Kathryn Smith
Minneapolis
Summary
I am a hospitality and operations professional with 6+ years of administrative and project management experience, currently leading operations and event sales for a premier wedding and event venue. I manage the full client journey, from inquiry through execution, overseeing sales, contracts, planning, and on-site logistics to deliver exceptional events. My background supporting senior leadership across multiple industries strengthened my analytical, organizational, and multitasking abilities, enabling me to thrive in fast-paced, client-focused environments.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
Work History
Director of Operations & Event Sales
Urban Daisy Events
04.2024 - Current
- Manage all client inquiries, venue tours, and revenue-driving sales processes, achieving strong booking conversions.
- Oversee contract execution, billing accuracy, and payment tracking to ensure seamless financial operations, supporting $1M in annual sales.
- Serve as the primary point of contact for all booked clients, delivering proactive, high-touch communication throughout the event lifecycle.
- Design customized event layouts and floor plans aligned with client vision and operational needs.
- Build and maintain relationships with vendors, ensuring elevated service and flawless event execution.
- Lead on-site execution of events, including room flips, timeline management, and quality control.
- Recruit, train, and supervise venue staff; develop schedules that ensure adequate coverage and exceptional service.
- Monitor and order venue inventory and supplies to support daily operations and event demands.
- Streamlined event planning processes to enhance operational efficiency and reduce turnaround times.
- Led cross-functional teams to execute high-profile events, ensuring alignment with client expectations and objectives.
Venue Manager
Urban Daisy Events
08.2022 - 03.2024
- Conducted venue tours and managed sales processes to maximize booking conversions.
- Oversaw contract administration and payment tracking to maintain accurate financial operations.
- Designed event layouts and floor plans tailored to client preferences and logistical requirements.
- Executed events on-site, managing timelines, transitions, and overall guest experience.
- Supervised venue staff, including scheduling and performance oversight to ensure smooth operations.
- Coordinated venue logistics for events, ensuring seamless operations and guest satisfaction.
- Managed vendor relationships, negotiating contracts to optimize service delivery and cost efficiency.
Director Admin
FedEx
06.2020 - 03.2024
- Managed Director’s calendar, weekly meetings, travel logistics (flights, hotels, transportation, and sales call agendas), and department documentation.
- Planned and executed large corporate meetings, including budgeting, contracts, project management, and day-of coordination.
- Audited and prepared expense reports, processed non-revenue invoicing, and maintained accurate financial records.
- Analyzed monthly BVR and Telecom reports and generated weekly E&E reports using advanced Excel to provide actionable insights.
- Led cross-functional teams, supported ad hoc administrative tasks, and managed rosters and email distribution lists to improve operational efficiency.
Manager Admin
FedEx
09.2018 - 05.2020
- Managed territory alignment for eight sales representatives and coordinated weekly team and manager calls with detailed notes and summaries.
- Audited expense reports, prepared District Manager reports, and monitored activity metrics to support sales initiatives.
- Analyzed account data, corrected structures for accuracy, and created client presentations.
- Oversaw supply management, annual budgets, and coordinated entertainment for high-value clients.
- Developed and implemented strategic plans to optimize resource allocation and workflow processes.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Finance
Winona State University
Winona, MN05-2018
Skills
- Strategic Planning
- Operations Management
- Team Leadership
- Event Sales & Planning
- Client & Vendor Relations
- Contract & Payment Tracking
- Event Execution & Space Coordination
- Calendar & Schedule Management
- Financial Reporting & Analysis
Timeline
Director of Operations & Event Sales
Urban Daisy Events
04.2024 - Current
Venue Manager
Urban Daisy Events
08.2022 - 03.2024
Director Admin
FedEx
06.2020 - 03.2024
Manager Admin
FedEx
09.2018 - 05.2020
Bachelor of Science - Finance
Winona State University