Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
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Sarah McDonnell

Dayton,Nevada

Summary

Accomplished Event Planning Manager at Davidson Hospitality, adept in strategic planning and relationship building. Enhanced client satisfaction by surpassing objectives, achieving a 20% increase in attendee satisfaction. Proven expertise in project management and effective communication, driving successful event execution and fostering cross-functional collaboration.

Overview

16
16
years of professional experience

Work History

Event Planning Manager

Davidson Hospitality
12.2023 - Current
  • Assisted in coordinating event logistics, including venue selection and vendor management.
  • Supported marketing efforts through social media campaigns and promotional materials for events.
  • Learned to manage attendee registration processes and maintain accurate records.
  • Collaborated with team members to develop event timelines and task lists for efficient execution.
  • Researched industry trends to propose innovative ideas for upcoming events and activities.
  • Contributed to post-event evaluations by gathering feedback from attendees and stakeholders.
  • Adapted quickly to changing priorities while maintaining focus on event objectives and goals.
  • Collaborated with cross-functional teams to align event goals and objectives, ensuring smooth execution and positive outcomes.
  • Oversaw budget management, carefully tracking expenses and making strategic adjustments as needed.
  • Led pre-event planning meetings with stakeholders to establish clear expectations and deliverables for each project phase.
  • Managed registration processes to ensure accuracy and ease of use for attendees.
  • Streamlined event processes for increased efficiency and cost savings.
  • Cultivated strong relationships with clients through exceptional communication skills and responsiveness to their needs.
  • Contributed significantly towards company growth through consistent surpassing of established objectives regarding attendee satisfaction, event income and overall ROI.
  • Enhanced client satisfaction by meticulously planning and executing high-quality events.
  • Managed administrative logistics of events planning, event booking, and event promotions.
  • Coordinated florists, photographers, and musicians for events.
  • Delivered prompt payment for event vendors, venues, staff and transportation providers.
  • Utilized job-related software to create standard guidelines, calendars and budgets for each event.+
  • Trained and supervised event staff to complete tasks on time.
  • Implemented contingency plans to address last-minute changes or unforeseen events.
  • Created detailed timelines and budgets for events to meet all deadlines.
  • Implemented protocols and procedures to effectively manage planning process.
  • Developed detailed event reports, documenting all aspects of each event.
  • Supported senior leadership by developing status reports on activities related to planning, scheduling, cancellation, inquiries, resourcing, risk mitigation, and proposal development for various events.

Store Manager / Team Lead Designer

South Florals / Blooming Gardens
12.2018 - 05.2022
  • Supervised daily operations, ensuring efficient workflow and adherence to company policies.
  • Managed inventory levels, optimizing stock placement and minimizing waste.
  • Trained new staff on store procedures, enhancing team productivity and service quality.
  • Implemented promotional strategies, increasing customer engagement and sales performance.
  • Analyzed sales data to identify trends, informing inventory decisions and merchandising strategies.
  • Resolved customer inquiries and complaints effectively, improving overall satisfaction ratings.
  • Coordinated with suppliers for timely product deliveries, maintaining consistent stock availability.
  • Monitored staff performance, providing constructive feedback to enhance individual contributions and teamwork.
  • Managed daily operations to ensure smooth functioning of the store, maintaining a clean, safe environment for customers and employees.
  • Managed inventory control, cash control, and store opening and closing procedures.
  • Managed store employees successfully in fast-paced environment through proactive communication and positive feedback.
  • Improved customer satisfaction through staff training in customer service and product knowledge.
  • Mentored new hires during their onboarding process, ensuring they were well-equipped to excel in their roles from day one.
  • Rotated merchandise and displays to feature new products and promotions.
  • Maximized sales by creating innovative visual merchandising displays and store layouts.+
  • Set effective store schedules based on forecasted customer levels, individual employee knowledge, and service requirements.
  • Supervised guests at front counter, answering questions regarding products.
  • Designed custom floral arrangements for events, ensuring alignment with client vision and preferences.
  • Led a team of designers, providing mentorship and fostering creative collaboration.
  • Developed seasonal design concepts, aligning with market trends and customer preferences.
  • Coordinated with clients to understand vision and deliver personalized floral solutions.
  • Implemented workflow improvements to increase efficiency in design processes.
  • Trained junior designers on best practices in floral arrangement techniques and customer service.3333333333
  • Optimized workflow processes in the design studio, allowing for more efficient project completion times without compromising quality standards.
  • Provided exceptional customer service, addressing inquiries promptly and resolving issues professionally.
  • Successfully expanded the company''s client base by targeting niche markets such as corporate events, luxury hotels, and high-end residential properties.
  • Created an inviting storefront environment with eye-catching displays that showcased the company''s design capabilities while enticing customers to explore further offerings inside.

