Jennifer Edwards
Phoenix
Summary
An adaptable, innovative individual who has an excellent sense of teamwork to get results by instilling commitment, trust, fairness and loyalty. Motivated, experienced, delivering small to large-scale events on-time. Talented at identifying potential problems, promptly mitigating obstacles and actively resolving conflicts to ensure client satisfaction and positive attendee experience. Background managing occasions from small, private affairs to extremely large corporate conferences.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
Work History
Event Manager
Heidi's Events & Catering
Tempe
09.2025 - 01.2026
- Enhanced attendee experiences through creative event design concepts.
- Managed on-site event operations and coordinated staff assignments.
- Resolved any issues that arose during the course of an event in a timely manner.
- Served as primary contact person responsible for responding to inquiries about events.
- Maintained relationships with existing partners while cultivating new ones.
- Facilitated smooth on-site operations, resolving unforeseen issues promptly to avoid disruptions.
- Managed safe and smooth food delivery at banquets, conferences and social events.
Assistant Banquet Manager
Cater Phoenix Modern Catering
Scottsdale
06.2023 - 09.2025
- Assisted in planning and coordinating banquet events for diverse clientele.
- Managed setup and breakdown of event spaces according to client specifications.
- Collaborated with kitchen staff to ensure timely food service during events.
- Oversaw inventory management for banquet supplies and equipment.
- Trained new staff on service standards and event procedures.
- Communicated with vendors to secure necessary items for events.
- Monitored guest needs during events and provided prompt assistance.
- Implemented health and safety protocols within banquet operations.
- Reviewed banquet event orders to determine room layouts and schedule staff.
- Organized and laid out buffet equipment, food displays, and other items.
- Coordinated with employees to arrange tables, chairs and other equipment needed for functions.
- Orchestrated breakdown of rooms and cleanup to return event spaces to original order.
- Attended and monitored events to direct staff, proactively address issues and solve problems or concerns.
- Supervised food preparation, delivery, and quality to ensure satisfaction.
- Mentored and coached team of banquet setters and other event personnel.
- Developed effective relationships with customers by providing excellent customer service.
- Maintained a professional atmosphere throughout each event.
- Supervised setup and breakdown of tables, chairs, linens, glassware, china, audio-visual equipment and other items needed for each event.
- Worked closely with chefs and kitchen staff in order to guarantee timely delivery of meals at events.
- Ensured all banquet staff adhered to uniform and grooming standards.
Event Specialist
BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse
Phoenix
11.2021 - 06.2023
- Contributed innovative ideas and solutions to enhance team performance and outcomes.
- Worked successfully with diverse group of coworkers to accomplish goals and address issues related to our products and services.
- Promoted high customer satisfaction by resolving problems with knowledgeable and friendly service.
- Prioritized and organized tasks to efficiently accomplish service goals.
- Approached customers and engaged in conversation through use of effective interpersonal and people skills.
- Assisted in setup and breakdown of event spaces, maintaining organization throughout.
- Communicated with vendors to confirm arrangements and address any issues promptly.
- Provided on-site support during events, facilitating smooth operations for guests and staff.
- Collaborated with team members to brainstorm innovative event ideas and themes.
- Maintained inventory of event supplies, ensuring readiness for upcoming activities.
- Organized event materials such as signage, decorations, catering supplies, and audio-visual equipment.
- Created detailed timelines and checklists to ensure smooth operation of events.
- Provided customer service assistance before, during, and after events.
- Set up and tore down equipment for large scale events, conferences and graduations.
Event Captain
The Boat House At Confluence Park
Columbus
06.2017 - 03.2020
- Highly efficient and detail-oriented Banquet Captain with experience supervising banquet staff and delivering exceptional service at small to large-scale events.
- Demonstrated leadership by setting examples and fostering collaboration between kitchen and management teams.
- Coordinated large teams to maintain high-quality service during events.
- Ensured perfect execution of room setup, food presentation, and service timing by reviewing and implementing Banquet Event Orders (BEOs) for each shift.
- Served as main on-site liaison for clients, efficiently handling requests and issues to guarantee a positive event experience.
- Managed inventory and equipment during events, overseeing proper handling and storage during setup and break down procedures.
- Trained and mentored junior staff on proper service etiquette, banquet procedures, and adherence to all health and safety regulations.
- Coordinated logistics for various corporate and social events.
- Developed event timelines and managed schedules effectively.
- Collaborated with vendors to secure services and supplies.
- Managed on-site event operations and coordinated staff assignments.
- Implemented budget tracking processes to ensure financial efficiency.
- Led pre-event meetings to align team objectives and responsibilities.
- Enhanced attendee experiences through creative event design concepts.
- Evaluated event feedback to improve future planning efforts.
- Provided support to attendees before, during, and after the event as needed.
- Resolved any issues that arose during the course of an event in a timely manner.
- Served as primary contact person responsible for responding to inquiries about events.
