Cyra Valenzuela Benedict Email & Phone Number

I developed and implemented companywide service standards based on Disney’s 5 Keys to Creating Happiness to drive business success within a competitive market. I reviewed and improved protocols for COVID compliance, event security, and guest safety and delivered training to staff members on possible changes. I advised executive management on multiple areas of strategic direction and organizational development. I led event operations, including onsite staffing, building rent, security, expenditures, floor plans, CAD drawings, construction, and budgeting. I drive key DEI initiatives to emphasize accessibility and mobility. I managed all areas of employee recruitment from initial job posting to final selection and training to meet diverse staffing needs and address performance gaps.Highlights of accomplishments in this role include: • I generated $10 million by planning and managing conferences and initiating operational and logistics strategies.• I improved operational productivity and ensured smooth execution of events by developing and implementing well-organized SOPs.• I promoted professional development, positive customer and staff engagement, and culture of performance excellence by developing high-achieving leaders, leading 15 FTEs, and recruiting and training a team of 200+ seasonal frontline staff members.

While working as a Senior Manager, Operations, I planned and executed complex projects from initiation to completion while providing final deliveries within strict time, quality, and budget constraints. Highlights of accomplishments in this role include:• I mitigated complicated business challenges/potential risks by identifying and delivering results-driven event management solutions in collaboration with key stakeholders and team members.• I was acknowledged as ultimate decision-maker for all convention operations while balancing both customer and business interests.

Throughout my career as an Operations Manager, I strengthened productive working relationships with vendors and negotiated contractual terms and conditions across all facets of event production and execution. I improved customer satisfaction, retention, and lifetime value by promoting innovation and design thinking within the customer journey.Highlights of accomplishments in this role include:• I developed and delivered production schedule driven by weekly milestones adopted as playbook in company for event production. • I established professional relationships with safety, security, and construction companies to meet event logistical requirements.

While serving as an Event Planner at Compass Group, Microsoft, I managed over 10 events weekly for the CEO’s office and other VIPs for logistics administration, vendor coordination, menu planning, and on-site support. I served as a primary point of contact for marketing division at Microsoft.Highlights of accomplishments in this role include:• I spearheaded full lifecycle event management from conception to finalization while ensuring completion of deliverables within predefined timelines, quality standards, and budget parameters.• I was recognized as Event Executive Producer for planning and executing events with continuous focus on logistics management.• I managed all facilities, catering, and housekeeping logistics for companywide one-week Expo in 2015, an internal event for 50K people.

Working as a Project Coordinator at Realtime Productions, I supervised and coordinated team members, evaluated employees’ performance, and provided constructive feedback to improve staff motivation and competencies and boost work productivity.• It is noteworthy that I oversaw event logistics for Microsoft’s Product Fair and Company Meeting with over 10K attendees for each event.

Master Of Art, Education

Bachelor Of Art, History