Donal O'Callaghan
Summary
With over a decade of experience in hospitality and events, I am a highly skilled Event and Guest Management Professional with a proven track record in coordinating logistics for high-profile events. I excel at managing speaker and guest arrangements and delivering personalized, unforgettable experiences.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Project Manager
Pico Group
Dubai
08.2024 - 11.2024
- Managed the successful execution of Mansour, the festival in Abu Dhabi, attracting over 5,000 attendees daily over three days.
- Coordinated cross-functional teams and partners to ensure seamless operations and event delivery.
- Oversaw logistics for the Guinness World Record for the largest ball pit.
- Collaborated with the client to secure sponsorships, enhancing brand visibility, and event growth.
- Negotiated contracts for workshops and managed entertainment programming, including a parade with over 90 performers and more than 30 main stage acts.
- Delivered exceptional guest experiences while adhering to budget and timelines, demonstrating expertise in event management and team leadership.
Senior Speaker Manager
Richard Attias and Associates
Remote / Riyadh
04.2024 - 05.2024
- Oversaw pre-event registration and logistics for 300+ VIP speakers, handling hotel bookings, airport transfers, transport, and travel arrangements (flights, visas, accommodations).
- Ensured seamless communication, addressing concerns promptly, to maintain smooth operations.
- Coordinated RSVPs for exclusive tours in AlUla, Makkah, and Riyadh, and managed speaker gifting.
- Led and trained the on-site team to deliver top-tier service for flawless event execution.
Senior Guest Management Lead
Diriyah Gate Development Authority
Onsite/Riyadh
02.2024 - 04.2024
- Led the execution of high-profile events, including Founding Day and the Asayel Horse Show, ensuring flawless logistics and exceptional guest experiences.
- Managed VIP and royalty seating, as well as the coordination of majalis lounges, VIP areas, and public spaces, overseeing catering, furniture, décor, and staffing.
- Directed a team of up to 30 guest managers on-site to deliver smooth event operations.
- Coordinated site visits for luxury clients, such as LVMH, Kering, and Richemont, at Diriyah’s retail development.
Guest Services Manager
Quintessentially
Remote/AlUla, Saudi Arabia /Dubai,UAE
09.2022 - 02.2024
- Richard Mille Polo (Dec 2023 - Jan 2024) Managed guest relations and logistics, covering RSVPs, travel arrangements, rooming lists, on-site support, and post-event follow-up reports
- Wadi Ashar Dialogue (Nov 2023 - Dec 2023) RSVP Guest Manager
- The Galleria Mall Luxury Collection 10-Year Anniversary (Oct 2023) Team Lead for 15 guest managers
- Wadi Forum 2023 with SRMG (March 2023) Guest Manager
- Wadi Ashar Dialogue (Nov 2022) Guest Manager
- The Banyan Tree Opening (Oct 2022) Guest Manager
Guest Experience and Hospitality Manager
Pico Group
Jeddah
09.2023 - 10.2023
- Saudia Airlines' Unveiling of the Green Logo VIP Event and Gala Dinner
Index Saudi Ambassador Programme Manager
DMG Events
Riyadh
07.2023 - 09.2023
- Led successful media campaigns for the Index Saudi Ambassador Program, exceeding KPIs, and driving significant event awareness.
- Identified and partnered with key ambassadors, applying expertise in influencer marketing to amplify brand reach.
- Implemented a strategic approach that grew online engagement from 7k to 13.5k in less than two months, resulting in a 58% increase in visitors compared to the previous year.
- Managed content for the event, ensuring alignment with the theme, guidelines, and quality standards by gathering ambassador materials, biographies, and presentation content.
- Provided seamless on-site support, handling last-minute requests, and ensuring the flawless execution of event operations.
