Meet Maddy Levy | Event Planner & Event Services Manager

We had the good fortune of connecting with Maddy Levy and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Maddy, can you share the most important lesson you’ve learned over the course of your career?
The most important thing I have learned in the event field is to always expect the unexpected. Plans change and we as humans are able to adapt to that quickly. There are many factors that go into an event and almost something always occurs that makes it different than what was first planned out. For example keeping a timeline or itinerary, as much as you plan to keep perfect timing of an event there always needs to be a few minutes of give and take for mistakes! Working in weddings I have experienced a lot of different mishaps including wardrobe alterations of the bridal party to missing table name cards! Any event there are many people involved and all following one agenda. I know to always be prepared for anything and manage time as best as possible! Only you can control your own actions.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I now work in the hotel industry at the Arizona Biltmore. This is my first manager position and job at a hotel. I am very proud to be working for Hilton and in the field of events and conferences. Before starting at The Biltmore I was working at a community center in North Scottsdale called DC Ranch. I would help the residents that live there plan their personal events at our venues on site. There were two locations. I learned a lot as the event and rental specialist lead and was there for a year and half. I had been very happy working there. I had always been interested in the hotel event industry and the Biltmore is a special place for my family as well. We go to this hotel every year during the holiday season as well as my grandparents lived next door. My family would go to stay in the summer and spent time at the pool! The property is spectacular and very well kept. There is so much to look at in every turn and the Frank Lloyd Wright Architecture leaves a lasting impression. I feel I did work very hard to get to where I am now. People who know me know I try to take on any opportunity given to me, even if that leaves me with no extra free time. I have worked so many different jobs and event gigs only to help myself gain experience and meet new people to network with. I am content that I am a hard worker. Before this year I never took one day off, being there to help others and show I am dedicated leaves me fulfilled.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Living in Scottsdale there is always a lot going on every week of the year! Depending on the season there is always so much to do and see. For me depending on the season, and weather would really alter the schedule. In the spring there are spring training games for every baseball team in the West Coast leagues. Summer it is best to go places with pools and outdoor activities. Fall there are pumpkin patches and many outdoor petting zoos, and winter there are light exhibits, holiday events and it does snow up north! Here are some of my favorites in Phoenix and around town that I would take someone that was visiting: Dutch Bros Postinos Sauce The Botanical Gardens Papago Park The Salt River A sporting event Old town Scottsdale Olive and Ivy The Madison spin studio Concert venues Camelback mountain Alamo Drafthouse or Roadhouse cinemas The Phoenix Art Museum Downtown Phoenix – many local restaurants, coffee shops, street art (First Fridays!) Go to visit Seodna, Tucson, Prescott, Pinetop, Flagstaff, or the Grand Canyon Downtown Gilbert Tempe Town Lake A mountain Shakes and Cones Culinary Dropout Blanco Flower Child Farm & Craft

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to shoutout Miranda Reyes of Miranda Madison events, she has taken me under her wing as a mentor and friend in the event industry. She has helped me to gain confidence and trust within myself. I have learned there is never a point where you stop growing, and learning in your own career. I have worked many events with her and look up to her for her leadership and professionalism. I would also like to take the time to appreciate my professors and event classes at Arizona State University. There were many times in class we would have guest speakers, field trips, and on site volunteering at events that helped me develop my enjoyment for working in events and seeing the benefit of them. It was great to be in many different courses. I learned about sports, marketing, concerts, non-profit, festivals, and so much more of the event industry. My professors also became great contacts and connections for job opportunities after college as well! Last but not least my parents need to be recognized as well. They have given me full support and appreciation to go after what I want and really find what I do best. They have pushed me to strive to utilize my abilities and resources to continue to help me succeed. I would like to thank them for believing in me and being happy for me throughout my journey.

Website: https://about.me/madelinelevy
Instagram: maddyanne_l
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/madeline-levy/
Facebook: facebook.com/maddy.levy

Image Credits
@morganmarieweaver