Office Manager / Executive Assistant

Caribbean Inflatable Boats & Liferafts
11.2011 - 08.2018
  • Streamlined office operations to enhance efficiency and improve workflow processes.
  • Managed scheduling and coordination of meetings, ensuring optimal use of resources.
  • Developed and implemented administrative systems for improved document management.
  • Oversaw vendor relations, negotiating contracts for cost-effective services and supplies.
  • Streamlined document management processes to enhance accessibility and efficiency.
  • Developed and maintained comprehensive filing systems for sensitive information.
  • Facilitated communication between departments to support project collaboration.
  • Implemented office procedures that improved workflow and productivity.
  • Monitored inventory levels of office supplies, ensuring timely procurement as needed.
  • Answered multi-line phone system, routing calls, delivering messages to staff and greeting visitors.
  • Maintained confidentiality of sensitive information by adhering to strict privacy policies and implementing secure filing systems.
  • Delivered excellent customer service through prompt responses to client inquiries, addressing concerns effectively, and building strong relationships.
  • Ensured accurate record-keeping with diligent data entry and database management for vital company information.+++++++
  • Assisted with human resources tasks such as updating employee files or submitting time-off requests per company policy guidelines.
  • Assisted in onboarding new employees, providing training materials, and coordinating orientation schedules to ensure a smooth integration into the team.

Event Floral Designer

Forever Flowers / East End Flower Shop
01.2009 - 08.2018
  • Imparted knowledge on plants and flowers to customers.
  • Collaborated closely with customers to create unique designs for bouquets, wreaths, and gifts.
  • Quoted, generated, and processed customer orders to meet specifications and various occasions.
  • Researched latest design trends, colors, and vendor products for use in new pieces.
  • Consulted with clientele to discuss special occasion floral designs for weddings, funerals, and other events.
  • Increased repeat business by providing exceptional customer service and consistently delivering high-quality floral arrangements.
  • Offered friendly and efficient service to customers, handled challenging situations with ease.
  • Consistently met tight deadlines for large-scale orders, coordinating logistics to ensure timely delivery and installation of arrangements.
  • Maintained detailed records of client consultations, design specifications, order details, and invoicing information for seamless communication across the team.
  • Developed strong relationships with suppliers to negotiate favorable pricing on premium flowers and materials without compromising quality.
  • Collaborated with event planners to create memorable floral installations for weddings, corporate events, and special occasions.
  • Designed custom sympathy arrangements that provided comfort during difficult times while reflecting the personality of the deceased loved one.
  • Prepared potted plants and bouquets based on customer requirements.
  • Contributed ideas to improve overall shop aesthetic, optimizing workflow efficiency within studio spaces while enhancing customer experience in retail areas.
  • Revitalized store displays with seasonally appropriate arrangements showcasing current trends in color palettes and materials usage.
  • Maintained thorough knowledge of needs, characteristics, and varieties of flowers and greenery used in shop to inform arrangement decisions and provide information to customers.
  • Developed custom floral designs for weddings, significantly contributing to memorable day for numerous couples.
  • Created portfolio of designs, enabling quick visualization of options and facilitating decision-making.
  • Assisted customers in selecting flowers and accessories, tailoring orders to fit budget and occasion.
  • Participated in community events, representing shop and expanding local network and potential clientele.
  • Enhanced team skills by sharing techniques and tips, fostering collaborative and skilled work environment.
  • Increased repeat business with exceptional customer service and personalized floral recommendations.
  • Led team during peak seasons, ensuring high productivity and meeting all customer deadlines.
  • Resolved customer complaints with empathy and professionalism, maintaining positive relationships.
  • Conducted market research to stay ahead of floral trends, ensuring offerings remained appealing and contemporary.
  • Conducted floral arrangement workshops, sharing expertise and fostering community engagement.
  • Provided expert care instructions to customers, extending life of their floral purchases.
  • Drove customer satisfaction by providing recommendations for greenery and flower pairings.
  • Designed custom floral arrangements for events, ensuring alignment with client vision and preferences.

Education

Associates - Business - Customer Service

Maricopa Community Colleges, Rio Salado Community College
Tempe, AZ
01-1998

High School Diploma -

Deer Valley High
Glendale, AZ
01-1995

Skills

  • Guest management
  • Event design
  • Team leadership and supervision
  • Guest relations
  • Deadline management
  • Project management
  • Operations oversight
  • Cross-functional teams leadership
  • Catering coordination
  • Decision-making
  • Verbal and written communication
  • Complex Problem-solving
  • Relationship building
  • Strategic planning
  • Operations management
  • Sales and service-oriented
  • Creative vision-
  • Client engagement and assistance
  • Attention to detail
  • Organization
  • Multitasking Abilities
  • Analytical thinking
  • Organizational skills
  • Active listening
  • Effective communication
  • Adaptability and flexibility
  • Client relationship management

Timeline

Event Planning Manager

Davidson Hospitality
12.2023 - Current

Store Manager / Team Lead Designer

South Florals / Blooming Gardens
12.2018 - 05.2022

Office Manager / Executive Assistant

Caribbean Inflatable Boats & Liferafts
11.2011 - 08.2018

Event Floral Designer

Forever Flowers / East End Flower Shop
01.2009 - 08.2018

Associates - Business - Customer Service

Maricopa Community Colleges, Rio Salado Community College

High School Diploma -

Deer Valley High

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