Kimberly A. Dobbins
Calgary,AB
Summary
Passionate catering, F&B, event and hospitality professional well-known for undertaking complex projects. With an expertise in catering sales, menu creation & customization, event planning, preparation, service logistics and execution I have cultivated a number of relationships within the city, community and industry. I am a critical thinker with a strong business acumen that delivers results while also developing individuals and teams. I am results oriented, self-motivated specializing in RFPs and winning the bid. I come with extensive experience in social and corporate market with notable success in large-scale catering events. I am committed to creating memorable and meaningful experiences for all clients and guests, while driving hotel revenue and profitability. I enjoy working with a diverse and talented team of event professionals, and I am always eager to learn new skills and best practices in the hospitality and related industries.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Director of Events & Conference Services
Hotel Arts
Calgary, Alberta
10.2023 - Current
- Oversaw Catering & Conference Services department with annual budget of $6.2 Million
- Secured new business through networking, reputation and thoughtful Request for Proposals
- Negotiated a number of multi-year catering contracts
- Developed strong industry relationships with AV, Event Producers, Wedding Planners, entertainment, decor, AGLC
- Facilitate comprehensive on-site and off-site catering site visits
- Collaborated with internal and external stakeholders such as sales, marketing, operations, vendors, and clients
- Delivered innovative and customized experiences that exceed client's and event's needs
- Contributed to yearly Banquets & Catering forecast budgets and performance metrics
- Established individual sales targets for all Event Managers and Coordinator based yearly group sales budget
- Prepared reports summarizing financial information including monthly commentary and P&L statements
- Monitored budgets for catering services and implemented cost-saving measures when necessary.
- Provided leadership through coaching, mentoring, motivating and developing team members.
- Developed innovative ideas for themed events and sponsorship opportunities
- Created detailed contracts and Banquet Event Orders
- Worked with Executive and Banquet Chef to create unique culinary experiences for clients and guests
Associate Director of Events & Conference Services
Hotel Arts
Calgary
11.2021 - 10.2023
- Oversaw Catering Sales & Conference Services department with annual budget of $5.9 million
- Established highest individual catering sales in hotel's history with one year sales of $2.3 million
- Led Catering Sales & Conference Services department to record breaking monthly sales
- Facilitated all catering planning such as menu creation, catering setup, décor design, audiovisual equipment rentals.
- Created detailed contracts and Banquet Event Orders
- Coordinated with vendors to secure necessary supplies and services for successful event execution.
- Organized and managed multiple events simultaneously
- Researched potential venues for events and negotiated contracts
- Collaborated with internal teams to ensure smooth transition of information between departments.
- Provided onsite support during major events to ensure objectives are achieved.
Senior Event Services Manager
Hotel Arts
Calgary, AB
08.2020 - 11.2021
- Rebuilt catering sales and banquet service procedures while adhering to government regulations based on pandemic restrictions
- Assembled creative and innovative catering and event ideas based on post-pandemic landscape changes
- Created detailed contracts and Banquet Event Orders
- Liaised with Audio Visual sales manager to ensure all program needs are met
- Oversaw all aspects of event production from conception through completion
- Led recruitment and restructuring of banquets and catering division
- Developed relationships with vendors to facilitate quality service amongst "new normal"
- Implemented marketing and promotional strategies to maximize conference and convention attendees
Banquet Manager - Department Head
Hotel Arts
Calgary, AB
03.2015 - 06.2020
- Led banquets operations team of 50+ staff
- Trained front-of-house staff on restaurant policies and procedures, guest service techniques and communication skills to promote positive experiences.
- Delegated work to staff, setting priorities and goals.
- Developed and implemented catering policies, procedures, and standards.
- Organized staffing needs based on estimated attendance at catered events.
- Managed scheduling of employees to meet all deadlines associated with catering orders.
- Reviewed invoices from suppliers and vendors to ensure accuracy in billing.
- Monitored budgets for catering services and implemented cost-saving measures when necessary.
- Prepared reports summarizing financial information such as costs incurred per event or total revenue generated from catering services.
Assistant Banquet Manager
Hotel Arts
Calgary, AB
03.2012 - 03.2014
Outlets Manager
Charcut
Calgary
2010 - 2012
Banquets Team Leader
The Westin
Calgary, AB
2008 - 2010
Education
Event Management
Mount Royal University
Calgary, ABGeneral Business Studies
Mount Royal University
Calgary, ABISG Level 1 & Level 2
International Sommelier Guild
CalgarySkills
- Critical Thinking
- Adaptable
- Strong Communication
- Event Execution
- Menu Conception
- Creative
- Leadership
- Self-Directed
- Resiliant
- MS Office Suite
- Opera (PMS & SC)
- Outlook
Accomplishments
- Leader of the Year - Hotel Arts
- Tourism Calgary White Hat Awards Finalist - Exceptional Leader
Certification
- International Sommelier Guild Level 1 Certificate
- International Sommelier Guild Level 2 Certificate
- ProServe
Affiliations
- fitness
- travelling
- cooking
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Director of Events & Conference Services
Hotel Arts
10.2023 - Current
Associate Director of Events & Conference Services
Hotel Arts
11.2021 - 10.2023
Senior Event Services Manager
Hotel Arts
08.2020 - 11.2021
Banquet Manager - Department Head
Hotel Arts
03.2015 - 06.2020
Assistant Banquet Manager
Hotel Arts
03.2012 - 03.2014
Outlets Manager
Charcut
2010 - 2012
Banquets Team Leader
The Westin
2008 - 2010
Event Management
Mount Royal University
General Business Studies
Mount Royal University
ISG Level 1 & Level 2
International Sommelier Guild
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