Manager Sales

Connie Vaughn

**** ********** ***** ***********, ** 76034 972-***-**** ************@*****.***

Career Summary

Over 25 years of hospitality experience with a specialization in corporate meeting and event planning. Proven ability to cultivate strong relationships with key clients and event stakeholders to ensure all event objectives are achieved within the established budget. Effectively coordinate all phases of the event planning process from contract negotiation to event execution. Strategically sources destinations, venues, and sites to meet each client’s specific requirements. Outstanding interpersonal and customer service skills with a track record of proactively key client managing relationships.

Demonstrated Strengths

Event & Meeting Planning

Food & Beverage

Budgeting & Cost Control

Site Research & Selection

Stakeholder Relations

Contract Negotiations

Operations Management

Event Staff Supervision

Vendor Management

Procurement

Travel Accommodations

Consultative Sales

Career Highlights

VALIC – Budget: $1.7M (international) / $1M (domestic)

Planned and executed the first international meeting that took place in Switzerland and the U.S.

International Facility Management Association – Budget: $3M

Developed and managed all aspects of the association’s annual convention and tradeshow.

Sunbelt Travel – Budget: $1.5M

Launched a 24-city traveling meeting and trade show for a major client (Citrix).

Professional Experience

Ebby Halliday Realtors, Southlake, TX May 2013 – Present

Licensed Realtor

Work closely with both prospective and existing clients to assist in selecting the right property. Manage and negotiate contracts and handle the sales process to maximize customer satisfaction and promote repeat/referral business.

Assessed each client’s individual budget and specifications to determine which properties to show.

Recognized as the Rookie of the Year in 2014 for surpassing performance and sales expectations.

CMAC, Carrollton, TX Oct 2006 – Feb 2009

Project Manager

Coordinated transportation logistics, including route selection, motor coach allocation, documentation, staffing, and on-site management, for major conventions and trade shows. Collaborated with the Sales Manager to meet client objectives.

Established effective procedures to ensure VIP/executive movements were as efficient as possible.

Freeman, Dallas, TX Aug 2002 – Aug 2006

Corporate Sales

Directly accountable for managing relationships with three major corporate accounts responsible for generating up to $5M in annual sales. Developed and monitored expenses to achieve event objectives while adhering to budget parameters.

Interacted with existing clients to identify and capitalize on new business/sales opportunities.

Leveraged strong interpersonal skills to negotiate prices, terms of sales, and service agreements.

Consistently adhered to strict project deadlines by effectively managing time, tasks, and personnel.

Sunbelt Travel, Dallas, TX Aug 2000 – Aug 2002

Program Manager

Facilitated incentive/business meetings for major corporate clients, including Citrix, RadioShack, and Raymond James.

Provided logistics support for other associate program managers to achieve program objectives.

City of Jasper, Jasper, TX Jun 1995 – Jul 1997

Director of Main Street Program

Successfully revitalized the historic central business district in partnership with the City of Jasper, Texas Historical Commission and Main Street Board. Enlisted the support of main street business owners to maintain a historical façade.

Planned, organized, and executed two festivals, several holiday events, and numerous community programs.

Secured strategic partnerships with sponsors, and managed all aspects of the sponsorship program.

International Facility Management Association, Houston, TX Jan 1990 – May 1992

Meeting & Registration Manager

Handled the planning and execution of an annual convention/tradeshow, as well as multiple district-/board-level meetings, on both a national and international scale. Engaged local conventions and visitors bureaus to assist with site selection.

Strategically negotiated convention center, hotel, transportation, food/beverage, and A/V vendor contracts.

Partnered with the Director of Education and Tradeshow Manager to conceptualize and develop programs.

American General – VALIC, Houston, TX Oct 1987 – Jan 1990

Incentive Meeting Planner

Integrally involved in the development and implementation of a comprehensive incentive rewards meeting that included national/international site selection, registration, itinerary, A/V, transportation, and food/beverage on a $1.2M budget.

Actively participated in the development of innovative marketing/branding strategies with the VP Marketing.

Organized and directed a wide range of training seminars, manager meetings, and board retreats.

Four Seasons Hotel, Houston, TX Aug 1986 – Oct 1987

Corporate Sales Manager

Leveraged outstanding business acumen and market instincts to capitalize on new business opportunities within corporate sales. Personally greeted all corporate guests, and provided recommendations for local restaurants and events.

Achieved substantial increases in revenue, profit, and market share by consistently exceeding weekly/monthly goals.

Established strong relationships with corporate decision-makers and executives to host regular client appreciation lunches, receptions, and special events, resulting in a significant improvement in hotel customer service ratings.

Education

Bachelor of Business Administration in Hospitality & Tourism

Northeastern State University, Tahlequah, OK

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