Sales Manager

L ionel D. Robinson

**** ******* ******, #*

Takoma Park, MD 20912

*********@*****.***

Telephone # 443-***-****

Summary of Qualifications

Event Manager/Catering Sales

A dynamic and accomplished catering and event planning professional with extensive experience in

social and corporate markets. Awarded success in large-scale event planning, preparation, logistics

and production. Client-centric approach, especially well organized and practiced in conducting

business at the highest level of professionalism. Areas of expertise:

• • •

Social Event Planning Staff Development Training Event Catering

• • •

Special Events/Invitations Design Recruiting/Hiring Preparation/Logistics

• • •

Operations Management Performance Evaluation Vendor Negotiations

Proven expertise in managing hosted events including, but not limited to, the President’s inaugural

headquarters, inaugural balls and first lady luncheons; promoting conference, convention and trades

show services by meeting with professional and trade associations and producing brochures and

other publications; consulting with clients to determine objectives and requirements for events,

including meetings, conferences and conventions; coordinating services for events, including

accommodation and transportation, facilities, catering, signage, displays, special needs requirements,

printing, audio-visual equipment, event security and other event needs; monitoring event activities to

ensure compliance with applicable regulations and laws, and to ensure a well-balanced and

memorable guest experience

Event Planning Experience

April 2005 SOCB Caterers

to Forestville, MD

2013 Catering Manager

Managed and provided written and verbal communications to clients regarding their

accounts;

arranged support services, coordinated needs with the facilities; supervised set up for

meetings, luncheons and dinners. Ordered audio communications for meetings and/or

catering

events; planned and organized catering events for guests and staff.

• Participated in various related off-premise projects and events;

• Coordinated with chefs on menus and programs to ensure excellent dining and

guest satisfaction;

• Responsible for other duties as assigned

January B&J Caterers

2002 Washington, DC

to Catering Director

March

2005 Researched and explored current and future business options including, but not limited

to, scheduling meeting spaces and conducting negotiations with beverage and food

suppliers for;

• Planned and executed events;

• Booked seminars, meetings and conferences;

• Supervised catering and conference set-up.

July 1993 The Unique Touch

to Oxon Hill, MD

January Catering Director

2002

• Prepared monthly projections of indirect operational costs for direct and for

department

• personnel. Designed and researched menus for client review and approval;

• Revised menus to incorporate new recipes ideas for appetizers, entrees, drinks and

desserts;

• Performed quality-assurance for foods and beverages served at events; directed

and supervised food servers and assistants to ensure proper food handling and

allocation;

• Conducted event planning, set ups and execution and handled guest-related

concerns

February Omni Shoreham Hotel

1985 Washington, DC

to Convention Service Manager

June 1990

Managed events for the President’s inaugural headquarters, as well as inaugural balls

and first lady luncheons. Evaluated guest needs, hotel guest mix and industry and

competitive trends; made recommendations for appropriate product/service and

operational changes to ensure guest satisfaction; liaison between groups and all

operational hotel personnel, including housekeeping, F&B, reservations, sales, front

office, accounting, etc.; assisted in building vendor relations with other hotel

departments, employees and outside agencies.

• Coordinated development plans for exhibit hall meetings and ball room functions;

• Conducted one-on-one reviews with account executives to build more effective

communications and relations;

• Provided event breakdown for delegation between departments; ensured that

information regarding daily functions (groups, catering and in-house) was clearly

posted (via hotel guest information systems and general meeting areas);

• Assisted account executives with preparation of proposals and presentation for

events

January Omni Georgetown Hotel

1983 Washington, DC

to Meeting Planner

January

1985 Orchestrated meetings and planning services to assess client needs, vendor relations,

site inspection, cost analysis, set-ups, audio-visual equipment procurement, guest

transfers, transportation, off-site entertainment, reservations and menu selections,

including breakfasts, luncheons and dinner buffets;

• Acted as liaison between clients, vendors and participants, as it related to meeting

specifications, requirements, preferences, registration, confirmations, cancellations

and schedules;

• Conducted diplomatic negotiations with vendors to reach mutually agreeable, cost-

saving solutions;

• Collaborated the efforts of creative teams and outsourced personnel in connection

with conceptualization and production of printed materials, including invitations and

custom welcome kits, for promotional campaigns and meeting facilitation.

Education

University of District of Columbia

DC

.

Pursued Bachelors of Fine Arts Degree

Software Experience

Proficient in MS Office, Delphi, Word, Excel, PowerPoint

Awards

Special Events Catering Coordinator for the Library of Congress

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