Manager Customer

Michele Calabrese Conference Planning Director

**********@*****.*** Website or LinkedIn 631-***-****

Skilled and dynamic Conference Planning Director with robust experience enhancing organizational development through exceptional planning and execution of successful meetings, banquets, and special events. Adept at client and customer satisfaction, quality assurance, and exceeding expectations. Eager to demonstrate knowledge and ability to an organization equally as passionate about providing outstanding experiences and redefining the industry.

Areas of Expertise include:

Conference Planning

Special Events

Banquet Coordination

Client Relations

Change Management

Conflict Resolution

Leadership and Supervison

Training and Development

Budget and Cost Control

Professional Experience

Tarrytown House Estate & Conference Center • Tarrytown, NY • October 2011 to Present

Director of Conference Planning

Coordinate all operations involved with executing exceptional conferences, banquets, and special events. Collaborate with all hotel departments, providing for smooth operations that yield results. Lead conference planning managers, set-up attendants, and coffee break attendants. Conceptualize and implement Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) for department, incorporating new policies and procedures to streamline efficiency and enhance productivity. Direct training and continued development of conference and catering teams, designed to bolster output and enhance the overall customer experience. Oversee monthly hotel meetings, analyzing customer feedback and establishing departmental accountability standards.

Key Accomplishments:

Facilitate successful execution of more than 300 conferences annually.

Increased banquet revenue over 20% YOY, posting over $1M through effective up-selling of food and beverage items

Quickly recognized for outstanding work ethic and abilities, promoted from Senior Conference Planning Manager to Conference Planning Director.

Consistently maintained customer satisfaction rating higher than 92% for the past six years.

Coordinate all details and services, from rooms to setup and meals for annual program, featuring a buyout of complete facility, adding over $1M in revenue.

Glen Cove Mansion Hotel & Conference Center • Glen Cove, NY • September 2007 to October 2011

Senior Conference Planning Manager

Directed all events, ensuring successful execution of group activities. Served as the primary liaison between clients and property staff. Identified client needs, establishing and communicating action plan to all necessary associates. Compile and disseminate in-house reports and event banquet orders. Coordinate Conference Services and Business Center staff, facilitating scheduling and prioritizing daily, weekly, and monthly duties.

Key Accomplishments:

Increased Conference Center revenue, incorporating up-selling strategies to boost food, beverage, audio visual, and onsite activities.

Demonstrated exceptional ability to learn quickly, starting with no field experience and earning the opportunity to coordinate events for high-profile clients, including McKinsey and Co. and Bank of America.

Additional nonprofit experience as Development Coordinator for Family Residences and Essential Enterprises, leading

fundraising efforts through exceptional planning of galas, golf outings, and auctions. Details available upon request.

Education

Bachelor of Arts, Education, SUNY Old Westbury • Old Westbury, NY

Training & Development

DEP Bootcamp, Destination Hotels • Sellers Edge Certificate, Benchmark

Contact this candidate