Dijana Thompson
Miranda,NSW
Summary
Over 18 years of experience in Event and venue management within corporate, performing arts community, hospitality, entertainment environments working in collaboration with local government, national and state based organisations and the corporate sector. Dedicated Event industry professional with demonstrated strengths in customer service and building successful solutions.. Excellent verbal and written communicator with strong background cultivating positive relationships and exceeding goals.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Event Stylist
D Plus D Events
01.2022 - Current
- Enhanced event aesthetics by designing and executing innovative styling concepts.
- Streamlined internal processes through the development of comprehensive project plans outlining all aspects of event production from concept to completion.
- Researched design trends, color combinations and new product releases.
- Optimized resource allocation by carefully managing budgets across multiple projects without sacrificing quality or creativity.
- Mentored junior stylists, providing guidance on techniques and industry best practices.
- Transformed venues into visually stunning spaces, utilizing expert knowledge of color schemes and design principles.
- Created and maintained project task lists and design binders.
- Collaborated with team on vendor relations and vendor-specific projects associated with interior décor and concept design.
- Increased customer referrals through exceptional communication and flawless execution of event designs.
- Delivered consistently exceptional results under tight deadlines while maintaining grace under pressure in high-stress situations.
- Collaborated with clients to establish event themes, ensuring a cohesive and memorable experience.
- Successfully executed numerous events simultaneously, demonstrating excellent time management skills.
- Efficiently coordinated event setup and breakdown processes, minimizing disruption to clients'' schedules.
- Managed inventory of styling assets, ensuring proper maintenance and organization for efficient use at events.
- Scheduled vendor meetings and presented new materials to project team.
- Built a loyal clientele base through consistent professionalism, reliable communication, and impeccable attention to detail in every aspect of event styling.
- Regularly exceeded client expectations by going above and beyond in the delivery of unique event experiences.
- Conducted site visits to assess venue requirements and determine appropriate styling solutions.
- Maximized client satisfaction by delivering personalized and creative styling solutions.
- Elevated brand recognition by producing visually engaging marketing materials showcasing past event designs.
- Collected images and prepared design presentations.
- Developed strong relationships with vendors, negotiating competitive pricing on products and services.
- Utilized advanced software tools for creating detailed visual presentations of proposed styling concepts for client approval.
- Stayed current with industry trends by attending trade shows, workshops, and networking events to gain fresh inspirations for future projects.
- Selected furniture, lighting and accessories to enhance design concepts.
- Designed floor plans, elevations, 3D perspective views, and material boards for review and presentation.
- Oversaw installation of finishes, furniture and other design elements to control final product.
- Developed key client relationships, providing design solutions that met needs and budgets without compromising quality or design intent.
- Worked closely with contractors and vendors to improve project coordination, completing projects on time and within budget.
- Developed space planning concepts, color palette selections, and textile presentations.
- Specified appropriate products and materials to meet project objectives and design scheme.
- Collaborated with contractors and suppliers for smooth execution of design plans.
- Conducted client consultations to understand requirements and preferences.
- Presented design proposals to clients to establish clear project expectations and goals.
- Utilized computer-aided design (CAD) software to create plans and mockups of room layouts.
- Researched and stayed current on industry trends to incorporate new products into designs.
- Participated in furniture selection and documentation of specifications.
- Prepared product and layout documents implementing diverse design concepts.
- Created professional presentations using Software to creatively communicate design intent and direction.
- Led interior design across conceptual, schematic, design development, and construction document phases.
- Devised project budgets to track expenses and avoid cost overruns.
- Applied green building and environmental design into business and residential projects.
Floral Designer
Mandalay Flowers
02.2019 - Current
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by creating visually appealing and unique floral designs tailored to individual preferences.
- Managed inventory effectively, ensuring optimal levels of fresh flowers and supplies while minimizing waste.
- Maintained a clean and organized work environment, adhering to safety standards and minimizing potential hazards for staff and customers.
- Transported and set up floral arrangements for large-scale functions, comprising weddings, funerals, and banquets.
