Sthulile Ndaba
Event Project Manager
Riversands, Johannesburg
Summary
Results-oriented Event and travel expert with excellent administrative skills and experience working for well-known agencies with proven expertise in customer service and in resolving conflicts. Provide exceptional service and quality obtained from years of hands-on experience in corporate travel industry. Offering eight years of outstanding project achievements from proposal to production of event management with a degree in social Sciences. Actively seeking opportunities as an Event Manager and Travel Agency to advance into the role of Account manager. Have a good working relationship with venues, artists, and suppliers to the entertainment industry and able to direct, inspire, lead, support team while remaining composed under pressure while ensuring excellent customer service.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
11
11
years of post-secondary education
Work History
Founder and CEO
Ingwe Travels Agency
Johannesburg
07.2021 - Current
- Expanded company''s geographical reach, opening new markets and increasing profitability and exceeded sales targets consistently by actively prospecting for new clients and upselling to existing customers.
- Increased client satisfaction by providing personalized and efficient corporate travel planning services.
- Improved overall revenue by upselling additional services such as excursions, insurance, and upgraded accommodations when appropriate for more than 50 clients.
- Forged strategic partnerships with external stakeholders like Key Accommodation, Transportation suppliers/vendors and partnering with tourist experience makers.
- Developed and maintained strong relationships with key travel suppliers negotiating deals and discounts for clients and subsequently lowered procurement costs for better supply chain efficiencies and operation excellence.
- Collaborated closely with sales staff to develop targeted promotional campaigns that drove significant increases in bookings.
- Attended industry conferences and networking events to stay current on market trends, forging valuable connections with key players in travel sector.
- Created compelling marketing materials that showcased available travel packages and promotions, generating increased interest from potential clients.
- Streamlined booking processes for improved efficiency and reduced wait times for customers by using custom built planning systems.
- Managed companies social media account which gives more exposure and enables engagement with new clients.
- Increased client satisfaction by creating customized travel itineraries tailored to individual preferences and needs.
- Continuously measured customer service by promptly addressing concerns and resolving issues, leading to positive reviews and recommendations from satisfied clients.
- Proactively monitored industry trends to provide expert recommendations on emerging destinations and services.
- Educated clients on travel policies and procedures, ensuring adherence to corporate guidelines and budgetary constraints.
Startup Founder
The Hat Maker
Johannesburg
06.2019 - Current
- Sketched artistic and designed over 200 fresh designs for sale.
- Conducted target market research to scope out industry competition and identify advantageous trends.
- Developed and delivered engaging sales presentations to convey product benefits
- Negotiated with vendors to reach ideal product distribution channels and pricing.
- Created and monitored promotional approaches to increase sales and profit levels.
- Sourced Material suppliers and partnered with manufacturing company
- Developed marketing content such as blogs, promotional materials, and advertisements for social media and Increased customer engagement through social media.
Event Project Manager
WWP Group
Johannesburg
12.2022 - 07.2023
- Oversaw preparation and management of event budgets to deliver events at below projected costs.
- Managed administrative logistics of events planning, event booking, and event promotions.
- Coordinated with cross-functional teams to resolve project issues and mitigate risks
- Negotiated contracts with over 50 preferred venues, vendors and over 150 suppliers to obtain best rates and services.
- Provided detailed technical and operational direction in project challenges, consistently meeting deliverables according to deadlines.
- Implemented contingency plans to address last-minute changes or unforeseen events.
- Fulfilled contractual obligations for rehearsal and day of event coordination.
- Reconsolidation of cost against budget
- Highlights
- Africa Tourism Indaba which held 21,000 meetings compared to 13,000 in 2022 with participation of 22 African countries.
- Organized Media Brief with high-ranking Government Officials (Tourism Minister).
- Launched "SA Tourism Gimme Summer" in KZN in 5 multiple-cities and smaller towns.
- 2 team leaders, 50 Promoters in multiple venues simultaneously.
- Media brief planning for over 50 media partners.
Private Chef
Sthu's Bistro Experience
Johannesburg
08.2020 - 10.2022
- Prepared and cooked over 20 meals per week per order.
- Delivered excellent food quality and maximized customer satisfaction by preparing meals according to customer requests with help 1 direct report.
- Inventoried food, ingredient, and supply stock to prepare and plan client orders.
- Weekend in-Home Chef Private.
- Increased customer engagement through social media.
- Developed marketing content such as blogs, promotional materials, and advertisements for social media.
Personal Assistant
Ubunye Be Afrika Trust
Durban
10.2017 - 07.2020
- Oversaw personal and professional calendars and coordinated appointments for future events
- Collaborated with team of Seven Senior Managers to identify priorities and plan event type, budget, theme and scope accordingly.
- Organized and coordinated conferences and monthly meetings and produced concept plans for high-profile corporate meetings and events for groups of 1000 applicants.
- Arranged domestic and international travel plans and itineraries.
- Provided multifaceted services to management by running errands, managing mail, scheduling appointments, arranging transportation, taking detailed minutes and preparation of regularly scheduled reports.
- Acting as point of contact for internal and external clients
- Updating and maintaining office policies and procedures
- Highlights
- Supervised team of 7 executives staff members.
- Managed business Proposal criteria of over 1000 applications
- Managed high volumes 100 calls and replying customized emails
Special Events Coordinator (Weekends Only)
Ibusaphi Trading
Durban
07.2018 - 12.2019
- Understanding requirements and clients briefs for each event Planning events with cognizance to financial and time constraints Booking venues and scheduling speakers as briefed
- Determined systems for processing corporate events through effective collaboration with clients and team members.
- Nurtured and built relationships with vendors, venues and industry contacts to obtain best pricing and services for events.
- Searched and negotiated suitable venues per setup requirements and budget constraints.
- Negotiated with caterers, florists, entertainment, photographers, suppliers and musicians to stay within client's budgeted parameters.
- Performing final checks on day of event to ensure efficiency and value for clients money
Intern
KwaZulu Natal Department of Education
Durban
02.2015 - 06.2016
- Helped with planning and hosting of over 60 marketing events.
- Contributed to mock-ups, email campaigns, and social media content.
- Assisted with development of event strategies and tactical plans to promote accomplishment of marketing goals.
- Performed office administrative duties to enhance team cohesiveness.
- Sat with marketing team members to learn new tasks and determine best tactics for solving challenges.
- Completed research, compiled data, updated spreadsheets, and produced timely reports
Education
Bachelor of Science - Political science and Sociology
University of KwaZulu Natal- Howard College
Durban, South Africa 02.2012 - 12.2017
High School Diploma -
Carter High School
Durban, South Africa 01.2007 - 12.2011
Skills
Computer literacy (MS Office packages: Word, Excel, Access, Publisher, PowerPoint and Outlook) Ed- admin system and Pastelundefined
Social Media Influencer
- Tinkies
- Zara
- GH-MuM
- Veet
Timeline
Event Project Manager
WWP Group
12.2022 - 07.2023
Founder and CEO
Ingwe Travels Agency
07.2021 - Current
Private Chef
Sthu's Bistro Experience
08.2020 - 10.2022
Startup Founder
The Hat Maker
06.2019 - Current
Special Events Coordinator (Weekends Only)
Ibusaphi Trading
07.2018 - 12.2019
Personal Assistant
Ubunye Be Afrika Trust
10.2017 - 07.2020
Intern
KwaZulu Natal Department of Education
02.2015 - 06.2016
Bachelor of Science - Political science and Sociology
University of KwaZulu Natal- Howard College
02.2012 - 12.2017
High School Diploma -
Carter High School
01.2007 - 12.2011
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