Syed Abbas

• As the Event Lead, I bring a wealth of experience in effectively managing on-site staffing, encompassing duties supervision, accommodation arrangements, transportation coordination, and catering services. My track record includes successful stints as an Event Operations Manager and Procurement Manager, contributing to the seamless execution of diverse events. I've showcased my prowess in talent acquisition on both local and international scales, accompanied by the establishment of extensive databases and the forging of global collaborations.
• My proficiency extends to cost estimation and the streamlined generation of client quotations through Xero. I excel in team leadership, on-site project management, strategic marketing, meticulous event planning, and the overall seamless execution of projects. I have a knack for managing various aspects of events, including uniforms, tickets, accommodations, and transportation, whether for local affairs or international ventures.
• My expertise encompasses project strategies, scheduling, facilitation of meetings, collaboration with luxury brands, international recruitment coordination, and the efficient management of project procurements and ticketing. As the Event Lead, I am dedicated to ensuring the success of every project and delivering exceptional experiences for both clients and participants.
• • Proficient in event management, venue management, recruitment, and building comprehensive databases.
• • Conducting interviews, assembling teams, creating schedules, and effectively managing on-site staff to meet KPIs and targets.
• Developing and implementing SOPs for each project and providing thorough training to the staff.
• • Organizing accommodations, transportation, ticketing, F&B services, uniforms, and other logistical arrangements for staff members.
• • Ensuring compliance with Health and Safety and Food Safety guidelines and overseeing their implementation on-site.
• • Building cohesive teams and providing training on teamwork and CRM (Customer Relationship Management).
• • Taking the lead on each project, resolving issues, and finding timely solutions within limited time frames.
• • Driving business development by conducting client meetings and delivering presentations tailored to client demands.
• • Providing accurate quotes to clients and addressing their specific needs.
• • Managing procurement for event requirements, including F&B, equipment, transportation, and technicians.
• • Maintaining project integrity until completion by keeping teams motivated and adhering to maintenance routines.
• Existing Clients: CSM, Open Lab, Design Lab, PICO, The Other Guys, Marvels and many more.

As an Event Manager, I was responsible for planning events, budgeting, costing, procurement, RFPs, overseeing the staffing and coordination of events. The main objective was to ensure that each event is staffed with highly professional and knowledgeable individuals who can represent the brand in the best possible manner. I worked closely with the marketing and events team to understand the brand's image, target audience, and event goals to ensure seamless execution.

Responsibilities:

1. Staffing Strategy: Develop and implement a staffing strategy that aligns with the brand's image and event objectives. Determine the number and types of staff required for each event, such as brand ambassadors, event coordinators, models, or product specialists.

2. Recruitment and Selection: Source, recruit, and select highly skilled individuals who embody the brand's values and meet the specific requirements of each event. Conduct interviews, review resumes, and assess candidates' qualifications, experience, and presentation skills.

3. Training and Development: Provide comprehensive training to event staff, ensuring they have a deep understanding of the brand, its products/services, and the event's goals. Conduct training sessions on presentation skills, product knowledge, event protocols, and customer service.

4. Schedule Management: Develop and manage staff schedules for events, considering factors such as event duration, staff availability, and specific roles needed. Ensure that all events are appropriately staffed and that staff members receive clear instructions and expectations.

5. Performance Management: Monitor staff performance during events and provide feedback and coaching as needed. Recognize outstanding performance and address any performance issues promptly and professionally.

6. Vendor Management: Liaise with external staffing agencies, if applicable, to source additional event staff when necessary. Establish and maintain relationships with reliable vendors and negotiate contracts or rates for staffing services.

7. Event Coordination: Collaborate with the events team to coordinate logistics, event setup, and breakdown. Ensure that all staff members are well-informed about event details, schedules, and any changes that may occur.

8. Budget Management: Assist in developing event budgets, particularly those related to staffing. Monitor expenses related to staffing services, negotiate rates and find cost-effective solutions without compromising the quality of staff or the brand's image.

