E R I N

L I G O N

(804) 878-2926 ligonem@dukes.jmu.edu https://www.linkedin.com/in/erinligon

Education
James Madison University

August 2013-December 2016

Degree: Bachelor of Science Major: Hospitality Management Minor: General Business

Experience
National Contract Management Association, Meetings Intern

May-August 2016

Responsible for planning and execution of the 2,000+ attendee World Congress Conference in July
Report to director of meetings and events of a 20,000 member association
Assist with event registration, general inquiries, weekly reports, authorizing substitutions and refunds, communication to all event
participants, distribution of attendee materials
Organize 50 volunteers and 200 speakers, collect speaker biographies and contact information as well as communicate with sponsors
and exhibitors
Manage event mobile app and event shipping logistics
Assist with staff onsite preparation, accommodation and transportation for participants, facilities, signage, special needs requirements,
and event security

Vitos Italian Kitchen, Server

August 2015-January 2016

Assist manager in seating maximum number of customers in a 140 seat restaurant

Assure bar and restaurant are properly maintained throughout the day
Restock all necessary items in preparation for busy hours
Provide efficient and customer-friendly table service

John Marshall Hotel, Day-Of Wedding Coordinator

September 2015

Assist in the timeline of events leading up to the wedding

Set up last minute dcor and lighting
Contact vendors to assure their arrival time
Work alongside the wedding planner to make everything run smoothly

Celebrations at the Reservoir, Wedding and Catering Intern

May-August 2015

Collaborate with the wedding planner, clients, and families to organize 25+ weddings
Decorate and prepare one of the three venue spaces
Contact necessary vendors for each wedding

James Madison University, Themed Event Staff

February 2015-May 2016

Assist in the setup and take down of 10 special events, as well as being present for the duration of each event
Assure floor plans are followed and dcor is correct
Work alongside the event managers to carry out their plans for each event
Prepare and work the reception area and serve food to guests in the dining room

James Madison University Aramark, Dining Services Extern

January 2015-May 2015

Prepare necessary food for 5-hour dining hall lunch hours

Take customer orders and deliver food in a timely fashion
Clean work station and surrounding dining areas
Assist managers and workers with any extra tasks

Purple-Tie by Ridgewells Catering at the U.S. Open Golf Tournament, Catering Staff

June 2014

Prepare and present a buffet-style food service table for Bank of America tent
Ensure that all food and beverage items, side work, and other supplies are stocked prior to each shift and that all tasks are complete
prior to departing
Assist the tent manager in the layout of the tent and food presentation sketches
Ensure that guests are content and anticipate their needs

Ginos Pizza, Waitress

Summers of 2013-2015

Take and place food and beverage orders for 50 seat restaurant
Ensure that all food and beverage items are stocked before and after each shift
Complete side work including the preparation of food and certain beverages

Certifications
Cvent, April 2016
Social Tables, March 2016
TiPS (Training for Intervention Procedures), May 2015
ServSafe, May 2015
Food Handler, May 2015

Activities
9-month planning of my own themed event, James Madison University, Spring 2016
Charter Member of the Gamma Phi Beta Colony, James Madison University, 2014-2015
Social Committee of Gamma Phi Beta, James Madison University, 2014-2015
Member of PCMA, James Madison University, 2014-2015

Volunteer Work
Planning and execution of a fundraising event for Second Home, Harrisonburg, VA, Fall 2016
Meal packer for RISE, Harrisonburg, VA, 2015
Bon Secours St. Francis Hospital, Midlothian, VA, 2012-2014
Youth Leader for Confirmation, St. Gabriels Catholic Church, 2011-2012
Tri-Cities Workcamp mission trip, Petersburg, VA, Summer 2011