- Adapted quickly to changing trends in the floral industry, acquiring new skills as needed to effectively serve diverse client needs.
- Collaborated closely with customers to create unique designs for bouquets, wreaths, and gifts.
- Imparted knowledge on plants and flowers to customers.
- Researched latest design trends, colors, and vendor products for use in new pieces.
- Quoted, generated, and processed customer orders to meet specifications and various occasions.
- Increased repeat business by providing exceptional customer service and consistently delivering high-quality floral arrangements.
- Consulted with clientele to discuss special occasion floral designs for weddings, funerals, and other events.
- Offered friendly and efficient service to customers, handled challenging situations with ease.
- Consistently met tight deadlines for large-scale orders, coordinating logistics to ensure timely delivery and installation of arrangements.
- Streamlined the design process for efficiency, implementing effective time management strategies and prioritizing tasks.
- Maintained detailed records of client consultations, design specifications, order details, and invoicing information for seamless communication across the team.
- Developed strong relationships with suppliers to negotiate favorable pricing on premium flowers and materials without compromising quality.
- Collaborated with event planners to create memorable floral installations for weddings, corporate events, and special occasions.
- Designed custom sympathy arrangements that provided comfort during difficult times while reflecting the personality of the deceased loved one.
- Contributed ideas to improve overall shop aesthetic, optimizing workflow efficiency within studio spaces while enhancing customer experience in retail areas.
- Optimized online presence with updated product photography showcasing a range of offerings from simple bouquets to elaborate installations designed for special events.
- Implemented cost-saving measures to reduce overhead expenses while maintaining high standards of quality in all products delivered.
- Revitalized store displays with seasonally appropriate arrangements showcasing current trends in color palettes and materials usage.
- Coordinated with local growers to source sustainable, eco-friendly flowers and foliage in support of environmental initiatives.
- Conducted workshops teaching basic floral arrangement techniques to customers interested in exploring their own creative abilities.
- Maintained thorough knowledge of needs, characteristics, and varieties of flowers and greenery used in shop to inform arrangement decisions and provide information to customers.
- Expanded clientele base through targeted marketing efforts, including social media outreach and participation in community events.
- Worked closely with clients to understand their needs and design flower arrangements that perfectly match their vision.
- Possess in-depth knowledge of various types of flowers and their seasonal availability.
- Drove customer satisfaction by providing recommendations for greenery and flower pairings.
Business Development Manager
Southern Districts Rugby
05.2020 - 02.2022
- Increased client base by identifying new business opportunities and cultivating strong relationships with key decisionmakers.
- Facilitated regular communication with clients to ensure their needs were met, fostering long-lasting relationships built on trust and mutual respect.
- Developed customized solutions for clients based on a deep understanding of their unique pain points, delivering exceptional value and driving repeat business.
- Generated new business with marketing initiatives and strategic plans.
- Represented company and promoted products at conferences and industry events.
- Reached out to potential customers via telephone, email, and in-person inquiries.
- Established relationships with key decision-makers within customer's organization to promote growth and retention.
- Identified and pursued valuable business opportunities to generate new company revenue and improve bottom line profit.
- Developed new proposals, contracts and procedures to draw in more clients and streamline work operations.
- Conducted comprehensive market research and analysis to identify emerging trends and potential areas of expansion.
