Event Management Program

Program Overview

The Event Management Program is designed to identify and develop future leaders within Best Impressions Caterers. This program provides hands-on experience working alongside experienced Event Managers and Senior Event Team Members while offering direct exposure to every department that contributes to the successful execution of our events. Learning from some of the hospitality industry's most talented professionals, participants will regularly collaborate with:

Company leadership – who provide strategic direction and oversight while working across departments to guide company growth, strengthen operations and maintain standards.

Sales team – who work directly with clients to plan events, develop menus, coordinate details and turn their vision into a clear plan for execution.

Operations & Warehouse teams – who coordinate event logistics, equipment and venue setup to ensure each event is prepared efficiently and according to plan.

Staffing &Human Resources teams – who recruit, hire, schedule and support our event staff while ensuring each event has the right team in place.

Culinary & Pastry teams – who prepare and execute the food and desserts that serve as the centerpiece of the guest experience.

The result is a well-rounded understanding of the planning, logistics, customer service and teamwork required to execute exceptional events.

Candidates will begin as Event Staff, as successful leaders must first develop a thorough understanding of the many moving parts that contribute to a successful event. This foundation provides valuable job knowledge while exposing participants to a wide variety of event types, styles of service, venues, client expectations and operational challenges before assuming leadership responsibilities. The Event Staff position provides the flexibility of our event-based scheduling model, allowing individuals to accept or decline shift requests based on their personal availability.

As participants demonstrate consistency, initiative and leadership potential, they will earn additional

responsibility and begin progressing through the Event Management Program. The program provides a semi-

structured development path while maintaining the flexibility required for individual growth.

Program Goals

Develop future Event Managers and operational leadersExpose participants to a variety of leadership styles and event typesProvide meaningful coaching and feedback from multiple leadersCreate a consistent evaluation process while allowing advancement at an individual pace

Program Timeline

Day 1 - 45 -- Building a Foundation (minimum 20 events)

Participants will begin working immediately as Event Staff while learning Best Impressions Caterers customer service standards, venues, event flow and client expectations. During this period they will work alongside a variety of Event Managers and Senior Event Team Members without formal evaluation. The emphasis is on learning the business, demonstrating reliability, teamwork and becoming comfortable in event environments.

Key topics will include:

Customer service - anticipating needs, solving problems before they arise and creating a positive experience for every client and guest

Event setup and breakdown - Maintaining an organized work area by planning ahead, keeping equipment orderly and leaving every event space better than you found it

Food and beverage service – Understanding the various styles of service and bartending responsibilities

Communication - Being an active listener, communicating respectfully and collaborating with your teammates and guests to create a positive experience for all

Urgency - Working with purpose, recognizing that every task contributes to the success of the event and the experience of our clients and guests

Attention to detail – Paying close attention to every detail, recognizing that even the smallest actions contribute to the overall success of the event and our clients experience

Reliability and accountability - Being dependable in every aspect of your role by arriving on time, staying engaged and taking responsibility for your appearance, actions and performance

Day 45 – 90 -- Leadership Evaluation Rotation (minimum 15 events)

Beginning at approximately 45 days, participants officially enter the Leadership Evaluation Rotation. They will continue rotating through established Event Managers and Senior Event Team Members while receiving feedback from multiple leaders over several events. This process is intended to provide a well-rounded evaluation rather than relying on one mentor and/or one event.

Evaluation criteria will include:

Leadership presence - taking initiative, managing your time effectively and making sound decisions while inspiring confidence in your teammates through your actions

Job knowledge – display the skills and technical knowledge to perform the essential functions of the position with accountability and minimal supervision

Initiative – consistently looking for opportunities to contribute, solve problems and support the team

Communication - Speaking with clarity, respect and confidence while actively listening, accepting direction and keeping your team informed

Organization - Planning ahead, keeping your work area clean and ensuring equipment and staff are always in the right place before, during and after every event

Teamwork – Treating others with courtesy, sensitivity and respect; responding appropriately to the needs and feelings of co-workers, customers, guests, event staff and others

Coach-ability - Accepting feedback with professionalism, asking thoughtful questions and using every opportunity to become a better teammate and leader

Problem solving - Thinking critically, adapting to changing circumstances and working proactively to resolve challenges while maintaining exceptional service

90 Day Leadership Review – Next Steps

Approximately 90 days after entering the program, the Director of Leadership & Development and Director of Staffing and Director of Human Resources will review leadership feedback and determine the participants next

development pathway:

Begin Event Manager developmentContinue Leadership Evaluation Rotation an additional 15 daysBegin bartender developmentContinue developing as Event Staff an additional 30 days

Primary Responsibilities

Assisting in executing weddings, corporate events and social functions at the highest levelSupporting event setup, service and breakdownLearning event files: menus, pricing pages, packing lists, rentals, timelines, and floor plansCommunicating effectively with clients, managers, venues representatives and teammatesAssisting Event Managers in leading event staffDeveloping decision making, delegation and problem-solving skillsRepresenting Best Impressions Caterers with pride and integrity

Qualifications

Strong work ethic, initiative and positive attitudeLeadership potential and willingness to learnExcellent communication and organizational skillsAbility to thrive and adapt in fast-paced environmentsHospitality or customer service experience preferredAvailability to work evenings, weekends and holidays based on event schedulesAbility to meet the physical demands including:Standing for long periods of timeBending, squatting, lifting, carrying, pushing and pulling 50lbs

Advancement & Professional Growth

There is no guaranteed timeline or promotion associated with the Event Management Program. Every

participant develops at a different pace based on performance, leadership ability, availability and the needs of Best Impressions Caterers. The purpose of the program is to identify future leaders and provide them with opportunities to grow through real-world event experience. Our goal is for every employee to become the best possible version of themselves.

Why Best Impressions Caterers

Since 1989, Best Impressions Caterers has been creating memorable experiences through exceptional food, thoughtful service, and flawlessly executed events throughout the Charlotte region. From weddings and corporate gatherings to philanthropic events and private celebrations, our reputation has been built on a commitment to quality, hospitality, and attention to every detail.

Our Event Management Program gives aspiring hospitality professionals the opportunity to learn in a fast-paced, hands-on environment alongside experienced event professionals. Participants gain real-world experience, develop practical leadership and problem-solving skills, and learn what it takes to deliver the level of service and execution our clients have trusted for more than 35 years.