Unforgettable Events at Trump Doral & Lissette Hernandez, Catering Manager
Behind the Scenes with Lissette Hernandez: Crafting Unforgettable Events at Trump National Doral
When it comes to orchestrating the perfect event, few know the ropes better than Lissette Hernandez, Catering Manager at Trump National Doral. We had the pleasure of interviewing Lissette to gain insights into her journey, the unique offerings of her venue, and the secrets behind hosting seamless and memorable events. Here’s what she shared with us.
1. Could you share a bit about your journey in becoming a venue manager? What inspired you to pursue this career path?
My journey to becoming a venue manager began in 1999 at the iconic Delano Hotel in South Beach, where I started as an assistant to the Food and Beverage Director. Recognizing my potential and talent, he encouraged me to transition into the role of a catering manager. His support and belief in my abilities were pivotal in inspiring me to pursue a career in venue management.
2. What sets your venue apart from others in the industry? How do you ensure a unique and memorable experience for your clients?
Our venue stands out through its diverse event spaces tailored to various tastes and occasions. With over 600 rooms surrounding our central clubhouse, we offer a seamless experience for our guests. The spa suites in our dedicated spa building further enhance the overall experience.
To ensure convenience, we provide golf carts and shuttles for easy transportation between rooms and different hotel areas. Many guests, however, enjoy walking due to the proximity of amenities and the beautiful scenery.
Our staff is dedicated to delivering a friendly yet professional service, ensuring every guest feels welcomed and valued. We pride ourselves on our hospitality, offering personalized service with a warm smile.
Additionally, our venue features a luxurious spa with the renowned Pritikin Longevity Program, two expansive pools, and lavish golf courses, making it a perfect oasis even for local visitors. This combination of exceptional facilities and attentive service guarantees a unique and memorable experience for all our clients.
3. Can you walk us through the process of hosting a wedding or event at your venue, from the initial consultation to the big day? How do you tailor your services to meet the specific needs and vision of each client?
The process of hosting a wedding or event at our venue is designed to be seamless and personalized. It begins with emailing our comprehensive menu packages to the prospective client. If they express interest, we provide a detailed cost estimate and discuss the process briefly over the phone.
For serious inquiries, we arrange an in-person site tour to showcase our main clubhouse, offering multiple options for ceremonies, cocktail hours, and receptions. This walkthrough helps clients visualize their event's flow and settings.
Following the tour, we review our package offerings, including customizable menu options. Once the client has a clear idea of their options, we update an existing estimate or create a new one, which forms the basis for the contract.
The contract outlines the payment schedule, typically 25% of the estimated total cost, divided into four payments. Upon signing, the event is confirmed in our schedule.
Three months prior to the event, we organize a menu tasting to finalize the culinary selections. Two weeks before the event, we draft a Banquet Event Order (BEO) detailing all aspects of the event, including the final guest count, ensuring our banquet team can execute the event flawlessly.
Setup takes place on the day of or the day before the event, allowing vendors ample time to prepare. Our banquet staff arrives three hours before the event begins, ensuring everything is perfectly in place as the celebrations commence.
By providing personalized service and meticulous attention to detail, we ensure that every wedding or event at our venue is unique and memorable.
4. In your opinion, what are the key elements that contribute to a successful wedding or event at your venue? How do you navigate challenges that may arise during the planning and execution stages?
Key elements for a successful wedding or event include timely responsiveness, clear communication, and a proactive approach to problem-solving. Today's clients expect prompt and efficient communication, and we pride ourselves on ensuring that our guests never feel neglected or without direction. This responsiveness is a hallmark of all our departments, contributing significantly to the success of our events.
Another crucial element is our commitment to a "making it happen" attitude. Unlike many other properties or event spaces that may decline requests, our staff—from banquet captains to service personnel—works diligently to accommodate our guests' needs and make them feel cared for at all times. This dedication to exceptional service sets us apart.
When challenges arise, we navigate them with a solution-oriented mindset. Our team is adept at working together to address issues seamlessly, ensuring that even the most complex situations are handled efficiently and discreetly, so they remain unnoticed by clients and guests.
By maintaining clear communication, fostering a can-do attitude, and working collaboratively, we ensure that every event at our venue is not only successful but also memorable for all the right reasons.
5. Share with us a particularly memorable wedding or event that your venue has hosted. What made it stand out, and how did you overcome any obstacles encountered?
One particularly memorable event our venue hosted was a kosher wedding in May, featuring highly meticulous and hands-on clients. The bride's parents were deeply involved in the ceremony setup but did not employ a planner, which typically helps streamline communication and logistics. This posed a significant challenge, as they provided directions intermittently and without detailed floor plans.
During the setup, due to miscommunication, we mistakenly arranged the stage and 200 chairs incorrectly. To complicate matters, the production and decor company had already begun draping the stage and initially indicated it could not be moved. Despite these setbacks, our team remained calm and solution-focused.
We quickly devised a plan to set up an additional stage in the correct location and then remove the misplaced one. This required considerable effort, but our staff rose to the challenge without hesitation. The parents, initially distressed upon seeing the incorrect setup, were astonished and relieved to find everything perfectly arranged just hours later.
This event stood out not only for the high level of customization required but also for our team's dedication and ability to adapt under pressure. Our commitment to resolving the issue efficiently and maintaining a positive attitude ensured that the wedding proceeded flawlessly, leaving the clients highly satisfied with their experience.
6. What trends do you foresee in the wedding and event venue industry for the upcoming year? How do you stay innovative and ahead of the curve in your venue offerings?
In the upcoming year, I foresee several exciting trends in the wedding and event venue industry. One trend gaining popularity is audio guest books, which provide a unique and memorable way for guests to leave messages for the couple. Additionally, glass dance floors with flowers inside and floral chandelier installations are becoming sought-after decor elements for their aesthetic appeal and elegance.
Innovative seating charts are also trending, with creative designs incorporating champagne displays or personal favors as place cards, adding a personalized touch to the event.
While we may not directly offer these specific items, we stay innovative by staying informed about these trends and suggesting them to our clients as potential enhancements to their events. By continuously updating our knowledge of the latest industry trends and maintaining a flexible approach to accommodating unique requests, we ensure that our venue remains ahead of the curve and provides clients with the most current and exciting options for their special occasions.
7. Lastly, what advice would you offer to couples who are in the midst of selecting a venue for their wedding or special event?
My primary advice for couples selecting a venue for their wedding or special event is to ensure they truly love the venue before making a commitment. It's crucial to feel a genuine connection with the space and be confident that it aligns with your vision and expectations. It's better to take the time to find the perfect fit than to book a venue and later experience regret. Making a well-considered decision will lead to a more enjoyable and memorable event for everyone involved.
By understanding the intricacies of venue management and the dedication required to create exceptional events, you can better appreciate the effort that goes into making your special day flawless. With these insights, you can confidently choose a venue that aligns with your vision and ensures a memorable experience for all.
We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to Lissette Hernandez for sharing her valuable insights and experiences with us. If you are interested in hosting your next event at Trump National Doral, please contact Lissette Hernandez, Catering Manager, at (305) 591-6471 or via email at [email protected].