9. Relationship Management: Foster positive relationships with brand ambassadors, models, and other event staff, ensuring they feel valued and supported. Develop a strong network of reliable and talented event professionals for future staffing needs.

10. Post-Event Evaluation: Conduct post-event evaluations to assess the effectiveness of the staff and identify areas for improvement. Collect feedback from clients, attendees, and staff members to continuously enhance the quality of event staffing.

Responsibilities related to Request for Proposal (RFP) management include:

• RFP Analysis: Thoroughly reviewing and analyzing incoming RFPs to understand the client's requirements, scope, and objectives.

• Cross-Functional Coordination: Collaborating with various internal teams such as sales, marketing, finance, and legal to gather the necessary information for crafting a comprehensive RFP response.

• Content Creation: Developing detailed and tailored RFP responses that address client needs, outlining the proposed solutions, methodologies, pricing, and value propositions.

• Customization and Personalization: Tailoring each RFP response to align with the client's specific challenges, showcasing how your organization's offerings uniquely fit their requirements.

• Competitive Landscape Analysis: Researching and understanding the competitive landscape to position your organization effectively within the RFP response.

• Project Management: Ensuring that the RFP response is completed within the designated timeline, coordinating with team members to gather inputs, review drafts, and finalize content.

•Quality Assurance: Conducting a comprehensive review of the RFP response to ensure accuracy, coherence, and alignment with the client's needs.

• Client-Focused Communication: Addressing any client inquiries or clarifications related to the RFP, showcasing a high level of professionalism and responsiveness.

• Negotiation Support: Collaborating with the sales or business development team to support negotiations based on the proposed RFP terms.

• Document Management: Keeping track of all RFP-related documents, and maintaining a repository of standard responses, templates, and relevant materials.

• Continuous Improvement: Regularly evaluating and refining the RFP response process based on feedback and lessons learned from previous submissions.

• **Relationship Building**: Cultivating positive relationships with clients and stakeholders through effective communication and a commitment to meeting their needs.

• **Win-Loss Analysis**: Conducting post-RFP analysis to assess the success factors and areas for improvement in both won and lost opportunities.

• Market Research: Staying updated on industry trends, client preferences, and emerging challenges to enhance the organization's RFP strategies.

• Legal and Compliance: Ensuring that all RFP responses adhere to legal and compliance guidelines and accurately represent the organization's capabilities.

In essence, managing RFP duties involves a strategic and detail-oriented approach to crafting compelling responses that effectively demonstrate your organization's value and commitment to meeting client needs.

Luxury brands Clients:

1. Cartier

2. Chanel

3. Loewe

4. Louis Vuitton.

5. Celine.

In the role of a Luxury Boutique Staffing Manager:

• Spearheaded the curation of an elite team of professionals, handpicked for their exceptional skills and refined demeanor, perfectly tailored to the exclusive atmosphere of our luxury boutique.

• Collaborated closely with high-end brands and partners to ensure that the staffing experience seamlessly embodies the essence of luxury, reflecting the boutique's unique identity.

• Orchestrated the recruitment and placement

of personnel, aligning their individual talents with the distinct ambience and personalized service expected in a luxury boutique setting.

• Crafted and implemented specialized training programs, ensuring that each staff member possesses an intricate understanding of the boutique's offerings, enabling them to provide personalized recommendations and unparalleled service.

• Nurtured relationships with our esteemed clientele, developing an innate understanding of their preferences, thereby enabling staff to anticipate needs and exceed expectations.

• Managed the selection and presentation of uniforms, upholding the boutique's distinctive visual aesthetic and contributing to an immersive luxury experience for patrons.

• Exhibited discretion and professionalism, especially when handling confidential client interactions and sensitive situations.

• Maintained a keen awareness of evolving luxury market trends, incorporating insights to continually elevate the boutique's staffing offerings, ensuring they remain at the forefront of excellence.

• Collaborated seamlessly with various teams, including sales associates and boutique management, to create a harmonious and flawlessly orchestrated luxury experience.

