Elizabeth Ferguson

*** ****** ******

East Berlin, CT 06023

C 860-***-****

acpqog@r.postjobfree.com

SUMMARY

Dynamic and accomplished sales and meeting/event planning professional with extensive experience in social and corporate markets. Extremely organized with a twelve year background in planning and seamless execution of exceptional meetings and events. Notable success in large-scale event planning, preparation, logistics and production. Proven ability to balance priorities, meet tight deadlines and produce superior quality. Client-centric approach; exceptionally well organized and practiced in conducting business at the highest level of professionalism.

Director of Sales & Catering

Culinart, The Maritime Aquarium, Norwalk, CT 2014-2015

* Lead the catering team to deliver impeccable product and service in a modern way that ensures outstanding guest experiences

* Develop and implement successful sales activities to secure new business from specified market segments including corporate, social, and event planners

* Maintain existing business clientele relationships, ensuring maximum profitability and quality service for guests

* Plan and execute all meetings and events from initial contract negotiations to final payment

* Generate all contracted agreements, proposals, event follow up and other letters of correspondence to deliver a seamless experience as well as build client relationships and loyalty

* Set expectations for direct reports, aligning performance and incentives, managing performance issues and holding team accountable for results

* Establish and maintain strong vendor relationships

Event Sales Manager

Riverhouse Properties, Avon, CT 2013-2014

* Responsible for selling and managing all events on property

* Provided all coordination with outside vendors. This to include, but not limited to, set-up and breakdown arrangements, décor coordination, rental equipment needs, audio/visual equipment needs and insurance requirements

* Prepared custom proposals and contracts based on the client’s needs and budget

* Managed all pre and post event billing

* Produced bridal shows and large scale event tastings

* Assisted in all aspects of marketing the property

Event Sales Manager

Madison Beach Hotel, Madison, CT 2012

* Created and implemented the sales and catering department for a new $35 million boutique hotel

* Sold and oversaw all aspects of corporate and social events

* Managed all guest room blocks for corporate and social guests

* Assisted in arranging off premise activities and meals for corporate groups

* Ordered and directed set up of audio/visual equipment needs

* Prepared function space contracts; proposed menus based on function type, size and budget

* Operations management

* Oversaw contracted team of event contributors, including entertainment, photographers, florist, rental equipment, tenting, etc.

Full Time Parent 2010 - 2012

Premier Event Sales Manager

Jordan Caterers and Event Planners, Cheshire, CT 2004 – 2010

* Was accountable for all aspects of selling, planning and executing corporate events, fundraisers, galas, premier events, and private parties

* Arranged all catering and equipment needs for all internal meetings at a large pharmaceutical company

* Arranged all catering needs for a weekly dinner meeting at a private senior society at Yale University. Many special dietary needs involved each week. This to include religious dietary restrictions and severe allergies

* Was in charged of selling and planning all events, internal and external, at the New Britain Museum of American Art. To include all meetings involving the museum Director and museum staff

* Acted as liaison between client and vendors to ensure proper execution of the event

* Organized, ordered and designed all aspects of events. This includes, but is not limited to, tent rental, all equipment rental, food, beverage, floor plans, timelines, staff, décor, entertainment and transportation

* Created custom menus for all events and diligent proposal writing after detail meetings

* Corresponded and maintain relationships with current, past and future clients to encourage repeat business

* Prepared sales reports and create detailed banquet event orders for the kitchen, administrative staff and event staff

* Collected and recorded all contracts, deposits and payments

* Created custom promotional emails and literature

Event Planner

The Boca Raton Resort and Club, Boca Raton, FL 2002 – 2004

* Planned all corporate and social events

* Participated in menu planning and food and wine pairing

* Coordinated all aspects of events to include, but not limited to, décor, entertainment, transportation and parking

* Was a member of the Executive Food and Beverage Committee which is in place to prepare promotional ideas and materials for the food and beverage outlets of the resort

* Successful completion of a Convention Management and Service class

Education

Bachelor of Arts, Major in Psychology, Minor in Criminal Justice

Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL

Skills

Ability to maintain a professional manner under stress, ability to persuade, influence and motivate others, extremely resourceful, ability to creatively solve problems, active exploration and listening skills that translate into critical knowledge, computer savvy; Caterease, Maestro, Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft Power Point, Microsoft Publisher, E Marketing, Blogging, Social Media

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