- Organized venues, budgets, guest lists, catering, and event timelines.
- Oversaw all aspects of event production from conception through completion.
- Managed on-site logistics during events, such as registration set-up, audio and visual equipment setup and breakdown.
- Maintained relationships with existing partners while cultivating new ones.
- Coordinated with vendors to ensure timely delivery of materials for events.
- Attended and participated in industry events.
- Reserved space, equipment and personnel needed to facilitate events.
- Organized transportation schedules for staff members working at the event.
- Researched potential locations for upcoming events.
Executive Assistant
OhioHealth
Columbus
06.2015 - 08.2017
- Reliable, detail-oriented professional with over 18 years experience in corporate administration and retail management.
- Possess strong analytical and problem solving skills, with the ability to handle highly confidential situations.
- An adaptable, innovative individual who has an excellent sense of teamwork to get results by instilling commitment, trust, fairness and loyalty.
- Provided executive level support to Chief Information Security Officer and System VP of IT Integration, Technology.
- Prepared reports, presentations, meeting minutes.
- Screened calls, email.
- Managed budgets and other financial matters.
- Coordinated projects, involving all levels of internal management and staff.
- Travel arrangements including airline, hotel, rental car, business meals.
- Managed Executive's calendar and meetings.
- Conducted internet research.
District Administrative Assistant
Best Buy Co., Inc
Columbus
01.2004 - 05.2015
- Provided executive-level administrative support to the District Manager and District Staff with demonstrated ability to improve procedures and meet demanding deadlines.
- Served as a primary point of contact for District Managers between personnel, customers and vendors.
- Provided administrative support to District Manager, District Support Staff, and General Managers responsible for 14 stores and $580 Million in annual revenue.
- Served as the liaison between District Staff, store personnel and customers.
- Event Planner for trainings, vendor visits, department meetings, and annual meetings with over 1000 participants to include: negotiating contracts for meeting locations, hotel rooms, and ground transportation within budget.
- Proficient in all applicable software products needed to produce quality reports and presentations (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).
- Researched and compiled data for daily, weekly and monthly district reports.
- Have clear understanding of key business metrics (Revenue, Margin, Comps, SG&A).
- Scheduled and coordinated meetings for District Managers and Staff.
- Made travel arrangements for staff members to include air, hotel & ground transportation.
- Processed payroll.
- Performed Outlook Calendar management for District Staff.
- Reconciled purchasing card charges for District Staff.
- Coordinated office budget and expense controls.
- Provided customer service for internal employees and external customers.
- Provided Human Resources support, including: requisition posting, candidate screening, scheduling interviews.
- Maintained confidential files and prepared sensitive documents.
- Handled all incoming calls directing them to appropriate persons as necessary.
- Exercised independent judgment, decision-making abilities and high level of confidentiality.
- Utilized the Connected World towards job responsibilities by finding innovative uses of technology to improve work process and team's productivity.
Operations Admin
Best Buy Co., Inc
01.2000 - 01.2004
- Shared in the leadership of Best Buy stores, focusing on profitability through creating and sustaining positive customer and employee experiences.
- Recruited, hired, processed and trained new associates to drive exceptional business results.
- Ensured employee development and performance improvement through effective coaching and follow up.
- Trained cashiers and customer service representatives.
- Created a fun, personable and results-driven work environment.
- Created Store Schedules.
- Resolved customer issues and complaints to customer satisfaction.
- Ensured effective assistance to customers from employees and addressed substandard services.
- Recruited, interviewed, and hired qualified applicants.
- Developed and maintained employee paperwork filing system.
Education
Bachelor of Business Administration - Business Administration and Management, General
Jacobs Career College
Miami, FL01.2008
Skills
- Excel spreadsheet management
- Calendar organization
- Payroll processing
- Slide deck creation
- Experienced with Microsoft Office
- SharePoint collaboration tools
- Adobe software proficiency
- Oracle Financial management
- Microsoft Lync proficiency
- WebEx session management
- Unicru
- Taleo system expertise
- Experience with Kenexa
- TLC payroll management
- Experience with Carlson Wagonlit
- Proficient in Concur travel platforms
- Conflict resolution
- Attention to detail
- Effective communication
- Problem solving
- Team leadership
- Creativity
- Transportation and logistics planning
- Catering coordination
- Continuous improvement
- Deadline management
Timeline
Event Manager
Heidi's Events & Catering
09.2025 - 01.2026
Assistant Banquet Manager
Cater Phoenix Modern Catering
06.2023 - 09.2025
Event Specialist
BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse
11.2021 - 06.2023
Event Captain
The Boat House At Confluence Park
06.2017 - 03.2020
Executive Assistant
OhioHealth
06.2015 - 08.2017
District Administrative Assistant
Best Buy Co., Inc
01.2004 - 05.2015
Operations Admin
Best Buy Co., Inc
01.2000 - 01.2004
Bachelor of Business Administration - Business Administration and Management, General
Jacobs Career College