Virtual Event & Occasion Planner

Elizabeth Thielen

Event Operations & Project Management Professional

Omaha, NE • 402-***-**** • *********@*****.***

PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY

Accomplished event management professional with six years of experience planning and executing high-profile events in higher education and hospitality. Expertise includes donor and alumni events, executive functions, vendor relations, catering, contract administration, budgeting, and event logistics. Holds bachelor's degrees in Hospitality, Restaurant & Tourism Management (Event Planning and Public Relations emphases) and Business Administration from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. After dedicating the past six years to raising a family while remaining active in community leadership and volunteer service, I am excited to return to full-time event operations.

EDUCATION

University of Nebraska–Lincoln, Lincoln, NE

Bachelor of Science, Hospitality, Restaurant & Tourism Management

• Emphases: Event Planning and Public Relations

Bachelor of Science, Business Administration

Graduated: 2014

International Hospitality Internship – Waldorf St. Martins Hotel, Auckland, New Zealand

• Completed a hotel-based internship focused on hotel operations, guest services, and international hospitality.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Event Coordinator Creighton University Omaha, NE

2017–2020

Planned and executed donor, alumni, and university events from concept through completion.

Coordinated commencement ceremonies, Board of Trustees dinners, and executive-level events.

Played a key role in planning the groundbreaking ceremony for Creighton University's School of Dentistry building.

Managed catering, vendor contracts, budgets, invoices, and event timelines.

Coordinated venue logistics, audiovisual services, transportation, and stakeholder communications.

Catering & Event Manager Abraham Catering Omaha, NE

2014–2017

Coordinated and executed more than 300 events, including weddings, corporate functions, nonprofit events, university events, and private celebrations.

Planned weddings, corporate events, nonprofit functions, and private celebrations.

Consulted with clients to create customized event plans.

Managed catering logistics, staffing, vendor relationships, contracts, budgets, and billing.

Oversaw event execution while delivering exceptional customer service.

LEADERSHIP & COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

Rose Theater Guild Member (2021–2024)

Supported fundraising initiatives and assisted with planning special events.

St. Patrick's Women of St. Patrick's Event Coordinator (Volunteer) (2021–2023)

Planned and coordinated two women's retreats, speaker events, a High Tea, and the parish Trunk or Treat event while organizing volunteers, managing communications, and overseeing event logistics.

Youth Basketball Coach (2025–Present)

Coach youth teams and coordinate practices, schedules, and family communication.

CORE COMPETENCIES

Event Planning • Project Management • Donor & Alumni Relations • Vendor Management • Contract Administration • Budget Management • Catering Coordination • Event Logistics • Financial Tracking • Stakeholder Relations • Volunteer Leadership • Microsoft Office

Technical Skills: Microsoft Outlook • Microsoft Excel • Microsoft Office • Social Tables

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