Ayanda Kela
Corporate Event Manager
Johannesburg
Summary
Profile Summary Ayanda Kela is a highly skilled and motivated professional with a background in Somatology, Accommodation Management, Spa management annd Corporate Eventing and Event management. With a strong track record of successful project management, strategic planning, Ayanda excels in team management, communication, project planning and report writing. Known for her attention to detail and innovative problem-solving, she brings valuable expertise to any team or project. Ayanda is a dedicated individual committed to achieving results and contributing to the success of the organization. To seek and maintain full-time position that offers professional challenges utilizing interpersonal skills, excellent time management and problem-solving skills. Detail-oriented team player with strong organizational skills. Ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously with a high degree of accuracy. Competent event manager with proven ability to develop creative, effective and successful event strategies. Possesses excellent communication and interpersonal skills to establish and maintain positive working relationships. Adept at managing all aspects of event planning including logistics, venue selection and catering. Energetic Event Manager with 8-year successful career in planning, coordinating and executing corporate events. Demonstrated cost-effective budgeting, exceptional time management and event marketing skills.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
5
5
years of post-secondary education
1
1
Certification
Work History
Event Manager
Raya Studios
Johannesburg
03.2018 - Current
- Overall Project management Planning and Developing the Project Idea, Developing and Leading the
- Team, Establish a Deadline and Monitor the Progress of the Project, Identify and Resolve Issues That Arise
- Managing Financial Resources, Ensure Stakeholder Satisfaction and Performance Evaluation of the company
- Managed administrative logistics of events planning, event booking, and event promotions.
- Nurtured and built relationships with vendors, venues and industry contacts to obtain best pricing and services for events.
- Generated ideas to enhance and expand current event offerings.
- Developed and implemented successful marketing plans to generate event revenue.
- Utilized job-related software to create standard guidelines, calendars and budgets for each event.
- Produced detailed proposals for events to document timelines, suppliers and budgets.
- Implemented protocols and procedures to effectively manage planning process.
- Monitored and controlled event expenditures to meet budgets.
- Developed detailed event reports, documenting all aspects of each event.
- Implemented contingency plans to address last-minute changes or unforeseen events.
- Analyzed event costs to identify areas of improvement and cost savings.
- Produced concept plans for high-profile corporate meetings and events.
- Supported senior leadership by developing status reports on activities related to planning, scheduling, cancellation, inquiries, resourcing, risk mitigation, and proposal development for various events.
- Developed and distributed event surveys to gather feedback and assess event success.
- Created detailed timelines and budgets for events to meet all deadlines.
- Negotiated contracts with venues, vendors and suppliers to obtain best rates and services.
Accommodation Manager
Zazas Guesthouse And Spa
Johannesburg
08.2013 - 03.2020
- Greeted and assisted guests by gathering information pertaining to reservations or requests.
- Monitored and evaluated performance of personnel to confirm compliance with standards.
- Prepared monthly resort audits for review.
- Analyzed and evaluated business data to identify opportunities for improvement.
- Handled guest complaints and offered complimentary services to maintain high guest satisfaction rates.
- Hired and trained new employees, demonstrating best methods for serving clients and guests.
- Increased customer service ratings through personable service.
- Booked large groups for weddings, seminars, conferences, and other events, providing best available room rates.
- Analyzed financial performance of property and adjusted strategies or processes as needed to improve outcomes.
- Implemented successful strategies to increase customer satisfaction.
- Negotiated with vendors to obtain favorable rates for goods and services while maintaining good working relationships.
- Managed day-to-day operations of lodging facility, scheduling staff and overseeing budgets.
- Maintained well-regarded concierge services to provide guests with assistance and convenient information about local attractions.
Spa Manager
Cruise Ship
07.2009 - 12.2013
- Worked on Queen Mary 2 and Oceania
- Maximized efficiency through time management and staff supervision to boost productivity.
- Recorded product sales into spa's weekly income report.
- Managed activities related to staff training, treatment procedures, inventory management and marketing.
- Developed and implemented marketing and promotional strategies to increase awareness of spa and attract new customers.
- Inspected salon stock, identifying shortages, replenishing items and maintaining consistent spa inventory.
- Generated reports to track spa performance and make recommendations for improvement.
- Managed expenses and controlled costs through proper salon budget development and monitoring.
- Trained and supervised spa staff on best practices, sales techniques and customer service.
- Handled high priority clients while managing day-to-day activities of spa and employees to maximize profits.
- Oversaw calendar to manage team schedule and keep shifts appropriately staffed.
- Conducted regular staff meetings, informing team members of new spa services and policies.
- Oversaw upkeep of entire facility and notified maintenance for service repairs.
- Utilized promotions, print and digital marketing to attract new clients.
- Conducted internal audits of spa finances and completed basic accounting functions to maintain accurate records.
Therapist
Sorbet
Johannesburg
03.2006 - 12.2008
- Grew sales with great work ethic, individualized beauty care plans and positive attitude.
- Fostered friendly, warm, and exceptional customer experience.
- Welcomed clients arriving for appointments.
- Performed waxing, body wrap application, and gentle exfoliation to improve overall skin condition.
- Analyzed skin condition and made appropriate product recommendations.
- Recommended retail products for at-home use.
- Sterilized equipment for patient treatments.
- Developed customized facial treatments for individual clients to address specific skin care needs.
- Advised clients on proper home-care regimens.
- Educated patients on treatment options.
- Booked appointments, answered phones, greeted clients, handled payments, and created client service tickets.
- Maintained client treatment records and designed long-term care programs for return customers.
Education
Tourism Management - Tourism
University of South Africa
Gauteng 01.2023 - Current
Matric -
Eunice High School
Bloemfontein 01.2004 - 12.2004
Somatology - Diploma
Beautiko Academy of Beauty
Pretoria 01.2005 - 12.2007
Academic Excellence In Entrepreneurship Certificate - Entrepreneurship
Wits University
Johannesburg 01.2016 - 03.2016
Skills
Event sales
Promotional advertising
Vendor and contract negotiations
Cross-functional teams leadership
Project Management
Venue selection
Sponsorship development
Business administration
Events logistics management
Confrence Coordination
Project oversight
Meeting planning
Certification
Entrepreneurship
Additional Information
- Gauteng Women in Tourism Chairperson
Work Availability
monday
tuesday
wednesday
thursday
friday
saturday
sunday
morning
afternoon
evening
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Quote
Success is not final; failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts.
Winston S. Churchill
Timeline
Tourism Management - Tourism
University of South Africa
01.2023 - Current
Event Manager
Raya Studios
03.2018 - Current
Academic Excellence In Entrepreneurship Certificate - Entrepreneurship
Wits University
01.2016 - 03.2016
Accommodation Manager
Zazas Guesthouse And Spa
08.2013 - 03.2020
Spa Manager
Cruise Ship
07.2009 - 12.2013
Therapist
Sorbet
03.2006 - 12.2008
Entrepreneurship
01-2006
Somatology - Diploma
Beautiko Academy of Beauty
01.2005 - 12.2007
Matric -
Eunice High School
01.2004 - 12.2004