Manager Sales
Resume:
Profile
I have recently returned to the Midwest, after a decade of exploring Alaska, traveling Central America and living in the South. I
am eager to find the perfect position to contribute to a successful company and put down roots in the Twin Cities.
Event Profile
My expertise is in full-service management of the entire event process: From selling hospitality and writing contracts, through
the planning of all precise details of the event, including supervising the operations, banquet, beverage, security and box office
staff during setup and working as the on-site Event Manager. I managed upwards of 600 events per year with varied attendance (up to 5,000 guests). My event experience includes managing a wide variety of the following types of events: Trade Shows, Conferences, Sporting Events, International Conventions, National Conventions, State Conventions, Alaskan-Native Pow-
Wows and other Multi-Cultural Events, Religious Events, Military Events, Local Events, Fashion Shows, Weddings, Corporate Banquets & Luncheons, Seminars, Corporate Meetings, Social Events, and Concerts.
Career
The Pit Authentic BBQ Restaurant & Bar - Raleigh, NC
Catering Sales Manager, 2012
• Sold and serviced private dining parties and off-site catering events for up to 2,300 guests.
• Coordinated scheduling, prepared BEOs, managed facility operations, created room layouts, and upsold catering.
• Planned events & supervised the execution of all banquet and off-site functions to ensure high levels of hospitality were met.
• Managed all deliveries and pickup orders, including a team of delivery drivers.
SMG of Alaska/Anchorage Convention Centers- Anchorage, AK
Egan Civic & Convention Center and Dena’ina Civic & Convention Center
Marketing & Sales Manager; Convention Services Manager; 2006-2011
• Pursued clients through networking in the community.
• Prepared proposals, sold high-end and large events, negotiated contracts; coordinated scheduling, planned all food & beverage details and acted as Event Manager.
• Prepared BEOs using Delphi software; created and upsold custom menus and floor plans for events; maintained an atmosphere of teamwork with client, the Food & Beverage Director, Chef, Operations Director, suppliers, vendors, and our staff.
• Advised clients through planning process of events.
• Practiced problem-solving skills during planning stages and resolved on-site challenges.
• Supervised service levels of Operations department during setup and Food & Beverage Department during events.
• Maintained positive relationships with clients, contractors and vendors to ensure repeat business.
• Represented the Anchorage Convention Centers at business expos, trade shows and community events.
• Managed Grand Opening of a new Convention Center – The Dena’ina Center – including hard-hat tours, sneak peeks of the Center.
• Attended many community events in a dual effort to educate public about the opening of the Dena’ina Center and to sell the space as early as one year before the opening.
Borders Books & Music - Anchorage, AK
Corporate Sales & Events Manager, 2004-2006
• Coordinated special events with upwards of 2,000 guests, including the record-breaking 2005 release of Harry Potter & the Half-Blood Prince.
• Directed events team, directly supervised two employees, delegating tasks as necessary.
• Oversaw business program, which included integrating into a new community through networking.
• Managed Borders’ education division for entire state of Alaska.
• Oversaw all external public relation issues, statements and advertisements for Borders Alaska, including matters involving media.
Education
Iowa State University – Bachelor of the Arts, English. Creative Writing, Non-fiction, 2004.
Blackhawk Technical College – Associate Degree, Legal Secretary. 1994.
Marianne Wells Yoga School, Cahuita, Costa Rica. 2011. RYT-200. Registered Yoga Teacher.
Competencies
Networking/Community
Extensive experience networking with professional associations. Regularly attended the following meetings as a member or a visitor: Anchorage Chamber of Commerce, Alaska Chamber of Commerce, Anchorage Convention & Visitors Bureau (ACVB), American Marketing Association (AMA), National Association of Catering Executives (NACE), Meeting Planners International (MPI), International Special Events Society (ISES), Business Networking International (BNI), Small Business Development Center (SBDC), Anchorage School Business Partnership (SBP), Petroleum Club of Alaska (PCA), Resource Development Council (RDC), Anchorage Economic Development Association (AEDC), Anchorage Downtown Partnership (ADP).
Business
Communication, Organization, Strong Business Judgment, Negotiation, Time Management, Process Analysis and Improvement, Problem-Solving, Motivational Leadership, Public Speaking, Critical Thinking, Detail-oriented, Strong Writing Skills, including experience in writing and editing newsletters
Computer
Typing skills: 75+ wpm. Microsoft Office Suite: Word, Excel, Outlook; Delphi/CCBreeze, Caterease, Corel Draw, Open Table, Squirrel, Aloha. Social Media: Skype, Facebook, Linked In, Twitter
Event
Event Sales, Contract Negotiation, Event Coordination, Event Management, Client and Support Staff Relations, Menu Planning, Floor Planning, Meeting Room Configuration, Staff Communications, Client Communications, Event Organization
Personal
Dependable, Professional, Adaptable, Flexible, Likeable, Focused, Independent, Cheerful
Sabbatical
Traveled Central America July 2011 – January 2012. Explored & studied yoga during this time.
Commendations
Dave Carpenter Individual Service Award. 2005.
This award was the highest honor given by Borders, and was personally awarded from the President of Borders Group, Inc., at an Awards Ceremony in Austin, TX.
Awards of Excellence from Anchorage School Business Partnership. 2006, 2009, 2010, 2011.
These awards were given to me for my active participation in the Gifted Mentorship Program, where I mentored gifted high school students in Event Management.
Keynote Speaker
Graduation of the Gifted Mentorship Program, 2009.
Topic of speech: Risk-Taking.
Direct References
“During Denise’s five years of service at the Anchorage Convention Centers, she proved to be a natural leader as she coordinated a wide range of events: From concerts, trade shows, and sporting events to receptions, banquets, conventions, and conferences. Our clients loved working with Denise. She was very successful in compelling them to book with us year after year. She excelled at our philosophy: ‘Make ‘em Happy, Get ‘em Back.’ In fact, she embraced that motto so wholeheartedly that she painted it on the wall in our staff break room. Denise’s bright personality and cheerful demeanor earned her the unofficial badge of ACC Cheerleader. Denise was indeed an asset to our team in many ways.”
- Therin Ferrin
Assistant General Manager
SMG/Anchorage Convention Centers
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“Denise’s creativity lives on at the Anchorage Convention Centers by way of a slogan that she coined during the 2008 opening of the Dena’ina Center: ‘Elevate your Image.’ We still use her slogan on the cover of our brochures today.”
- Con Jager
Director of Sales & Marketing
SMG/Anchorage Convention Centers
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“Denise consistently exceeded her sales goals, but her real gift was her ability to raise Borders profile in the community. She showed all of us how to really connect with customers and how to provide service that kept people coming back for more!”
-Grant Larsen
District Manager
Borders Alaska
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“Capable and creative, consistent and persistent, dedicated and delightful. These are terms that come to mind when I think of Denise Kamm. She was a rock star on my team of Sales and Event Managers at the Anchorage Convention Centers: a top producer and personal pleasure to work with.
I still miss Denise and her expertise: she made my day in every which way.”
- Con Jager
Director of Sales & Marketing
SMG/Anchorage Convention Centers
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