Ivy A. Caro

st

**** ** ****** *. #**, Arlington VA 22206

703-***-**** (Mobile) acfvjn@r.postjobfree.com

Versatile, results-oriented meetings and events professional with proven track record in

sales, operations, and outstanding customer service seeks a management position in a

hotel or non-profit association. Highly experienced in executing a wide variety of events,

overseeing convention and meeting logistics, coordinating housing services, and

performing a range of critical sales, marketing, and training roles.

KEY ACCOMPLISHMENTS

• Spearheaded face-to-face marketing campaign to promote a convention services

provider to DC association conference planners.

• Placed first in company for most RFPs solicited for convention housing and

registration opportunities

• Consistently met or exceeded monthly sales goals established by company

leadership.

• Grew accounts from room blocks of 8,700 peak rooms to 14,000 over six years.

• Coordinated efforts to move a citywide conference of 20,000 attendees in a span

of (3) three months after Hurricane Katrina.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

B.F. Saul Hospitality Group March 2014 - Present

Catering Sales Manager

Westin Arlington Gateway Hotel

Convention Services Manager (Task Force) January - March 2014

Wyndham Jade, LLC 2012 – 2013

Sales Director, Convention Housing and Registration

Sold convention housing and registration services to Washington, D.C., metro area

association client as well as developed new business and managed relationships with a

robust existing clientele.

• Routinely conducted successful sales outreaches, building/fostering relationships

with DC meeting planners

• Negotiated and managed contracts with diverse clientele

• Co-managed registration and housing for approximately 6,000 attendees

• Brought in hundreds of leads through referrals and outreach events per year.

• Met high standards of customer service

J. Spargo & Associates 2004 – 2012

Senior Account Manager, Housing Services

Managed housing and logistical services for three national associations. Oversaw budget

development, conducted contract negotiations, selected sites, executed events, and

trained/supervised housing operations team.

• Planned, coordinated, and managed hotel blocks for conferences hosting up to

20,000 attendees.

• Managed all aspects of association’s housing to include collecting revenue in

excess of $1.4 million from creation to audit. Tracked revenue, collected

commissions, and reconciled/audited hotel inventory reports.

• Led critical online initiatives. Prepared specifications for online housing websites

and in-house client reports. Also assisted in creation of hotel database

management system.

• Acted as key client liaison with national hotel sales directors and convention

bureau staff. Streamlined communication and sales process by conducting

periodic pre-convention meetings.

• Trained in-house customer service staff and managed an onsite support team of up

to 10 people, receiving consistently superior performance ratings from leadership

team and clients.

Theracare Wellness Center 2002-2004

Office Manager

Managed daily operations and administrative functions of a physical and pulmonary

rehabilitation facility.

• Served as liaison between health insurance companies and facility.

• Managed daily appointment schedules for therapists and patients.

• Processed employee payroll, accounts receivable, and accounts payable.

J. Spargo & Associates 2000 - 2002

Meetings/Logistics Manager

Supervised meetings logistics for citywide conventions hosting up to 30,000 attendees.

• Created and maintained meeting logistics database, oversaw catering and

audiovisual requirements, and coordinated housing accommodations and shuttle

services.

• Supervised onsite contractors/vendors including security, banquet staff,

decorators, and temporary meetings staff.

Marriott Hotels & Resorts 1996 - 2000

Catering Sales and Event Management

Promoted Key Bridge Marriott to prospects in Rosslyn area via cold-calling, networking,

and outbound marketing. Negotiated resulting sales contracts for turnover to event

management staff.

• Managed Westfields Marriott (Chantilly) local catering events. Performed site

visits for social and corporate clients, negotiated and executed contracts, managed

event budgets, and oversaw all aspects of catering and setup for events

Industry Professional Affiliation: Special Events Co-chair, AMPS- 2012 to Present

Contact this candidate