CATERING SALES MANAGER

Meet Bri Beranek, our Catering Sales Manager at Hyatt Regency Coralville, boasting around nine years of expertise in the sales industry. Bri is not just a sales professional; she's your guide to falling in love with our event spaces, aiding in selecting the perfect spots for your ceremony and reception. Her role extends beyond booking, as she passionately provides couples with essential information about weddings at Hyatt Regency Coralville. Bri's heart lies in the joy of dancing the night away at weddings, reveling in the special moments shared with couples, families, and friends. Outside of work, Bri co-owns a balloon garland business with her sister (yep—she’s got a creative side too!). She’s also a proud mom to her daughter Aubrey and shares life’s sweetest moments with her husband Nick and their lovable pup, Jetta.

EVENT MANAGER

Hi, I’m McKayla. I am so excited to work with you to plan your big day!

I am originally from Des Moines, but moved to Iowa City after graduating from Iowa State University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Event Management and Public Relations. Before starting my career at Hyatt Regency Coralville in 2021, I was a florist for 7 years which solidified my love for the wedding industry. I now have over 4 years of experience helping couples plan their big day. I will work with you to plan your reception layout, timeline, menu, and bar selections. I am always here and happy to answer questions!

The best part of my job is creating a connection with our couples and showcasing the beauty of the Iowa River Wetlands in our own backyard.

Outside of work, you can find me shopping at Target, having a glass of white wine, and spending time with my husband and our black cat Olive.

DIRECTOR OF EVENTS

Hello! I am Shannon and I oversee our Event Planning and Event Operations teams at Hyatt Regency Coralville.

I graduated from the University of Iowa and started my career right out of college. I am a CMP (Certified Meeting Planner) with over two decades of experience in the event planning industry and have personally handled over 100 weddings, all in the Iowa City area.

My team and I are committed to transforming your special day into an unforgettable and seamless event. Whether it is advising on the perfect ballroom arrangements, curating the perfect food and beverage selections, or ensuring that every moment unfolds seamlessly according to your plan, we are dedicated to making your wedding journey stress-free and joyous.

Outside of work, I love to spend time with my family and friends, two kids and my dogs, Lucky and Margot. I get my energy from being around people whether at home or at work. If I’m invited to anything involving a card game, cheese or a gin cocktail, I’m there! My husband is also an Event Planner so our friends count on us to host epic parties.

SENIOR EVENT MANAGER

Suné Holt is a seasoned professional in the realm of event planning, specializing in weddings with a passion that spans over 13 years. A proud alumna of Winona State University, Suné holds a degree in Commercial Recreation and Tourism, emphasizing in Event Planning and Communication Studies. Currently serving as the Senior Event Manager at Hyatt Regency Coralville, Suné has curated countless unforgettable moments for couples on their special day. Beyond the bustling world of events, Suné finds solace in the serenity of the beach, the thrill of camping and hiking adventures, and the joys of quality time with her husband Chris, her loyal dog Cooper, and her cat DaVinci. Her love for crafting cocktails is as dynamic as her commitment to creating lasting memories for every couple she works with.

BANQUETS MANAGER

Brian Thorson brings nearly a decade of expertise to the world of event operations as the Senior Banquet Manager at Hyatt Regency Coralville. With meticulous attention to detail, Brian oversees the dedicated team responsible for ensuring every couple's big day is nothing short of extraordinary. His hands-on approach ensures that every detail is perfect, contributing to the creation of memorable weddings at Hyatt. Outside of the bustling event world, Brian unwinds outdoors or in the midst of a workout, embracing a healthy and active lifestyle.

EXECUTIVE CHEF

Chef Kenneth Trainer has worked in the field of culinary arts through the East Coast and Midwest for 36 years. He has worked throughout events such as the Olympics, Super Bowl, and NBA All Star Breaks. Chef Ken enjoys smoking and grilling meats with his wife, attending any kind of sporting events, and loves Asian foods.

DIRECTOR OF SALES & MARKETING

Over the past twelve years, Shaun has held roles at three incredible hotels, with a special place in her heart for weddings. From her earliest hotel days to now, she’s loved working alongside couples to help bring their dream wedding day to life. Whether it’s crafting the perfect timeline or adding that extra touch of magic, Shaun considers it an honor to hold space for such an important celebration.

She’s married to her favorite person and is the proud (and totally obsessed) mom of one amazing adult son. Life is full, joyful, and just the right amount of bubbly—just like a good wedding toast.