Live events & South African Music
Hi, I’m
Maria Senokoanyane
Projects & Events Manager
Johannesburg
If one is lucky, a solitary fantasy can totally transform one million realities.
Maya Angelou
Summary
Dynamic Projects and Events Manager with 14 years of experience in the South African events industry, specializing in project coordination, event production, and customer relations. Proven ability to orchestrate large-scale events while cultivating strategic partnerships with colleagues and external vendors. Expertise in managing project lifecycles from inception to completion, effectively overseeing cross-functional teams and executing intricate administrative tasks to meet project objectives and key performance indicators. Committed to delivering exceptional results through meticulous planning and execution, with a strong focus on team collaboration, adaptability to changing needs, and a creative approach to problem-solving.
Overview
18
years of professional experience
1
Certificate
Work History
San Quentin Events
Projects & Events Manager
02.2023 - Current
Job overview
- Lead client event briefs and manage project documentation, including venue quoting and cost estimation.
- Source and manage external suppliers for furniture, decor, technical setups, entertainment, and catering to ensure high-quality execution.
- Coordinate site visits and manage vendor relationships to ensure all production requirements are met and paid.
- Brief event teams on run-throughs and oversee on-site event production to ensure adherence to the planned format.
- Manage post-event reconciliation, including client feedback sessions and collaborating with Accounts for final financial reporting and payment processing.
- Established relationships with key stakeholders, fostering long-term partnerships for future collaborations.
- Increased client satisfaction by consistently delivering well-executed events within budget constraints.
- Collaborated closely with clients throughout the planning process to ensure their vision was accurately reflected in the final event layout.
Upstage Productions
Technical Events Coordinator
02.2013 - 05.2021
Job overview
- Planned and organized technical event production, including staffing, equipment, and facility requirements.
- Collaborated with production staff to establish schedules and determine technical needs for diverse event scales.
- Supervised technical crews in the execution of setups involving sound, lighting, staging, and flooring.
- Monitored event budgets and expenditures to ensure financial efficiency.
- Researched and hired vendors, booked venues, and managed logistics including transportation and event signage.
- Maintained direct communication with customers throughout the planning process to align event goals and requirements.
- Overwrote event execution from set-up through teardown, ensuring compliance with regulations and coordination between all parties to resolve issues.
- Handled pre-event and post-event administration, including invoice reviews, billing, and payment follow-ups.
Fego Caffe Gallo Manor
Floor & Bar Manager
08.2011 - 01.2013
Job overview
- Supervised staff and organized shifts to optimize operational workflows.
- Managed customer liaison and resolved complaints to maintain high service standards.
- Controlled stock levels and performed cash management and financial reporting.
- Upsold daily specials and beverage promotions to exceed daily sales goals.
- Oversaw maintenance tasks for the bar area, ensuring a clean and safe environment for patrons at all times.
- Guaranteed optimal beverage stock by assessing inventory and collaborating with owners for corrective action planning to limit expenses.
The Ritz Carlton Resorts of Naples
Food & Beverage and Banqueting Internship
07.2010 - 07.2011
Job overview
- Executed responsibilities in general service, hostessing, and kitchen management.
- Served as Junior Spa Manager overseeing stock control, client appointments, and cash control.
- Assisted in banqueting production, including setup, service, and breakdown for large-scale conferences (500+ people), weddings, and political events.
- Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.
- Passionate about learning and committed to continual improvement.
- Assisted with day-to-day operations, working efficiently and productively with all team members.
Southern Sun OR Tambo
Practical Training: Front Desk
01.2008 - 01.2009
Job overview
- Demonstrated respect, friendliness, and willingness to help wherever needed.
- Strengthened communication skills through regular interactions with others.
- Paid attention to detail while completing assignments.
- Adaptable and proficient in learning new concepts quickly and efficiently.
- Learned and adapted quickly to new technology and software applications.
Birchwood Hotel and Conference Centre
Practical Training: Housekeeping, Banqueting, Accounts, and Kitchen
01.2008 - 01.2009
Job overview
- Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
- Organized and detail-oriented with a strong work ethic.
- Passionate about learning and committed to continual improvement.
- Managed time efficiently in order to complete all tasks within deadlines.
Education
International Hotel School
Hospitality Management Diploma
01.2010
Pretoria High School for Girls
High School Senior Certificate (Matric)
01.2006
Skills
Team leadership and supervision
Guest management
Vendor and contract negotiations
Client meetings
Venue selection
Vendor relationship management
Interests
Traveling
Reading
Certification
Diploma in Hospitality Management
Accomplishments
- Built strong relationships with vendors such as technical service providers, photographers, videographers, catering suppliers, and furniture & decor suppliers to take hassle out of event planning.
- Planned over 50 events in a year
- Supervised team of 6 - 10 staff members.
Availability
See my work availability
Not Available
Available
monday
tuesday
wednesday
thursday
friday
saturday
sunday
morning
afternoon
evening
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Software
Current RMS
Microsoft Word
Microsoft Excel
Outlook Email
Languages
English
Bilingual or Proficient (C2)
Timeline
Projects & Events Manager
San Quentin Events
02.2023 - Current
Technical Events Coordinator
Upstage Productions
02.2013 - 05.2021
Floor & Bar Manager
Fego Caffe Gallo Manor
08.2011 - 01.2013
Food & Beverage and Banqueting Internship
The Ritz Carlton Resorts of Naples
07.2010 - 07.2011
Practical Training: Front Desk
Southern Sun OR Tambo
01.2008 - 01.2009
Practical Training: Housekeeping, Banqueting, Accounts, and Kitchen
Birchwood Hotel and Conference Centre
01.2008 - 01.2009
Pretoria High School for Girls
High School Senior Certificate (Matric)
International Hotel School
Hospitality Management Diploma