• Instituted performance evaluation systems, recognizing and incentivizing outstanding service, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement among the boutique staff.

• Cultivated an environment of innovation and creativity, empowering staff to enhance the boutique experience and cater to unique client requests.

• Optimized staffing processes, striking a balance between quality service and operational efficiency, all while upholding the boutique's reputation for luxury.

• Skillfully managed budget considerations, delivering a level of service that consistently transcends expectations while maintaining financial prudence.

• Approached challenges as opportunities to showcase resourcefulness, ensuring that every aspect of the luxury boutique staffing operation operates seamlessly and exudes sophistication at all times.

In the realm of event planning:

• Assumed the role of Operations Manager to address various needs and requirements.

• Oversaw venue operations and guest management.

• Served as the primary point of contact and supportive resource for venue-specific management teams.

• Maintained regular communication with Heads of Departments to synchronize operational requirements, often deliberated within working group meetings.

• Compiled and supplied a comprehensive collection of essential documents to guide venue teams in their operational responsibilities.

• Efficiently managed accommodations for VVIPs, players, and on-site workforce.

• Effectively handled multiple facilities concurrently, optimizing limited resources in the area.

This included ticketing, a kids' Fan zone, sports area, entrance points, and ground area teams, encompassing scheduling, duties, security, and breaks.

• Ensured team presentation and uniforms were maintained to preserve brand integrity.

• Demonstrated success in recruiting over 50 candidates for the venue management team.

This involved adeptly updating the recruitment process, modifying interview materials to align with evolving team needs, and instituting an assessment day that resulted in the selection of 20 new team members. Additionally, strategically assigned candidates to venue teams based on requirements.

• Developed and executed a comprehensive training plan for the Venue Management team, collaborating with Venue General Managers to curate session content. Pioneered innovative sessions to foster a deeper understanding of policies and procedures.

• Mentored and guided venue coordinators, establishing a workshop series to enhance skills pertinent to game-time success.

• Effectively resolved staff issues and disputes, providing unwavering support and fostering a positive work environment.

• Recognized team improvements through bonuses and feedback, motivating and reinforcing excellence.

• Skillfully optimized budget allocation, minimizing expenses by identifying cost-effective accommodation and food solutions for staff.

• LIV Golf, for CEO Event Management

• Acting operation Manager responsible for the management of all logistical and staffing requirements at KAEC.

• Part of the Organizing Committee covering all venues.

• Attended regular project review meetings to identify and resolve issues and ensure the delivery of project milestones.

• Liaising with suppliers to ensure accreditation and all relevant licenses are in place and all suppliers are compliant with Vendor Licensing Schemes to streamline processes and avoid delays.

• Management of venue deliveries, resources, fuel & vehicles.

• Assisting with training and support of logistics contractors.

• Present daily briefings.

• Liaising with all other functional areas to help with logistical needs.

• Writing and updating risk assessments.

• Successfully recruited over 90 candidates into the venue management team, by managing and updating the recruitment process including updating interview packs to suit the changing needs of the team, creating and implementing an assessment day which successfully recruited 20 new starters and carefully placing candidates into venue teams depending on needs and attributes.

• Converting concepts and ideas into formalized plans, assembling teams, overseeing recruitment, creating schedules, and orchestrating event management.

• Arranged accommodations and logistics for a team of 70 staff members in Thailand, effectively coordinating their duties, transportation, schedules, and shifts.

• Skillfully executed and supervised more than 12 features/activations simultaneously, ensuring seamless operations throughout.

• Expertly managed all technical aspects on-site, including simulators and equipment, through the coordination of a top-tier tech team.

• Facilitated collaborations with multiple suppliers to ensure the successful delivery of event essentials.

• Collaborated closely with the marketing team to ensure consistent branding and key messaging throughout the event.

• Dealt with several suppliers for the event deliverables

• Coordinating with the marketing team to ensure the branding and key message is delivered across the event.

