety of attendees, addressing potential risks and compliance issues.
- Evaluated existing plans, processes and events planning services to identify opportunities for improvement.
- Monitored and controlled event expenditures to meet budgets.
- Researched and identified new vendors and suppliers to obtain competitive pricing.
- Utilized social media to promote events and increase attendance.
- Developed creative themes for events and created related activities to engage attendees.
- Managed administrative logistics of events planning, event booking, and event promotions.
- Achieved notable cost savings by establishing strong relationships with suppliers and negotiating favorable terms.
- Fostered positive work environment, mentoring junior coordinators and facilitating their professional growth.
- Enhanced brand recognition, executing promotional events that aligned with corporate marketing strategies and goals. Sometimes 10+ brands per an event.
Education
Completed Coursework Towards Certification - Business Administration
Houston Community College
Houston, tx03.1996
Skills
- Staff Leadership
- Event Sales
- Vendor Coordination
- Special Event Planning
- Vendor Negotiations
- Catering Oversight
- Audiovisual Equipment
- Events Requirements Gathering
- Catering Coordination
- Food Service Regulations
- Signage and Display Preparation
- Event Preparation
- Venue Accommodations
- Client Requirements
- Time management
- Health and safety
- Cash handling
- Supervisory experience
- Decision-making
- Safety awareness
- Customer service
- Problem-solving
- Customer relationship building
- Team leadership
- Menu development
- Verbal and written communication
- Inventory control
- Restaurant management
- Service-oriented mindset
- Vendor negotiation
- POS system proficiency
- Training and mentoring
- Staff training
- Cost control
- Equipment maintenance
- Staff scheduling
- Issue resolution
Accomplishments
- Collaborated with a team of 50+ in the development of Pride Houston.
- Supervised team of 100+ staff members.
- Resolved product issue through consumer testing.
- Used Microsoft Excel to develop inventory tracking spreadsheets.
- Documented and resolved loss of product, which led to an increase in profits & gave staff a boost in responsibility, making them stronger as a team.
- Improved team productivity with morale-boosting incentives.
- Streamlined bar, resulting in efficiency and consistency.
Out Smart Magazine WINNER 10 years for favorite Female Bartender
I was honored to be voted by the readers and the GLBTQ+ Community 10 years in a row for Favorite Female Bartender.
I was a Professional Bartender for 12 years. I have competed in National competitions and am the 2017 Behind the Barrel for Wild Turkey Participant. Along with People's Choice Award for the Grey Goose Moscow Mule Award. I have always planned events when I was not behind the bar. I have experience in small to extremely large festival and trade show-type events.
I have 25+ years of experience working in the service industry. From stepping in to help wash dishes & glassware to organizing 100+ employees for one of Houston's largest festivals. I have food handling experience and restaurant knowledge, as I have run a bar that had a menu for food and a full bar.
Languages
Arabic
Elementary
Timeline
Event Manager
Pride Houston
06.2022 - 06.2023
Director of Events, Promotions & Marketing
South Beach Houston and JR's Bar & Grill
02.2015 - Current
Event Coordinator
Rich's Houston
11.2011 - 01.2015
Completed Coursework Towards Certification - Business Administration
Houston Community College