Darlene Buonauro

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

Wantagh, NY 11793

516-***-****

As the owner and director of Learning Through Travel and Inspire Travel Loyalty for the past 18 years I have a meticulous eye for detail and perfection. I have been in the travel industry for over thirty years and have extensive experience in planning, operating meetings, events and tours domestically and internationally. My vast knowledge of the travel industry worldwide affords me a competitive edge when negotiating for the finest services and the best rates in the market ensuring my clients and their attendees that the end result is an event to be remembered.

The programs that I have created and managed have been held at hotels, conference centers, on board cruise ships, restaurants, catering facilities, and outdoor venues. My clients have included but have not been limited to non-profit organizations, corporations, motivational speakers, doctors and naturopathy trainings, spiritual conferences and success clubs. Size of the programs varied from 40 – 1000 attendees.

Work Experience

Inspire Travel Loyalty/Inspire Meetings & Events Bellmore, NY January 1, 2016 – Present

Learning Through Travel, Inc. Bellmore, NY December 1, 1999 – December 31, 2015

Research destinations

RFP submission via C-Vent

Create and execute event budget

Escort and plan site inspections

Manage a staff of 7 - 10

Contract negotiation at hotels, cruise ships or other venues including sleeping room rates, meeting space, commissions, staff rooms, complimentary rooms, food and beverage

Negotiate and contract transportation including airlines and motor coach companies

Negotiate and work closely with land operators, DMC’s and other vendors

Negotiate, contract and execute all audio visual needs including staging, lighting, and translation booths

Negotiate and execute private permits for programs and activities held at areas closed to the public

Lead Pre and Post Conference meetings

Research, negotiate and manage entertainment (DJ, bands, local and traditional entertainment)

Design meeting space and conference room lay-out

Set-up and manage on-line registration (using Reg-Online, Boomset and other online registration systems)

Design badges and promotional gifts

Design and work with developers on apps for attendees

Research, negotiate and book speakers

Create theme nights and events (awards, white party, dance parties, book signings, pool parties, beach meditations)

Create sponsorship programs (based on the events theme)

Write copy for brochures, website, welcome and thank you letters

Attend travel conferences, tradeshows, networking events to keep current with the most up to date properties, vendors and destinations

Experienced with working with CVB’s, local city tourist offices (i.e. Visit Sarasota) to get monetary or gift support

Experienced with working with corporation presidents, vice presidents, CEO’s, tourist offices, embassy’s, sales directors, food & banquet directors, housing, front desk and all other aspects of hotel staff

Managed day to day business duties of my company including financial, employee staffing, telephone services, insurance, advertising budget

Global Educational Travel NYC, NY April 1993 – November 30, 1999

Tour Operator specializing in the Eastern Mediterranean - Director of Sales

Responsible for a three team sales group

Direct contact via telephone or in person with clients

Created proposals

Created costing

Tour Escort

Attended trade shows/conventions representing GET

Wrote and edited GET national brochure

Coordinated and executed national brochure campaign

Park East Tours NYC, NY October 1988 –March 1993

Tour Operator specializing in East Africa and Beyond - Sales Manager

Managed a staff of three sales managers

Wrote proposals and sales scripts

Created costing

Over saw operations of group from beginning to return of clients including group air, hotels, lodges and transportation

Tour escort

METCO Tours NYC, NY October 1985 – September 1988

Tour Operator specializing in the Middle East – Sales Manager

Managed a staff of five sales managers

Wrote proposals and sales scripts

Over saw operations of group from beginning to return of clients including group air, hotels, lodges and transportation

Tour escort

Skills and Achievements

Travelled to 42 Countries and Islands

Efficient in Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook

CVent + Lanyon (Reg-Online)

Member of MPI

Member of the MPI Sponsorship Committee

Member of CLIA

Member of NAPW

NAPW 2013 Professional Women of the Year

SBEIC New York Excellence Award 2013

Belief in person to person communication either face to face or via telephone

Team player and a leader

Quick learner and always willing to work outside the “box”, I believe there is never a problem only a solution that will benefit the client and the company.

Education

Wellington C. Mepham High School, Bellmore New York - 1979

Nassau Community College – Writing/Journalism 1994

MPI training

Amadeus Booking System

Contact this candidate