Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
City
State
References
Quote
Work Preference
Languages
Interests
Timeline
Hi, I’m

Tiara Summers

Events Planner
Chicago,Illinois

Summary

With a robust background in orchestrating events, this career as an Event Coordinator and Restaurant Manager is a testament to dedication to creating memorable experiences. The art of managing events, from conceptualizing themes to overseeing smooth execution, encapsulates professional essence. A desired role will leverage the competencies in customer service and hospitality, ensuring every guest leaves with a lasting impression. Utilizing social networking, it can help expand event outreach, reinforcing the establishment as a premier venue. The collective efforts have steadily elevated guest satisfaction and operational efficiency. Highly organized and detail-oriented professional passionate about executing exceptional events that achieve established goals. Experience with planning, budgeting and coordinating wide variety of both small-scale and large-scale events. Super strong communicator and negotiator with the ability to foster relationships with key stakeholders and vendors.

Overview

12
years of professional experience

Work History

Time Out Chicago

Restaurant Floor Manager
06.2023 - Current

Job overview

  • Enhanced customer satisfaction by implementing efficient floor management strategies and maintaining a clean, inviting dining environment.
  • Assisted in revenue growth by contributing innovative ideas for menu development, promotions, and special events.
  • Evaluated employee performance regularly through observations and one-on-one meetings for continuous improvement opportunities.
  • Fostered teamwork among staff members through clear communication of goals, expectations, and responsibilities.
  • Resolved customer complaints promptly and professionally, leading to repeat business and positive reviews.
  • Streamlined daily operations for smooth service flow through effective staff scheduling, task delegation, and communication.
  • Maintained strong relationships with guests by addressing their needs in a timely and personalized manner, leading to increased loyalty and repeat business.
  • Collaborated with the kitchen staff to ensure timely delivery of high-quality meals during peak periods.
  • Contributed to marketing efforts by collaborating with the management team on promotional materials and advertising campaigns.
  • Ensured proper cash handling procedures were followed at all times, reducing discrepancies in daily sales reports.
  • Monitored labor costs closely to maximize profitability without compromising the guest experience or employee morale.
  • Carefully interviewed, selected, trained, and supervised staff.
  • Promoted positive atmosphere and went above and beyond to guarantee each customer received exceptional food and service.
  • Tracked daily sales transactions and invoices for accurate and updated financial reporting.
  • Met, greeted, and encouraged feedback from customers and used feedback to implement positive changes within restaurant.
  • Motivated staff to perform at peak efficiency and quality.
  • Coordinated with catering staff to deliver food services for special events and functions.
  • Managed staff schedules and maintained adequate coverage for all shifts.
  • Reduced inaccuracies by carefully counting cash and keeping meticulous records of transactions.
  • Developed unique events and special promotions to drive sales.
  • Improved employee retention rates by providing ongoing support, coaching, and constructive feedback to foster professional growth.
  • Assisted with over 30 events
  • Spokesperson for Time Out Market Chicago on WGN Spotlight Chicago October 2023 and June 2024

