December MOM ~ Kristen Scruggs, PBC

Written by Michele Phillips Monday, 14 December 2009 12:30

Name: Kristen Scruggs

Title: Catering & Conference Service Manager
Company: Grand Bohemian Hotel
Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Website: www.grandbohemianhotel.com

How many years have you been in the event industry?
I have been in the event industry since May 2001. Wow – almost 9 years! I started out doing off-premise catering for ARAMARK when I was in college in Kentucky and they ended up transferring me to Tallahassee, FL and then Orlando, FL. From there, I did Wedding Coordination for Orlando Weddings and I am now at my 3rd hotel.

What services do you and your company provide to the special events industry?
I have worked for The Grand Bohemian Hotel Orlando now for a month & half as Catering & Conference Service Manager. The hotel is downtown Orlando’s landmark luxury hotel with 250 guest rooms & suites, over 10,000 square feet of meeting space, including a rooftop pool terrace for events, the award winning Boheme Restaurant and the Bosendorfer Lounge. We also feature the Grand Bohemian Art Gallery which showcases over 100 rare works of art by local, regional, and internationally recognized artists.

I spend most of my day doing _________?
I service all the corporate groups and room blocks that come to the hotel from our Regional Sales Office, working on rooming lists, reservations, meeting specs, food & beverage, etc… I also block/maintain all wedding room blocks and service intimate weddings (less than 50).

Why did you join ISES?
I joined ISES in October 2007 because I wanted to meet others in this wonderful industry. In August 2009, I joined the Communications Committee and assist with the weekly Monday Morning News, which has been great in getting to know more people!

What has been your most memorable ISES experience?
I truly enjoyed the “I Do Weddings” ISES showcase event at the Ballroom at Church Street. The skits were funny, the presentation was great and the ballroom for dinner and then the after lounge was amazing – great job to all involved!

Is there a book, person, or story that has strongly impacted your career?
My former boss, Roy Biggers from ARAMARK at Western Kentucky University was an amazing mentor to me. He gave me the opportunity to learn so many new things from managing off-premise catering, residential dining, franchise dining, etc…I was able to learn so many facets of special events/hospitality and I continued to stay in this industry and move onto catering sales and weddings, thanks to his inspiration and support.

Do you have a career or industry tip you would like to share?
Two things come to mind.
1. Q-Tip: Quit Taking it Personally!
2. Come in early with the right attitude!

Tell us something personal about you; what you enjoy doing in free time or any hobbies:
LOVE to travel, LOVE Europe! Went to Greece & Turkey in June, St. Martin is booked for this July and I am planning on Rome, Florence & Venice in Italy for 2011! Life’s short – must travel as much as possible!

Family?
I grew up in Nashville, TN – so my Mom, Dad and 19 yr old brother Zane are still there. My 20 yr old sister, Jessica goes to school at UT in Knoxville and my in-laws live in Tallahassee (where I met my husband, Mike). I’ve been married for 2 years to my wonderful husband, Mike and we have a sweet little puppy named KUJO – a 12 pound white malti-poo!