VIP Guest Manager
Louis Vuitton
Doha
10.2022 - 12.2022
- Ensured seamless VIP experiences across four hotels by collaborating closely with staff and service providers
- Managed airport meet-and-greets, guest pickups and drop-offs, and coordinated dinner bookings
International & VIP Guest Management | Protocol Department
EXPO 2020
Dubai
03.2021 - 04.2022
- Led a team of 15+ to manage VIP visits, including celebrities such as Eva Longoria, Vanessa Kirby, and Anthony Joshua
- Developed and executed comprehensive itineraries, transportation logistics, and VIP tours
- Coordinated 192 national day ceremonies with seamless protocol management
- Maintained daily communication with key stakeholders and promptly addressed challenges with contingency plans
Project Manager
Front Row, Beauty World
Dubai
02.2020 - 06.2020
- Led the Front Row speaker program in 2019 and 2020, collaborating with Vogue Arabia's editor to develop a three-day agenda.
- Conducted research, recruited speakers, and managed content creation.
- Achievements: Boosted attendance by 33% (44,000+ visitors from 138 countries in 2019), and won Best Marketing Campaign at the Middle East Event Awards 2020.
Project Coordinator
Action Impact
Dubai
09.2019 - 01.2020
- Secured vendors and finalized budget-friendly contracts to optimize event execution
- Managed daily crowds of 2,000+ during the 12-day Mubadala Winter Wonderland
- Coordinated licenses, permits, and interactive elements to enhance engagement and transparency
- Key Events: Mubadala Chinese New Year (2020), Winter Wonderland (2019), and Halloween (2019)
Event Coordinator
WrkWrk
Dublin
06.2016 - 07.2017
- Google Engage 2017: Led hotel check-in and departure processes, along with delegate registration, for Ireland's largest corporate conference, efficiently accommodating over 5,500 attendees
- Longitude Music Festival: Managed the VIP Zone for Conor McGregor and his guests
Talent Manager
Parish PR
New York
02.2014 - 05.2016
- A-list celebrity recruitment for major events, including representation of a diverse range of Hollywood celebrities
- Successful management and execution of high-profile events, such as premieres for films like 'Lee Daniel's The Butler,' 'Orange is the New Black,' and 'Side Effects,' as well as the E! Upfronts Event and Casio's G Shock Event
Guest Manager
Auditoire
Riyadh AlUla
03.2023
- The UNWTO Best Tourism Village Awards 2023
Education
Prince2 Foundation Cert -
AXELOS Global Best Practice
12.2023
Customer Experience (CX) Strategy Cert -
LinkedIn Learning
12.2023
Content Marketing Cert -
Hub Spot Academy
12.2023
The Fundamentals of Digital Marketing Cert -
Google Digital Garage
12.2020
Event Management Diploma -
Irish Academy Of Public Relations
12.2017
Skills
- Registration management
- Guest list management
- Managing events start to finish
- Entertainment booking
- Social media promotion
- Contract negotiations
- Travel arrangements
- Catering management
- Logistics management
- Sponsorship acquisition
- Budget management
- On-site execution
- Speaker coordination
- Vendor sourcing
- Staff training and development
- Team management
- Exceptional communication
- Guest account management
- Client relationship management
- Strong empathy
Timeline
Senior Project Manager
Pico Group
08.2024 - 11.2024
Senior Speaker Manager
Richard Attias and Associates
04.2024 - 05.2024
Senior Guest Management Lead
Diriyah Gate Development Authority
02.2024 - 04.2024
Guest Experience and Hospitality Manager
Pico Group
09.2023 - 10.2023
Index Saudi Ambassador Programme Manager
DMG Events
07.2023 - 09.2023
Guest Manager
Auditoire
03.2023
VIP Guest Manager
Louis Vuitton
10.2022 - 12.2022
Guest Services Manager
Quintessentially
09.2022 - 02.2024
International & VIP Guest Management | Protocol Department
EXPO 2020
03.2021 - 04.2022
Project Manager
Front Row, Beauty World
02.2020 - 06.2020
Project Coordinator
Action Impact
09.2019 - 01.2020
Event Coordinator
WrkWrk
06.2016 - 07.2017
Talent Manager
Parish PR
02.2014 - 05.2016
Prince2 Foundation Cert -
AXELOS Global Best Practice
Customer Experience (CX) Strategy Cert -
LinkedIn Learning
Content Marketing Cert -
Hub Spot Academy
The Fundamentals of Digital Marketing Cert -
Google Digital Garage
Event Management Diploma -
Irish Academy Of Public Relations
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