TIARA MICHELE EVENTS

Special Events Coordinator
04.2012 - Current

Job overview

  • Coordinated schedules and timelines for events.
  • Adapted quickly when faced with unexpected challenges or changes in plans, maintaining composure while finding effective solutions.
  • Facilitated smooth transitions between event segments by creating detailed schedules and providing clear communication to staff and participants.
  • Brainstormed and implemented creative event concepts and themes.
  • Coordinated with vendors to deliver exceptional catering and audiovisual services during events.
  • Managed budgets effectively, negotiating contracts to secure cost savings without compromising quality.
  • Developed post-event reports to determine effectiveness of each event.
  • Managed event logistics and operations.
  • Established positive relationships with clients, ensuring their needs were met throughout the event planning process.
  • Handled crisis management situations promptly, minimizing negative impact on event outcomes and client satisfaction.
  • Developed creative marketing materials that generated interest and boosted event attendance.
  • Employed social media platforms effectively to promote upcoming events, reaching a wider audience base.
  • Managed Events and Catering schedules utilizing appropriate systems including Reserve, Gather, Honey Book, and Triple Seat programs.
  • Designed custom event layouts that maximized available space while maintaining a visually pleasing aesthetic.
  • Provided exceptional on-site support during events, addressing any issues promptly and professionally.
  • Implemented creative solutions for venue challenges, optimizing space usage and enhancing the overall guest experience.
  • Greeted patrons and participants at events to guide guests to locations and answer questions.
  • Collaborated with vendors and suppliers to ensure seamless delivery of exceptional event services.
  • Fostered positive relationships with clients, leading to repeat business and strong customer satisfaction ratings.
  • Negotiated favorable agreements with vendors and facilities to keep costs low and fulfill contract budget requirements.
  • Facilitated clear communication between clients, team members, and stakeholders throughout the entire event planning process.
  • Managed budgets effectively, consistently meeting financial goals while delivering high-quality events.
  • Negotiated favorable contracts with vendors, securing advantageous pricing structures for clients.
  • Developed comprehensive timelines, ensuring all tasks were completed on schedule for seamless event execution.
  • Booked and executed over 100 Freelance events in cities Los Angles, Las Vegas, Tapa, Chicago, and Atlanta since 2014

Timothy O'Toole's Pub

Events Manager
12.2017 - 04.2024

Job overview

  • Collaborated with clients
  • Helped increase an understanding and appreciation of their event offerings and cater options that were available to them, potentially leading to increased bookings and revenue for the company.
  • Designed custom event layouts that maximized available space while maintaining a visually pleasing aesthetic.
  • Provided exceptional on-site support during events, addressing any issues promptly and professionally.
  • Staffed events by maintaining roster of available personnel and reliable service providers.
  • Greeted patrons and participants at events to guide guests to locations and answer questions.
  • Fostered positive relationships with clients, leading to repeat business and strong customer satisfaction ratings.
  • Negotiated favorable agreements with vendors and facilities to keep costs low and fulfill contract budget requirements.
  • Conducted post-event evaluations to identify areas of improvement and implement necessary changes.
  • Negotiated favorable contracts with vendors, securing advantageous pricing structures for clients.
  • Managed registration process efficiently, ensuring smooth check-in experiences for attendees.
  • Developed comprehensive timelines, ensuring all tasks were completed on schedule for seamless event execution.
  • Supervised staff during events and maintained efficient performance.
  • Used Gather to coordinate complete timeline for event planning and execution.
  • Attended conferences and events to stay up-to-date with industry trends and planning standards.
  • Acquired contracts and agreements to finalize negotiations and obtain approval signatures.
  • Consulted with customers to determine objectives and requirements for events.
  • Managed administrative logistics of events planning, event booking, and event promotions.
  • Managed budgets effectively, optimizing allocation of resources to maximize event impact.
  • Delivered exceptional customer service to attendees, addressing concerns promptly and professionally.
  • Ensured smooth event transition with thorough pre-event walkthrough and detailed day-of coordination efforts.
  • Booked over 120 Special Events On-Site from December 2018-December 2019

