Conference Management & Event Planning

1. Amanda E. Benjamin
Address: 7 Poplar Street ▪Newburgh, NY 12550
Mobile: 845.542.8997 E-Mail: amandaebenjamin@gmail.com
Linkedin.com/in/amandabenjamin
QUALIFICATIONS PROFILE
Creative, innovative, and highly organized professional with 14+ years of experience in events and catering management as well as conference
center operations. Skilled at successfully managing firm events which include seminars, social events, retreats, marketing events, and other high
profile meetings in conjunction with all levels of management,vendors, and clients. A proven track record for delivering exceptional client
experience through detailed planning,organization, event budget management,vendor coordinating, and execution of interesting and desirable
programs for firm events and catering services.
Proficiency includes Word, Excel, Publisher, PowerPoint, Outlook, Visio, Internet,Meeting Room Manager, Meeting Room Matrix, EMSC,and
some familiarity with Photoshop.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Greenberg Traurig, LLP, New York (2015-present)
International law firm operating in 37 cities with over 1,900+ lawyers
Conference Services Supervisor
Supervise and is the direct report of four receptionists and four catering attendants in the New York location. Manage the daily operation of the
conference center and is the primary point of contact for all internal/externalevents.Oversee all caterers and vendors for the office affiliated
with supporting the conference center. Research and scout locations for externalprivate events, coordinate menus, and design space for the
administrative departments,firm management and attorneys. Coordinate reception/catering staffing to ensure appropriate coverage at all
times. Introduce and implement newmethods to the conference center to improve the efficiency of daily services. Provide training and
mentorship for reception/catering staff to ensure fluidity between both service areas.
Accomplishments
 Directed transition for conference services team from paper based logs to electronic. Instructed team to use existing technology to
store information, making it easier for all team members to assist with reservations.
 Introduced and implemented a cleaner more refined look in conference rooms and guest areas by utilizing new servicing ideas and
procedures to maintain consistency.
 Direct all in-house holiday/seasonal events from inception to completion, including the Firm’s well-anticipated annualSt. Patrick’s
event. Designed the menu with the caterer, provided staffing,and decorated the entire conference room space. Coordinated with
internaland externalperformers with their technological requirements.Received accolades for the festive appearance of the space and
flawless execution event.
 Managed the AnnualSummer and Holiday events hosted off premises. Consulted with venue coordinator to draft menus and review
space and layout. Coordinated with audio/visual vendor on services needed for musical entertainment.Arranged in-house staffing for
onsite duties. Received extremely high turnout for both events; with positive reviews and accolades from all levels of firm
management.
 Organized office pantry areas. Implemented creative techniques to design signage for a consistent an improved appearance.
 Oversaw the Co-Chairman’s private home event. Arranged rentals/staffing; redesigned the floor plan and managed staff onsite from
event start to completion. Received high praise from host on execution and professionalism.
 Conduct negotiations with various vendors to ensure that costs are at or below budget parameters.
Bingham McCutchen, LLP, New York, NY (2000-2014)
International law firm operating in 15 cities with over 700 lawyers
Senior Conference Services Coordinator (2014)
Responsible for supervising the conference center and four receptionists in the New York and Connecticut office locations provided direction for
the successful execution of firm’s meetings, conferences, and onsite and offsite events. Served as a liaison to the Events Manager and Business
Development Team working on externaland internalseminars/events. Oversaw outsourced caterers to ensure the provision of high quality
food services in New York and Connecticut locations. Provided training and guidance to newor less experienced Receptionists and back-up staff.
Monitored conference services productivity and proposed improvements recommendations to Operations Manager and Director of
Administration.

2. Accomplishments:
● Coordinated with outside catering director to evaluate changes to catering menu,making appropriate adjustments where necessary,
and updated options for meal packages always keeping in mind the changing needs of clients. Elevated pricing changes to offshoot
rising subsidy costs without alienating core customers.
● Consulted with outside catering director for potential costs savings to office monthly subsidy. Recommended labor adjustments by
streamlining chef positions, downsizing catering attendants,and advertising operational hours without impacting service quality. In
addition, reduced product costs by eliminating nonessential items provided in pantries.Labor and product costs reevaluation led to
over $75,000 in savings annually.
● Created chef tutorial program for office. Collaborated with catering director and executive chef on several themes throughout the year
to encourage café participation, tutorials served as a fun educationalsocial activity. Programming received high praise for topic of
interests and boosting office camaraderie.
Conference Services Coordinator (2003-2014)
Planned office’s internaland externalevents for Marketing, Legal Recruiting, Firm Management,Firm clients, and domestic/international
locations using creative ideas and managing strict budgets,ensuring successful execution at all times. Handled alllogistics from examining
space, directing layouts, arranging menus, ordering flowers, linens, staffing,and audio/visual requirements.Events handled ranged from small
intimate parties of 6 to large gatherings of 200+ persons.
● Created and designed guest informational materials to generate increased comfort level for office visitors; updated information semi-
annually.
● Collaborated with Operations Director in structuring departmentalpolicy for improved efficiency of conference center personn eland
internalstaff on a firm-wide level.
● Planned annual Senior Director Retreat. Arranged transportation to and from meeting sites, setup meeting site rooms, selected
restaurants,recommended menus, and entertainment activities.
● Reviewed and edited internalcatering menu.Created and designed catering brochure layout for office distribution.
● Coordinated with office catering director in generating cafe promotions. Created e-mails and posters for office distribution regarding
any special cafe events to improve sales opportunities.
● Reviewed and analyzed department’s budget.Projected numbers for the following year. Researched and provided structured data to
Operations Director with regards to budget anomalies/variances.
● Maintained daily supervision of receptionists during Reception/Guest Supervisor’s absence. Create weekly schedule for group
distribution noting schedule changes,vacations, and coverage assignments.
Conference & Guest Specialist (2001-2003)
Managed and developed visiting attorney center which was a designated support area for attorneys firm-wide. Established protocols and
procedures which were implemented as firm’s current standard policy.
Records Specialist (2000-2001)
Provided clerical functions such as creating new case files in automated system, conflict checks, and sending files to offsite storage.
EDUCATION
University of Rochester, Rochester, NY
Bachelor of Arts, Political Science
Minor: Spanish
Certificate of International Relations