SAMANTHA CROSSLEY
9 Lacoste Blvd, Highlands Of Castlemore, Brampton,ON
Summary
Passionate event planner with ten successful years of working in the fast-paced wedding and event planning industry
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
Event Planner
SWEET BEGINNINGS
09.2006 - 01.2008
- Set up of special event decor items including favors, escort card, placing menus, guest books, etc
- Orchestrate ceremony line-up and introduction of couple into reception
- Worked with venue to ensure a smooth transition between ceremony, cocktail hour & reception
- Vendor assistance and direction with a load-in and break down.
- Increased event attendance by developing strategic marketing campaigns and engaging promotional materials.
- Coordinated with participating vendors during event planning.
- Established working relationships with clients by organizing various events.
- Coordinated florists, photographers, and musicians for events.
- Designed and implemented efforts to publicize events and promote sponsorships.
- Fulfilled contractual obligations for rehearsal and day of event coordination.
Event Planner & Décor
YOUR MAIN EVENT | DESIGN & DÉCOR
09.2008 - Current
- Design, Planning & Managing of: Corporate Events, Wedding Ceremonies, Wedding Receptions, Destination Weddings & Events, Gala’s, Sponsorships, Fashion Shows
- Utilized project management skills to keep events on track while meeting deadlines and staying within budget parameters.
- Recruited trained, and managed volunteer teams to provide additional support during large-scale events.
- Performed event coordination for larger parties and gatherings.
- Brainstormed and implemented creative event concepts and themes.
- Hired, trained and supervised volunteers and support staff required for events.
- Communicated with catering, lighting and sound companies to obtain price quotes.
Event Planner
YOUR MAIN EVENT | DAY OF COORDINATION
09.2008 - Current
- Plan and coordinate all elements of weddings, including the church service, photography, and the reception
- Assist the bride and groom in the selection of all service vendors, including the caterer, musical entertainment, photographer, and videographer
- Provide options for wedding and reception locations, wedding and reception theme, and reception menu
- Lead the schedule of events for the rehearsal, the wedding, and the reception
- Coordinate with vendors in advance of the event and on the day of the wedding.
- Increased event attendance by developing strategic marketing campaigns and engaging promotional materials.
- Developed tailored event plans to meet client objectives, ensuring seamless execution and positive guest experiences.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to ensure cohesive event messaging and branding alignment.
- Negotiated contracts with vendors and suppliers, securing cost-effective solutions without compromising quality or service levels.
- Developed strong relationships with clients, fostering trust and rapport for ongoing business opportunities.
- Attended conferences and events to stay up-to-date with industry trends and planning standards.
- Hired, trained and supervised volunteers and support staff required for events.
Director of Sales
WorldVentures - Travel
09.2015 - 02.2019
- Increased sales revenue by developing and implementing strategic plans and setting performance goals for the sales team.
- Achieved regional sales targets through effective territory management and relationship building with key clients.
- Streamlined sales processes by identifying inefficiencies, implementing new tools, and providing training to the team.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction levels by addressing concerns promptly and providing tailored solutions.
- Launched new products successfully into the market, coordinating marketing initiatives and comprehensive sales campaigns.
- Expanded customer base by targeting untapped markets through innovative lead generation tactics and follow-up mechanisms.
- Collaborated cross-functionally to optimize end-to-end sales processes, from prospecting through post-sales support services.
- Cultivated a culture of continuous learning within the department by promoting professional development opportunities for team members.
- Managed team of sales representatives, providing guidance, coaching and support.
Customer Service Manager
NATIONAL BRIDAL SHOW | MAIN SPONSOR
09.2006 - 01.2017
- Dressed the main stage of the event, with full design and props with visual lighting
- Dressed and maintained booth area to showcase full design and decor
- Welcomed brides-to-be into booth area & discussed future wedding events, travel and destination
- Maintained vendor relations and served as point of contact for all selected vendors for each event
- Created and maintained client relationships resulting in multiple and repeating bookings.
- Managed a team of customer service representatives, fostering a positive work environment focused on teamwork and collaboration.
- Developed strong relationships with key clients, ensuring their needs were met consistently and promptly.
- Resolved customer complaints while prioritizing customer satisfaction and loyalty.
- Maintained professional demeanor by staying calm when addressing unhappy or angry customers.
- Managed senior-level personnel working in marketing and sales capacities.
Customer Service Associate Cashier
Loblaw Companies
07.2018 - 12.2019
- Streamlined the checkout process for faster service and improved customer experience.
