LEI JONETTE SMALL
Monnickendam
Summary
Looking for an opportunity as an Event Manager or Venue Sourcing Manager, where I can bring my 25 years of experience with distinctive venues and guest-focused planning to the team. I specialize in sourcing unique venues, particularly historical sites and unconventional spaces, that bring an event's purpose and personality to life. With a background in hospitality and live production in both Europe and the United States. I focus on flow, comfort, and guest experience from start to finish. I am known for my enthusiasm and approachable style, attention to detail, and ability to anticipate client and guest needs before they arise. I bring confidence to every project and a passion for creating memorable events.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
Work History
Front Office Host
Lucas Bols Amsterdam
Amsterdam
01.2023 - 01.2025
- Fostered positive experiences for employees, guests, and students cultivating a warm and welcoming environment
- Coordinated logistics and setup for events to ensure seamless execution.
- Prepared and presented catered lunches tailored to dietary preferences.
Guest Experience Host
Wittenberg by Cove
01.2023 - 12.2023
- Point of contact for arriving and departing guests.
- Conduct Administration and Reporting task.
- Provide Ad hoc guest support with soulful service.
- Report on all maintenance and housekeeping issues.
Host - Restaurant Celia
Kimpton De Witt Hotel
01.2021 - 12.2022
- Restaurant host for guests and event groups, managed reservations and floor seating.
- Created a vibrant and friendly atmosphere while providing excellent service.
- Cultivated positive guest relations by managing information and orchestrating speedy seating.
- Assigned patrons to tables suitable for needs and restaurant section rotation.
- Took reservations and room service orders.
- Supported dining area staff in evaluating server loads and calculated accurate wait times.
- Set up and facilitate groups' bookings.
Events & Operations Volunteer
HumaneR
01.2020 - 12.2021
- Organized Refugee integration events.
- Warmly received and welcome guests, students, and vendors with a friendly and professional demeanor.
- Prepare delicious, well-presented catered lunches for event staff, and efficiently assist executive managers and event personnel with a proactive, detail-oriented approach.
Reception & Guest Services
Hotel Heye130
01.2019 - 12.2019
- Worked as Reception and office manager.
- Responded to requests for special arrangements or services, such as transportation, tourist information and reservations.
- Brought forth a positive attitude and welcoming environment.
- Remained punctual, flexible, and adaptive.
Freelance Event Producer
01.2012 - 12.2018
- Collaborated with clients to define event goals and requirements.
- Managed event logistics including venue selection and vendor coordination.
- Developed detailed event timelines to ensure smooth execution.
- Coordinated with creative teams to design event materials and branding.
- Oversaw on-site operations to ensure adherence to event plans.
- Facilitated communication between stakeholders and team members throughout projects.
- Evaluated supplier proposals to ensure alignment with budget and quality standards.
Executive Assistant & Innovation Events Coordinator
Philips Consumer Lifestyle
01.2010 - 12.2012
- Coordinated internal team-building events in support of the company's engagement & development programs.
- Updated organizational charts, managed agendas, and expense reports for 3 Directors.
- Arranged travel, hotel & visa documents for employees and potential candidates.
- Served as a coordinator at events, ensuring place settings were correct and all vendors delivered on time.
- Organized events and product workshops.
- Coordinated and scheduled the innovation team meetings, appointments, interviews, and inspections.
Area Producer
Blinck International
01.2007 - 12.2009
- Produced engaging digital marketing, including real-tones, games, and visual content.
- Collaborated with designers and approved the artwork for the broadcast.
- Reported weekly conversions, CAC metrics, and SEO.
- Licensed music from record labels for campaigns.
- Assisted Area Manager schedule campaigns with networks for broadcast.
Account Manager (B2C & B2B)
Sykes Enterprises, Inc
01.2005 - 12.2007
- Managed a team of 17 international agents, which provided support solutions for some of the world's leading global brands.
- Managed the product support activities for 7 EU countries.
- Forecasted monthly account, reported KPI's and team coaching.
Event Coordinator & European Development
ACN Europe B.V.
01.2001 - 12.2005
- Built & managed the Events Department from A-Z.
- Cultivated lasting relationships with clients, venues, and vendors.
- Other event management included: Budgeting and P&L Marketing & Awards for international Reps.
- Organized new country launches for emerging markets.
- Produced the development and execution of global events.
- Carefully managed budgets and schedules, while understanding the client's visions to find services that supported those visions.
- Collaborated with clients to ensure they felt supported and at ease during the time before the events.
- Provided clients with a timeline of events and noted any necessary changes.
- Develop and maintain strong relationships with vendors during a span of 15 years.
- Managed & developed strategic budgeting.
- Report on event revenue. (Venues, catering, talent) and international travel.
- Worked closely with the Back Office to ensure timely completion of administrative tasks.
- Consulted with key-stakeholders to ensure that our events meet the requirements and standards of the clients.
- Additional tasks - Venue selection for: meetings, conferences, launches and large conventions.
Education
equivalent to AA degree - Hospitality & Event Planning, Postproduction and Music Supervision
Pasadena City College
Pasadena, CA01.1990
Skills
- Communication
- Creative thinking
- Networking
- Problem solving
- Proactive
- Organization
- Leadership
- Customer service
- Event
- Guest relations
- Logistics planning
- Venue selection
- Vendor management
- Positive attitude
Personal Information
- Nationality: American/Dutch
- Place of Birth: California
Accomplishments
- excellence award: events - ACN
- Coaching - Mind Valley
Languages
English
First Language
Dutch
Elementary (A2)
A2
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Front Office Host
Lucas Bols Amsterdam
01.2023 - 01.2025
Guest Experience Host
Wittenberg by Cove
01.2023 - 12.2023
Host - Restaurant Celia
Kimpton De Witt Hotel
01.2021 - 12.2022
Events & Operations Volunteer
HumaneR
01.2020 - 12.2021
Reception & Guest Services
Hotel Heye130
01.2019 - 12.2019
Freelance Event Producer
01.2012 - 12.2018
Executive Assistant & Innovation Events Coordinator
Philips Consumer Lifestyle
01.2010 - 12.2012
Area Producer
Blinck International
01.2007 - 12.2009
Account Manager (B2C & B2B)
Sykes Enterprises, Inc
01.2005 - 12.2007
Event Coordinator & European Development
ACN Europe B.V.
01.2001 - 12.2005
equivalent to AA degree - Hospitality & Event Planning, Postproduction and Music Supervision
Pasadena City College
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