Lisa A. Wharton
Atlanta,GA
Summary
Client-focused professional with a diverse background in the hospitality industry. Experiences in event management, customer service, and office administration. Excellent communication, multi-tasking, and problem-resolution skills. Possess strong organizational and administrative skills to coordinate multiple project simultaneously. Successful in building strong relationships and achieving positive customer satisfaction. Relocating back home to Georgia, in January 2024.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
Work History
Meeting Planner
CWT
Atlanta, GA
01.2024 - Current
- Coordinated attendance and travel arrangements for attendees, speakers and ELTs, providing a seamless experience from arrival to departure.
- Streamlined registration processes for enhanced customer satisfaction and increased efficiency in attendee management.
- Oversaw on-site logistics during meetings, ensuring smooth operations and swift resolution of any issues that arose.
- Developed strong partnerships with suppliers and vendors by fostering open communication and delivering clear expectations, resulting in reliable support for events.
- Built strong relationships with clients by consistently delivering exceptional service and exceeding expectations throughout the planning process.
- Monitored and controlled event expenditures to meet budgets while maintaining high-quality events and experiences for attendees.
- Evaluated existing plans, processes and events planning services to identify opportunities for improvement.
EVENT MANAGER
Oak View Grp Onsite At Miami Beach Convention Cntr
Miami, FL
08.2023 - 01.2024
- Work directly with client to plan large-scale conventions/trade shows, galas, banquets, receptions, and meetings
- Liaison with general service contractor, vendor partners, and building operations from planning to execution
- Developed detailed event reports, documenting all aspects of each event
- Coordinate with City's zoning department to receive permits to support client's public space requests
- Ensure all building policies and procedures are followed in preparing for and implementing events
- Anticipate potential problems and address any building or safety issues immediately
- Monitor and control event expenditures to meet client's budgets.
- Ensure quality service and client expectations are met to secure repeat business
- Supervise all building operational staff during event activity
- Partner with Sales Director to conduct site tours and client visits
EVENT SCHEDULING COORDINATOR
Compass Group Onsite At Coca-Cola
Atlanta, GA
07.2021 - 08.2023
- Contribute to operation’s success by coordinating event details for corporate events
- Coordinate Audio Visual and design details for conferences, meetings, and special events
- Partner with Workplace Ambassadors to create personalized solutions to support clients’ needs
- Schedule and finalize all planning details with Audio-Visual Services team
- Ensure audio-visual equipment is set per client’s request each event day
- Record and track audio-visual repairs or equipment malfunctions that occur across campus.
CATERING DIRECTOR
Compass Group Onsite At NCR Headquater's
Atlanta, GA
01.2020 - 07.2020
- Supervised total corporate catering operations including sales, staffing, and kitchen operations
- Met with clients to outline desired goals and prepared quotes for catering costs
- Coordinated with event planners for floor and table layouts, menu items, guest numbers, and dietary restrictions
- Supervised catering staff to reinforce adherence to all organizational policies and safety regulations
- Set and enforced performance and service standards to keep consistent, high-quality environment devoted to customer satisfaction
- Hired, onboarded, trained, and scheduled permanent and temporary catering staff
- Advised clients and staff on new catering trends and products
- Solicited current and new catering events to maximize revenue
- Managed department procurement and inventory control
- Managed payment collection and payroll of employees.
ADMINISTRATIVE SUPERVISOR
Compass Grp Onsite At Georgia World Congress Cntr
Atlanta, GA
05.2016 - 01.2020
- Provided administrative support and supervisor services to banquet department directors and senior management team
- Specialized in human resources, employee scheduling, payroll, and staff performance
- Developed processes and improvements to support Banquet Department operations
- Worked closely with sales team to ensure execution of hosted services meet client’s expectations
- Distributed department-wide announcements to facilitate communication and enhance business processes
- Risk Management; managed monthly kitchen and service area inspections
- Identified areas for safety intervention
- Created work orders for equipment repairs with both onsite and outside vendors
- Worked with purchasing supervisor to order, distribute, and inventory products and equipment
- Both scheduled and attended weekly operation meetings, and pre, and post-event discussions
- Liaised between office administrator and banquet supervisor roles to support banquet team with customer demands.
SUPERVISOR
Compass Grp Onsite At Georgia World Congress Cntr
Atlanta, GA
10.2015 - 05.2016
- Managed all aspects of catering functions during trade shows, conventions, banquets, and client meetings
- Oversaw events, including set-up, food delivery, and clean-up while focusing on detail, quality, presentation, and customer service
- Handled customer complaints, resolved issues, and adjusted policies to meet changing needs
- Provided strong leadership to service teams to ensure event preparations were completed on schedule and met service standards and client expectations
- Adjusted job assignments and schedules to keep pace with dynamic business needs, factoring in processes, employee knowledge, and customer demands
- Ensured sanitation of convention halls, meeting rooms, and ballrooms within Georgia World Congress Center building policies and standards
- Charged with staffing, performance management, reviews, coaching, and mentoring
- Traveled as Task Force Manager providing managerial support to other Levy locations.
EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT
ENS Services
Atlanta, GA
07.2010 - 10.2015
- Provided high-level administrative support, including preparing reports, handling correspondence, and scheduling meetings
- Managed administrative functions including complex calendar management focusing on allocating Executive availability
- Prepared confidential documentation for client meetings
- Managed corporate travel; booked flights and lodging
- Extensive experience in meeting planning logistics, menu selection, equipment leasing, and vendor relations
- Recommended and confirmed business partners’ attendance for project meetings
- Reviewed billing statements and invoices for accuracy
- Processed travel expenses and reimbursements for Company Executives, and management team
- Screened calls and emails and initiated actions to respond or direct messages to company executive
- Worked on special assignments and projects to support the company’s business.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Business Administration
Harcum College
Bryn Mawr, paSkills
Events Budgeting and logistics management
Vendor and contract negotiations
Venue Selection
Registration management
On-site Execution
Post-event Analysis
Agenda Setting
Participant Transportation
Meeting Support
Client and Attendee Relations
Payment Approval
MS Office 365
CVENT
Timeline
Meeting Planner
CWT
01.2024 - Current
EVENT MANAGER
Oak View Grp Onsite At Miami Beach Convention Cntr
08.2023 - 01.2024
EVENT SCHEDULING COORDINATOR
Compass Group Onsite At Coca-Cola
07.2021 - 08.2023
CATERING DIRECTOR
Compass Group Onsite At NCR Headquater's
01.2020 - 07.2020
ADMINISTRATIVE SUPERVISOR
Compass Grp Onsite At Georgia World Congress Cntr
05.2016 - 01.2020
SUPERVISOR
Compass Grp Onsite At Georgia World Congress Cntr
10.2015 - 05.2016
EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT
ENS Services
07.2010 - 10.2015
Bachelor of Arts - Business Administration
Harcum College