• Send quotes to the client and build a proposal

• Conduct interviews and shortlist candidates

• Schedule interviews and train the shortlisted candidates

• Manage candidates’ schedules and operations

• Manage feedback and replacements

• Manage transportation If required

• Manage activation in the mall

• Provide costing and site plans.

• Send quotes to the client and build a proposal

• Training staff with the etiquette of dealing with the VVIPs

• Managing the guest list and client follow up

• Conduct interviews and shortlist candidates

• Schedule interviews and train the shortlisted candidates

• Manage candidates’ schedules and operations

• Manage feedback and replacements

• Manage transportation If required.

• Address disciplinary and/or performance problems according to company policy

• Build a team of 45 and manage them on the ground with scheduling

• Prepare warnings and communicate effectively with employees on warnings and make effective/appropriate decisions relative to corrective action as required

• Prepare pre-assigned schedules, approve breaks, leaves, and vacations

• Plan and allocate resources (shift schedules, breaks, code of conduct.

• Forecasting demand and planning response to changes in the demand

• Provide statistical and performance feedback and coaching on a regular basis to each team member

• Motivate team members and build team spirit, encouraging positive ideas and suggestions for the team to optimize their work and processes

• Assess training needs of team members and mentored new employees

• Provide on-the-job coaching for team members

• Monitor the team performance and quality and review team results/reports and performance

• Review and change procedures to the best standards for continuous improvement in the department results.

• Effectively address disciplinary and performance issues in accordance with company policies

• Build and manage a team of 15 members, providing on-ground supervision and scheduling

• Prepare and deliver warnings to employees, ensuring clear communication and making appropriate decisions regarding corrective action

• Assign schedules, approve breaks, leaves, and vacations for team members

• Plan and allocate resources, including shift schedules, breaks, and code of conduct guidelines

• Forecast demand and devise strategies to effectively respond to changes in demand

• Provide regular statistical and performance feedback and offer coaching to each team member

• Motivate team members, foster team spirit, and encourage positive ideas and suggestions to optimize work processes

• Assess training needs of team members and provide mentoring to new employees

• Offer on-the-job coaching to team members

• Monitor team performance and quality, review team reports, and assess overall performance

• Continuously review and improve procedures to uphold the highest standards and drive departmental results.

• Display a warm, friendly, and courteous attitude; build rapport with customers throughout the flight

• Identify opportunities to make a difference in the customers’ experience by anticipating their needs

• This is achieved by being personal, considerate, and thorough towards customers

• Pay special attention to High-Value customers including iO, VIPs, CIPs and those with special needs

• Ensure customers’ safety and comfort throughout the flight by providing them with five- star customer service experience

• Provide information and clarification to customers for their general enquiries

• Update customers on any ground arrangements or transfers where this information is available

• Act as a brand ambassador by displaying an immaculate image and uniform standards

• Always demonstrate a positive and professional image with appropriate conduct and behavior

• Contribute as an active and supportive team member

• Take direction from the supervisors and act in accordance with the chain of command

• Be prepared to work out of grade at any given time and proactively volunteer to assist.

• Analyze shipment logs and review the timeliness of scheduled deliveries

• Track inventory levels and order new supplies in a timely manner

• Constantly work to improve processes

• Make suggestions for productivity improvements and optimize employee workflow

• Determine and track the most important warehouse KPIs

• Ensure that facility equipment is properly maintained

• Communicate and collaborate with other team members

• Manage and oversee the entire restaurant operation and deliver superior guest services while ensuring guest satisfaction

• Plan and develop guest loyalty programs and update existing menus

• Plan and develop the overall restaurant marketing strategy

• Participate in local food events

• Respond efficiently to customer questions and complaints

• Manage and lead staff and hire new employees

• Training and evaluating staff performance

• Estimate consumption, forecast requirements, and maintain inventory

• Manage restaurant supplies, control costs, and minimize waste

• Nurture a positive working environment

• Monitor operations and initiate corrective actions

• Implement innovative strategies to improve productivity and sales.