Shirley Smit

I am a passionate, highly organized Events Coordinator with extensive experience delivering corporate events, conferences, fundraisers, private functions, and brand activations. I thrive in fast-paced environments and bring creativity, composure, and meticulous attention to detail to every project I undertake. Throughout my career, I have successfully managed vendor relationships, controlled budgets, coordinated logistics, and overseen on-site event execution, consistently delivering memorable experiences that exceed expectations.

My greatest strength lies in transforming ordinary concepts into extraordinary occasions that become the talk of the town. I am driven by a genuine passion for creating meaningful connections and unforgettable moments. Beyond my professional experience, I have a deep love for cooking and entertaining, often hosting exceptional dinner parties where I can combine my creativity, hospitality, and flair for bringing people together.

My ability to balance strategic planning with creative execution allows me to deliver events that are not only seamless and successful but also leave a lasting impression on guests and stakeholders alike.

FOH Manager & Event Co Ordinator - Bacco Wine Estate Paarl - Paarl, South Africa

• Running the Restaurant and Tasting room
• Opening and closing of the Wine Estate
• Doing the Monthly Staff roster
• Ordering of all stock (bar, restaurant, & kitchen)
• Stock taking/inputting stock on MarketMan system
• Implementing new systems that works more efficiently
• Staff training
• Marketing of all upcoming events
• Creating innovative special events to generate more feet thru the door
• All General admin duties for Restaurant, tasting room and Cellar
• Booking of all private or Corporate events
• Staff disciplinary meetings
• Staff cash ups
• Cold calling to generate new business
• Monthly marketing meetings

Conference and Events Coordinator - Devonvale Golf and Wine Estate Stellenbosch - Stellenbosch, South Africa

(2018 - 2020)

Responsible for the meticulous planning, organization, and execution of various events and conferences ensuring they align with client objectives and run smoothly.

• Site inspections
• Creating event proposals
• Quotes and invoicing
• Function sheets to all departments
• Working closely with Executive chef creating specialized menus
• Staffing and scheduling
• Budget Management
• Setup of all conference/Corporate and fundraising events
• Menu Designing - (Canva)
• Creating innovative special events (Mothers day, woman's day, Father's Day)
• On site support during all Events
• Working closely with the GM of the Hotel as well as the Restaurant and Proshop by creating new and exciting packages for all guest
• General marketing and admin duties
• Ordering of all décor and any other special specification

Fundraising and events coordinator - Barnyard Theater - Willowbridge - Willowbridge, South Africa

(2018 - 2020)

• Ensuring that the venue is always at full capacity
• Marketing the various shows on offer
• Dealing with clients by creating fundraising packages tailored to each clients needs
• Brochure management
• Site Inspections
• General admin duties

Sales and events Coordinator - Richard's Supper Stage Kaapse Stories Sea Point - Sea Point, South Africa

(2014 - 2017)

• Generate revenue by selling the venue's event space and services offered
• Marketing the show Kaapse Stories
• Managing all corporate and show bookings
• Dealing with Tour group Operators creating packages for over seas groups while building close relationships with various hotel booking staff ensuring repeat business
• Mail chimp monthly emails
• In charge of the 24 hour booking line
• Quotes and invoicing
• Site inspections
• Monthly marketing and strategy meetings

Conference and Events coordinator - Devonvale Golf and Wine Estate Stellenbosh - Stellenbosch, South Africa

(2008 - 2013-12)

Responsible for the meticulous planning, organization, and execution of various events and conferences ensuring they align with client objectives and run smoothly.

• Site inspections
• Creating event proposals
• Quotes and invoicing
• Function sheets
• Working closely with Executive chef creating specialized menus for events
• Staffing and scheduling
• Budget Management/ Time management
• Setup of all conference/Corporate and fundraising events
• Menu and event flyer designing - (Canva)
• Creating innovative special events (Mothers day, woman's day, Easter, Christmas)
• On site support during all Events
• Working closely with the GM of the Hotel as well as the Restaurant and Proshop by creating new and exciting packages for all guest
• General marketing and admin duties
• Ordering of all decor and any other special specification
• Working with the health and safety officer

Junior events - Harrods London United Kingdom - London, United Kingdom

(2005 - 2007)

• Helping with on site set up and break down of all events
• Engaging with clients and guests
• Worked on the Truly British campaign
• Assisting FOH manager

Hostess - Millennium Hotel Knightsbridge - London, United Kingdom

(2004 - 2005-10)

Waiter/Hostess - George's Mediterranean Restaurant - Milnerton, South Africa

(2000 - 2003)

Hostess - Swartland High School - Malmesbury, South Africa

(1999 - 2005)

Matriculated - Swartland High School (1999)