Pink Taco

Floor Manager
08.2013 - 04.2015

Job overview

  • Floor Manager at high volumed, fast-past establishments with capacities ranging from 400-600 persons.
  • Managed team of 50+ employees to maintain smooth-running operations of shop floor.
  • Improved customer satisfaction by addressing and resolving concerns promptly and efficiently.
  • Developed and implemented floor plans and layouts to maximize customer satisfaction and sales.
  • Made personal recommendations for customers by sharing product knowledge and demonstrating product.
  • Offered hands-on assistance to customers, assessing needs, and maintaining current knowledge of consumer preferences.
  • Coached employees and trained on methods for handling various aspects of sales, complicated issues, and difficult customers.
  • Performed closing procedures 5 times weekly by balancing cash drawers and reconciling credit card transactions.
  • Boosted employee morale by recognizing outstanding performances, resulting in higher productivity levels.
  • Managed daily store operations for smooth functioning and achieving sales targets.
  • Mentored team members to enhance professional development and accountability in workplace.
  • Created an inclusive workplace atmosphere that fostered teamwork among employees of diverse backgrounds.
  • Evaluated staff performance regularly to identify areas for improvement or commendation.
  • Assisted customers in locating desired products quickly and provided knowledgeable advice on selections when needed.
  • Evaluated team and employee performance in order to develop and implement effective corrective actions.
  • Completed efficient daily opening and closing processes to prepare teams and maintain optimal financial controls.
  • Developed staff scheduling plans that ensured adequate coverage during peak hours without compromising on service quality.
  • Maintained an aesthetically pleasing store layout through strategic merchandise placement and visual displays, driving customer interest in products.
  • Created employee schedules to align coverage with forecasted demands.
  • Conducted regular performance reviews for team members, setting clear expectations and providing career development guidance.
  • Maintained professional demeanor by staying calm when addressing unhappy or angry customers.
  • Maintained positive customer relations by addressing problems head-on and implementing successful corrective actions.
  • Opened and closed location and monitored shift changes to uphold successful operations strategies and maximize business success.
  • Used industry expertise, customer service skills and analytical nature to resolve customer concerns and promote loyalty.

Education

Columbia College of Chicago
Chicago, IL

Bachelor of Arts from Advertising
05.2028

University Overview

Attended: August 2007

  • Continuing education in Advertising

Skills

Offering a wide range of event planning and design services, including hand-crafting centerpieces and decor, creating custom invitations, posters, itineraries, and utilizing software like Microsoft Office, Gather, Triple Seat, Reserve Events, Adobe Software and Canva to streamline planning Additionally, assisting clients with theme development and social media marketing efforts The wide-range of skills span from creative conception to logistical execution, making myself a one-stop-shop for clients seeking comprehensive event planning and design services While always delivering 100% customer service and hospitality Having a rich background in Restaurant Management, experiences has given the abilities to have overseen teams of up to 50 staff members, handled various aspects such as cash handling, opening and closing duties, and maintaining files These experiences also include managing labor costs, troubleshooting POS issues, and providing excellent guest services by conducting tours and assisting guests with any of their requests/complications Additionally, demonstrated strong leadership by being approachable and available to support staff, ensuring everyone felt confident in their roles

  • Event Planning
  • Scheduling
  • Project Management
  • Time Management
  • Guest Relations
  • Event Setup and Breakdown
  • Crisis Management
  • Special events planning
  • Event Marketing
  • Vendor Relations
  • Social Media Marketing
  • Guest Management
  • Corporate Events Planning

City

City
Chicago

State

State
Illinois

References

References
  • Sara Mckinnon, Sara@otoolespubgroup.com
  • Jason Rauch, Jason.Rauch@timothyotooles.com
  • Martin Lopeztello, Martin@timothyotooles.com
  • Tiffany Pruitt, Tiffany.Pruitt@timeoutmarket.com
  • Ashley Siech, Ashley.Siech@timeoutmarket.com
  • Darren Hicks, Darren.Hicks@timeoutmarket.com
  • Jamie Gilmore, jgilmoreatr@gmail.com
  • Christine Rosko, Christine@bettiebomb.com

Quote

How many ideas have there been in the history of the human race that were unthinkable ten years before they appeared?
Fyodor Dostoevsky

Work Preference

Work Type

Full Time

Work Location

On-SiteRemote

Important To Me

Company CultureWork-life balanceCareer advancementPaid sick leaveHealthcare benefits401k matchPaid time off4-day work weekFlexible work hoursWork from home optionStock Options / Equity / Profit SharingPersonal development programs

Languages

English
Advanced (C1)

Interests

Creating

Arts & crafts

Music

Makeup

Movies

Family

Timeline

Restaurant Floor Manager
Time Out Chicago
06.2023 - Current
Events Manager
Timothy O'Toole's Pub
12.2017 - 04.2024
Floor Manager
Pink Taco
08.2013 - 04.2015
Special Events Coordinator
TIARA MICHELE EVENTS
04.2012 - Current
Columbia College of Chicago
Bachelor of Arts from Advertising
Tiara SummersEvents Planner