Venue Business Development Manager sales and operations
Club Central
10.2010 - 06.2019
- Implementation and management of quality initiatives to attract and increase events and revenue utilization in turn increase revenue streams
- Building relationships with external stakeholders for business and repeat business of functions and events including with those associated to the CDSE
- Develop, implement and review policies and procedures as required for functions and events
- Plan, conduct venue showing, site inspections
- Ensure smooth running of functions- handle any reasonable request made by management or patrons
- Liaising with the catering contractors in terms of menu selection for various functions and events
- Implement best work practices training methods to comply with OH&S
- Supervising, coaching and assisting staff during functions and events
- Conduct research, compile data and prepare report for the consideration of senior management and board of directors
- Create and work with marketing to develop and improve the website to assist in sales of functions and events and maintain on an ongoing basis
- Create marketing plan and implementation for both venues
- Using membership data creation of marketing promotions to increase venue sales
- Conduct sales, calls, establish leads and promote venue to potential future business
- Manage the functions team (3 direct reports)
- Boosted brand recognition through curated social media content and effective influencer partnerships
- Grew and diversified company accounts, proactively identifying and capitalizing on emerging business opportunities
- Revitalized marketing efforts through streamlined processes and rebranding initiatives
- Managed sales calls, scheduled promotional work, and tracked sales activities across channels
- Developed solid relationships with industry partners, furthering business development objectives through multiple channels
- Arranged consistent service delivery by cultivating strong relationships with local vendors
- Handled simultaneous events with effective organizational, multitasking, and prioritization skills
- Marketed events through print, digital, and social media strategies
- Helped distinguish company from competitors through quality of events and professionalism of service
- Organized pre-planning and pre-marketing for annual events throughout year
- Increased business 75% with improved marketing and promotional strategies diversified across multiple channels
- Worked effectively with diverse team to accomplish daily objectives and meet long-term goals
- Developed solid relationships with staff, customers, and vendors
- Collaborated with team members to meet daily demands and handle challenging projects
- Underpinned successful pipeline management and sales innovation with effective operations leadership
- Capitalized on emerging trends with proactive management approach
- Boosted interest in company offerings with special events and marketing initiatives.
Entertainment Centre Manager
Hurstville City Council
01.2006 - 01.2010
- Producing and coordinating events in the private sector and local government environments
- Operations management and coordination
- Contractor and service provider management coordination including caterers, security, ticketing services crowd direction, sound and lighting, emergency services and performers
- Catering management including menu creation, developing catering department
- Venues/event and catering marketing and sales
- Extensive venue management including staff coordination, rostering of team, staff recruitment, managing staff, training and development, performance reviews and performance management (12 direct reports)
- Risk assessment and management
- Budget and contract management
- Emergency and evacuation policy development and management.
Education
Bachelor of Tourism Management -
Curtain University
Perth, W.ASkills
- Market Tracking
- Client relationship development
- Project Management
- Company Branding
- Event Planning
- Conference Preparation
- Event Marketing
- Microsoft Word
- Partnership Development
- Custom fabrication
- Audio-Visual Integration
- Furniture selection
- Client Communication
- Creative vision
- Photography Direction
- Branding Consistency
- Space Planning
- Color theory
- On-site supervision
- Social Media Promotion
- Logistics Management
- Floral design
- Menu Planning
- Entertainment Coordination
- Invitation Design
- Guest Experience
- Teamwork and Collaboration
- Problem-Solving
- Time Management
- Attention to Detail
- Problem-solving abilities
- Multitasking
- Multitasking Abilities
- Reliability
- Excellent Communication
- Critical Thinking
- Design Planning
- Organizational Skills
- Team Collaboration
- Active Listening
- Effective Communication
- Adaptability and Flexibility
- Decision-Making
- Relationship Building
- Adobe Photoshop
- Team building
- Task Prioritization
- Design Presentation
- Work Planning and Prioritization
- Self Motivation
- Design process
- Interpersonal Skills
- Client Relations
- Analytical Thinking
- Project Leadership
- Interior design
- Goal Setting
- Professionalism
- Interpersonal Communication
- Time management abilities
- Continuous Improvement
- Adaptability
- Written Communication
- Furnishings Layout Plan
- Color Scheme Coordination
- Staff Development
- Material Cost Estimates
- Digital design
- Professional Demeanor
- Materials Estimation
- Problem-solving aptitude
References
Referees available on request
Languages
Macedonian
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
Senior Event Stylist
D Plus D Events
01.2022 - Current
Business Development Manager
Southern Districts Rugby
05.2020 - 02.2022
Floral Designer
Mandalay Flowers
02.2019 - Current
Venue Business Development Manager sales and operations
Club Central
10.2010 - 06.2019
Entertainment Centre Manager
Hurstville City Council
01.2006 - 01.2010
Bachelor of Tourism Management -
Curtain University
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