- Maintained a clean and organized workspace, promoting a welcoming environment for customers.
- Assisted in training new employees, ensuring they were knowledgeable about company policies and procedures.
- Offered additional services such as loyalty programs or special promotions to enhance customer engagement.
- Demonstrated versatility by cross-training in various departments throughout the store when required.
- Met customer service goals and exceeded customer expectations.
- Helped customers navigate applications and in-store technology to deliver best-in-class experiences.
Customer Service & Guest Experience
Woodbine Entertainment Group
08.2021 - 08.2023
- Enhanced guest satisfaction by attentively addressing their needs and promptly resolving any issues.
- Streamlined the check-in process for improved efficiency and reduced wait time.
- Conducted regular inspections of public areas to ensure cleanliness, safety, and overall guest satisfaction, including deliver high impact on annual events
- Collaborated staff members to efficiently address guest concerns regarding maintenance of machines, Events and Everyday Experiences. Attract key audiences, increase on-track attendance, develop an exceptional guest experience, and increase revenues for Woodbine Entertainment.
Aviation Services
PrimeFlight - Condor Airlines - Security Clearance
02.2024 - Current
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by addressing and resolving service-related issues promptly.
- Streamlined work processes by implementing efficient organizational systems and procedures.
- Increased team productivity with effective communication and collaboration strategies.
- Managed a high volume of customer inquiries, demonstrating excellent problem-solving skills to resolve concerns quickly.
Education
Fashion Design & Technology - Arts, Tailoring, Fashion Design & Business
LONDON COLLEGE OF FASHION
Oxford Circus, London, United Kingdom Business & Finance - Finance, Business Studies
THE COPLAND COMMUNITY SCHOOL AND TECHNOLOGY
Wembley, Middlesex, London, United Kingdom Btec First Diploma Business Foundation & Design - Advertising, Marketing & Design
Copland Community School
Wembley, Middlesex, London, England Stage 1 Certificate in British Sign Language
Willesden College of Durham University
North West London, United Kingdom Skills
- Social Media Management
- Expense Tracking
- Event Planning
- Digital Marketing
- Client Relationship Development
- Microsoft Office Suite
- Problem Solving
- Team Leadership
- Attention to Detail
- Time Management
- Decision-Making
- Excellent Communication
- Cultural Awareness
- Customer Relations
- Problem-Solving
- Verbal Communication
Websites
Awards
Best Event planner - SYNERGY PRODUCTIONS CANADA - July 2008
Sweet Beginnings Wedding Consulting and Event Planners, August 2008 SWEET
BEGINNINGS WEDDING CONSULTING, Consulting and Decorating Training Program - Sept 2008
ADVANCEMENT OF COMMUNICATION, Stage 1 British Sign Language - March 2007
Outstanding Awards for best Customer service Coca-Cola Enterprise bottling company - May 2000
Canadas 100 women to watch - 2017
Wedding Wire - Couples choice awards
2019
Wedding Wire - Brides Choice awards 2019
References
Nicole Bonnie
FIRMA Consulting Group - Lead Strategist.
+1 (416) 807-8496
Nadia Goode
Vice president of peel elementary teachers local
- +1 (416) 999-6014
Timeline
Aviation Services
PrimeFlight - Condor Airlines - Security Clearance
02.2024 - Current
Customer Service & Guest Experience
Woodbine Entertainment Group
08.2021 - 08.2023
Customer Service Associate Cashier
Loblaw Companies
07.2018 - 12.2019
Director of Sales
WorldVentures - Travel
09.2015 - 02.2019
Event Planner & Décor
YOUR MAIN EVENT | DESIGN & DÉCOR
09.2008 - Current
Event Planner
YOUR MAIN EVENT | DAY OF COORDINATION
09.2008 - Current
Event Planner
SWEET BEGINNINGS
09.2006 - 01.2008
Customer Service Manager
NATIONAL BRIDAL SHOW | MAIN SPONSOR
09.2006 - 01.2017
Fashion Design & Technology - Arts, Tailoring, Fashion Design & Business
LONDON COLLEGE OF FASHION
Business & Finance - Finance, Business Studies
THE COPLAND COMMUNITY SCHOOL AND TECHNOLOGY
Btec First Diploma Business Foundation & Design - Advertising, Marketing & Design
Copland Community School
Stage 1 Certificate in British Sign Language
Willesden College of Durham University