Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic

Wendy Estes

Palmyra,VA

Summary

Qualified Event Manager with a strong background in event management. Successfully coordinated numerous high-profile events, ensuring seamless execution and client satisfaction.

Skilled in event planning, vendor coordination, and budget management. Strong focus on team collaboration and achieving results, adaptable to changing needs. Reliable and resourceful, bringing creativity and organization to every project.

Overview

14
14
years of professional experience

Work History

Event Manager

Dover Hall Experiences
10.2022 - Current
  • Managed administrative logistics of events planning, event booking, and event promotions.
  • Streamlined event planning processes by implementing efficient project management strategies.
  • Recruited trained, and managed team members to assist with event operations and logistics.
  • Oversaw logistics for multi-day events, including accommodations, transportation, and scheduling.
  • Collaborated closely with clients throughout the planning process to ensure their vision was accurately reflected in the final event layout.
  • Conducted post-event evaluations to identify areas for improvement and implement necessary changes in future planning efforts.
  • Utilized job-related software to create standard guidelines, calendars and budgets for each event.
  • Developed training programs for event staff, elevating level of professionalism and service delivery at events.
  • Coordinated with vendors to secure high-quality services, ensuring memorable event experiences.
  • Managed event logistics from conception to completion, ensuring every detail contributed to event's success.
  • Cultivated culture of innovation within event team, leading to creation of award-winning event concepts.
  • Enhanced vendor performance through rigorous selection and evaluation processes, ensuring alignment with event goals.
  • Trained and supervised event staff to complete tasks on time.
  • Created detailed timelines for events to meet all deadlines.
  • Evaluated existing plans, processes and events planning services to identify opportunities for improvement.
  • Produced concept plans for high-profile corporate meetings and events.
  • Implemented contingency plans to address last-minute changes or unforeseen events.
  • Coordinated transportation and parking arrangements for guests and vendors.

Wedding Planner

Estes Events
03.2021 - Current
    • Communicated with clients across event planning and execution to deliver exceptional customer satisfaction.
    • Resolved day-of issues with creative problem-solving to seamlessly execute events.
    • Partnered with bride and groom to plan weddings and receptions with up to 200 attendees.
    • Liaised with vendors, negotiated contracts, coordinated payments and supervised event activities.
    • Complied with insurance, legal, venue and health and safety obligations.
    • Coordinated event catering, signage, displays, security and transportation for participants.
    • Organized venues, budgets, guest lists, catering and event timelines.
    • Designed contracts, collected fees and booked venues for events.
    • Assessed events planning services and related costs.
    • Prioritized and organized tasks to efficiently accomplish service goals.
    • Worked successfully with diverse group of coworkers to accomplish goals and address issues related to our products and services.

Owner/Operator

All Star Botanicals
10.2015 - Current
    • Oversaw project execution, phase progress, workmanship and team performance to drive on-time completion of deliverables.
    • Negotiated with vendors to gain optimal pricing on products resulting in substantial increase in profit margin.
    • Analyzed client business needs and assisted in determining appropriate resources and strategies.
    • Developed and implemented successful sales strategies to meet business goals.
    • Enhanced operational performance by developing effective business strategies, systems and procedures.
    • Led startup and creation of operational procedures and workflow planning.
    • Set pricing structures according to market analytics and emerging trends.
    • Devised business and marketing plans and prepared monthly financial reports.

Food and Beverage Manager

Keswick Hall
06.2016 - 10.2017
  • Establish and enforce five star standards for dining locations
  • Oversee operations of six different food outlets
  • Manage staff, prepare work schedules and assign specific duties
  • Determine staffing requirements, interview, hire and train new employees o A weekly meeting with other departments to review in house activates
  • Establish and implement departmental policies, goals, objectives, and procedures, conferring with other departments, and staff members as necessary
  • Establish standards for personnel performance and customer service o Investigate and resolve complaints regarding food quality, service, or accommodations
  • Maintain food and equipment inventories, and keep inventory records
  • Developed and implemented budgets, met or exceeded sales targets, hired, trained and supervised 40 team members and fulfilled dining needs and desires of patrons.
  • Wrote and communicated clearly, understood internal documents and reports and interacted professionally with guests and employees.
  • Trained front-of-house staff on restaurant policies and procedures, guest service techniques and communication skills to promote positive experiences.
  • Mentored front of house personnel on company policies customer service techniques and professional communication.

Catering/Event Manager

Pippin Hill Farm & Vineyard 5022
02.2012 - 10.2015
  • Monitor event activities to ensure compliance regulations and laws, satisfaction of participants, and resolution to any problems that arise
  • Hire, train, and support staff required for events
  • Conduct post-shift evaluations to determine how future events could be improved
  • Schedule staff for all events, with a general baseline staff per guest ratio
  • Maintain equipment inventories, and keep inventory records
  • Establish standards for personnel performance and customer service
  • Review work procedures and operational problems to determine ways to improve service, performance, or safety
  • Estimate liquor, wine, and other beverage consumption to anticipate amounts to be purchased or requisitioned
  • Meet and greet with clients, answer any questions they may have pertaining to the venue
  • Give tours of the property, explain the day of process
  • Identify inefficiencies and make recommendations for process improvements
  • Recruited, mentored, coached and trained over 35 staff members
  • Continually monitored events and take appropriate action to ensure food quality and service standards were consistently met
  • Optimized profits by controlling food, beverage and labor costs on a daily basis
  • Communicated well and used strong interpersonal skills to establish positive relationships with guests and employees
  • Carefully prepare weekly payroll to keep up with projected revenue for the week
  • Counseled and disciplined staff when necessary
  • Identified inefficiencies and make recommendations for process improvements.

Education

Bachelor's - Business Administration /Ethics Law

University of Virginia
Charlottesville, VA
05.2010

Associate's - Business Management /Criminal Law

Piedmont Virginia Community College
Charlottesville, VA
05.2008

Skills

  • Restaurant Management
  • Events Management
  • Business Management
  • Event Planning
  • Catering
  • Labor Cost Analysis
  • Recruiting
  • Staff Training
  • Inquiry Response
  • Budget Planning and Administration
  • Client Relations
  • Multitasking and Prioritization
  • Clear Communication
  • Creativity and Adaptability
  • Microsoft Office
  • Employee Training
  • Team Leadership and Motivation
  • Data Analysis
  • Time Management
  • Team leadership and supervision
  • On-site execution
  • Client meetings
  • Guest management
  • Team mentorship
  • Deadline management
  • Vendor relationship management
  • Audio-visual management
  • Event staff management
  • Events logistics management

Timeline

Event Manager

Dover Hall Experiences
10.2022 - Current

Wedding Planner

Estes Events
03.2021 - Current

Food and Beverage Manager

Keswick Hall
06.2016 - 10.2017

Owner/Operator

All Star Botanicals
10.2015 - Current

Catering/Event Manager

Pippin Hill Farm & Vineyard 5022
02.2012 - 10.2015

Associate's - Business Management /Criminal Law

Piedmont Virginia Community College

Bachelor's - Business Administration /Ethics Law

University of Virginia

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