It is no surprise our Catering & Events Team Members have participated in some spectacular events at our hotels around the world. From weddings to film shoots, and sports conventions to NATO conferences, keep reading to learn about the events our Team Members will never forget!
YAZZYR AVILEZ
Events & Conventions ManagerConrad Tulum Riviera Maya & Hilton Tulum Riviera Maya All-Inclusive Resort
“My favorite experience so far as an Events & Conventions Manager, for the Hilton and Conrad Tulum Riviera Maya, has been organizing a multi-ceremony wedding for a lovely couple!
I was initially partnering with this couple to plan a traditional wedding ceremony and reception; however, when the pandemic hit, we ended up having to reschedule multiple times. Although not the ideal scenario, the silver lining of the continuously rescheduled date is that this wonderful couple and I had a much longer timeline to design and plan their dream wedding. Once the big day finally arrived, my team and I worked tirelessly to pull off this long-awaited event!
The day began with a legal wedding, moving into a religious ceremony, and culminating in a Mayan wedding, showcasing the local culture of Tulum. The couple and their guests danced at the reception well into the night, and during the last 30 minutes of their special day, it began to rain. That did not stop them from having the time of their lives! Every single guest continued dancing under the rain until the very last possible minute. Being part of such a special moment for this couple is one of the best experiences I have ever had.”
HOPE QUIGLEY
Event Services Manager“Two of my favorite events I have worked on as an Events Services Manager at the Hilton New Orleans Riverside happened just this past year.
Two separate crews came to my hotel (Hilton New Orleans Riverside) to use it as a filming location – one for a movie, and one for an upcoming TV show. I have always loved watching the behind-the-scenes videos and blooper reels of shows, and when the film crews came to the hotel, I was able to see it all happening live.
The director and production crew for the TV show even presented me with two dozen roses after filming wrapped to thank me for my support to the group during their stay. Once the movie was streaming, I was able to pinpoint my hotel in a few different scenes, and I couldn’t resist bragging about it to my family and friends.
These were such unique experiences that I know not many people get the chance to participate in – I’m thankful for the opportunity!”
KELLI GIGLIO, CMP
Director, Catering & Events“One of the most exciting events I have worked on as a Hilton Catering & Events Team Member was when Chicago hosted the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) conference. My hotel, The Drake, was home to seven different heads of state while they were in town attending the conference. Working with Secret Service, the State Department, and the City of Chicago was a tremendous learning opportunity for myself and our entire Catering & Events team. The whole experience was immeasurable.”
NIALL FINN
Senior Manager, Event Services“My favorite event I have ever participated in as a Hilton Catering & Events Team Member was working on the Chicago Blackhawks Convention. Being onsite during setup as the convention took over the entire hotel, and then watching as it all came to life with thousands of fans in attendance was really something special. An additional perk of working the event was having the opportunity to interact closely with former & current Blackhawks players.”
