Director of Events
Resume:
Despina Athineos
** ******* **, *********, ** ***21
*******.********@*****.***
Work Experience:
AE Management, Fort Lauderdale, FL
Director of Events
Negotiate and confirm bookings and contracts with clients. Coordinate menus and services with Executive Chef, beverage department and FOH Management for proper execution of each event. Generate all materials for the day-of-event service folder including menus, place cards, function sheets, and event checklist. Facilitate menu planning process with guest, gathering all requests and generate BEOs. Assist client with space planning, décor and program flow as event dictates. Directing Events and Catering Sales with a focus on maximizing revenue potential by acquiring new clients and exceeding revenue growth targets. Keeping our company competitive and innovative through marketing strategies and branding objectives. Build and strengthen client relationships for new and future bookings. Cultivate on-going relationships with existing client base, including soliciting rebooking for annual and recurring events. Utilize existing event management systems for lead management and event planning purposes.
W Fort Lauderdale, Fort Lauderdale, FL
Group Sales Manager
2015 to 2017
Manage accounts to achieve guest satisfaction and solicit past and new business to exceed revenue goals as assigned. Negotiate, merchandise, and manage guest rooms and function space to maximize revenue potential for the hotel. Achieve monthly room night goals, develop and implement sales action plans, maintain positive interdepartmental communications and complete special projects as assigned by the Director of Sales and Marketing. Conduct site tours of the hotel and banquet facilities. Capture the client’s vision and effectively convey the specifications to appropriate departments, rapidly responding to inquiries, concerns, and issues, ensuring an exceptional client experience and seeding future sales. Manage block size to ensure the proper pick-ups and maintain relationships with clients for future sales. Plan and communicate to all departments the expressed need of the customer. Meeting & Event Manager
2013-2015
Manage, coordinate, and execute group assignments turned over by the Sales Department. Produce & distribute conference resumes & BEOs prior to group arrivals. Communicate guest requirements with hotel staff by preparing BEO's and following business processes regarding timely execution and guarantees. Manage function details and related activities to ensure that program requirements are satisfied. Anticipate and handle customer complaints and/or problems to ensure quality product deliver, customer satisfaction and repeat business. Review contractual turnovers for room blocks, cut off dates, special concessions & attrition clauses. Maximize revenues of assigned groups via outside vendor solicitation & menu upselling. Conduct site tours, lead pre-convention meetings, host FAM trips, & handle VIP arrangements.
The Westin Diplomat Resort and Spa, Hollywood, FL
Convention Services Coordinator
2011-2013
Working directly with a Senior Convention Services Managers, Assistant Director of Catering & Convention Services, and Director of Catering and Convention Services to assist in all aspects of program execution. Create BEO’s and Resumes for programs of 1,000 people. Handle all expense reports, travel and other related administrative duties. Ran event reports, and prequalified and assigned incoming leads.
Rivals Water Front Sports Grille Supervisor
2010-2011
Supervise all areas of Food & Beverage by providing quality service and ensure staff adheres to Westin standards. Organized and planned private event functions and buyouts. Complete biweekly payroll, staff hiring, counseling, and training.
Geronimo’s Bar and Grille, Davie, FL
Restaurant Manager
2007-2010
Managed Restaurant and Bar as well as organizing private dinner parties for birthdays, bat mitzvahs, christenings, bridal and baby showers.
ACCOLADES
Appointed W Fort Lauderdale Manager of the Quarter in 2014 as well as Manager of the Year in 2014. EDUCATION
2008
Florida International University, Miami, FL Bachelor of Science in Hospitality and Tourism Management Concentration: Event Planning Minor: Beverage Management SPECIAL SKILLS
Computer - Microsoft Office, Outlook, Delphi, ISAC, Cvent, Starcite, Speed RFP, Noland, Time- Saver, Concur, Eatec, Aloha, Photoshop
Language – Fluent English & Greek
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