Sales Marketing
Resume:
SARA G NAVARRO ELIAS
Chicago, IL
************@*****.***
CAREER SUMMARY
. Talented events professional with 10+ years progressive experience
known for delivering outstanding client service in a deadline-
intensive environment
. Excellent interpersonal skills with demonstrated ability of both
supervisory and support staff roles in a team environment
. Proven event sales record with knack for identifying event business
opportunities while managing up to 100 vendor relationships
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Independent Event and Marketing Consultant, National
04/2010 - Present
Provides full-lifecycle event management solutions and marketing strategy
consultation for a client list that includes May Street Caf , Sawtooth
Restaurant, and Strategic Experiential Group/Moet Hennessey USA.
. Provided overall event strategy consultation services, including
overall event concept/theme, pre- and on-site event logistics, and
post-event evaluation and results reporting
. Advised clients on event sales processes, creating customized
management tools and documenting roles and responsibilities
. Designed restaurant and special event floral arrangements in
accordance with company brand and event
look-and-feel
. Outlined marketing strategy and best practices, including PR and
social marketing via website, email, Facebook, Twitter and
OpenTable.com
. Managed relationships with local news outlets to increase client reach
within targeted markets
. Oversaw nation-wide product marketing campaign spanning 12 events at 7
venues in a 2-week timeframe
. Conducted competitive product and marketing training across 50 brands
for executive and sales management teams
. Created and maintained relationships with best-of-breed industry
suppliers, including venue and logistics providers
CUATRO, LLC, Chicago, IL
12/2003 - 05/2010
Family-owned and operated restaurant and live music venue serving modern
Latin cuisine in Chicago's South Loop.
"Lively food, fine service makes Cuatro a jewel"-Three Star Review by Phil
Vettel, Chicago Tribune
Senior Manager, Event Sales and Catering, 6/2006 - 05/2010
Manager, Event Sales and Catering, 12/2003 - 6/2006
. Advised on concept and design of restaurant site including original
build-out and floor plan, private event space, furnishings and d cor
. Developed client-facing collateral suite, including venue overview and
specifications, rental costs, proposal/contract templates, and menu,
AV, music, and floral design packages
. Received, responded to, and followed up on requests for information
and event proposals/contracts
. Provided on-site guided tours of venue to potential clients
. Worked with kitchen management team to develop customized and themed
menu packages for on- and off-site events
. Interviewed, booked and scheduled live music acts for on-going
performances and special events
. Managed company participation in hospitality industry events,
including national tradeshows & conventions
. Researched and identified opportunities for community and not-for-
profit event sponsorships
. Provided continued event sales analysis for restaurant and performed
general office responsibilities
. Created and maintained website, fulfilled marketing and graphic design
needs and specialized literature requests
FORSYTHE TECHNOLOGY, INC., Skokie, IL 05/2003
- 03/2005
National provider of technology infrastructure solutions to organizations
across all industries, including many Fortune 1000 companies.
Marketing Assistant
. Reported to VP of Marketing and supported 10+ member marketing team
. Assisted marketing managers with event logistics, including venue
research, contract requests, speaker coordination, and travel bookings
. Coordinated national and regional company holiday parties with 500+
attendees
. Produced on-site customer meetings for executive and national sales
teams
. Tracked inventory, received/fulfilled requests, and managed shipment
schedule for tradeshow booth property, marketing literature and
premium items
. Created and edited customer-facing PowerPoint presentations and
proposals
. Provided support for Salesforce.com users
USA TRADING, INC., Chicago, IL
07/2000 - 05/2003
Private security and commodity clearinghouse company associated with the
Chicago Board of Trade.
Executive Assistant
. Reported to the President and VP of the firm, responsible for
appointment scheduling and confirmation, booking travel arrangements,
and other general administrative duties
. Coordinated annual holiday events and corporate outings
. Created and designed invitations, event signage, collateral and office
memos
. Reviewed and processed invoices in an accurate and timely manner
. Debited trader accounts for expenses daily, preparing expense reports
and assisting in trader and staff services
COMPUTER SKILLS
. Advanced knowledge of PC/Windows and Mac/OS X, MS Office Suite, Adobe
InDesign, Quickbooks, Paychex,
Opentable, and Micros 3700
AFFILIATIONS
. Meeting Planners International, Member
. Event Planning & Event Management LinkedIn Group, Member
. Restaurant & Hospitality Experts LinkedIn Group, Member
. Restaurant Network LinkedIn Group, Member
LINKS
. www.linkedin.com/in/saragnavarro
. www.twitter.com/saragnavarro
REFERENCES
Excellent professional and personal references available upon request or
visit LinkedIn to view recommendations.
Contact this candidate