MELISSA KANTOROWSKI

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

Dallas Texas 75229

214-***-****

actuxh@r.postjobfree.com

SUMMARY

Energetic, disciplined Professional with a proven record of results in new business development, generating revenue, relationship management for profit maximization, as well as sales and professional leadership.

Connected in Texas market; Maintains relationships with clients, groups, and vendors.

Skilled rapport builder, effective in building productive working relationships based on friendliness, sincerity, helpfulness and trust.

Big Picture thinker, adapt at planning One of a kind events

Reliable, systematic planner; consistent in follow through.

Calm, diplomatic crisis manager.

Investigative, empathetic and proactive problem solver.

Relaxed, supportive and respectful team leader; aggressive in goal attainment.

Computer literate: working knowledge MS Word, Excel, Access, Delphi, and PowerPoint

EXPERIENCE

JMJ Productions Dallas, Texas

Executive Director of Marketing and Event Production Sept 2009 – present

Marketing Specialist, Sales and Event Planner for all aspects of social and corporate events with a primary focus on incentive travel, large scale productions and non-profit events, golf tournaments, galas, fashion shows and multiday programs. Worked with several athletes on their foundation events in total planning, PR and Marketing, create Sales and Marketing campaigns and built relationships with clients, both Local and National Productions

Market JMJ event planning services, in various arenas, Manage financials, including budgets, P&Ls

Site selection, contract negotiations, menu selections, décor, event flow through, access sponsorships, including cash donations, product and service

Vendor relationships, Talent, AV and lighting

Promotions for events, including invites, facebook, email blasts, street team marketing, secure TV and radio promotions and interviews

Day of event management, including staffing, ground up builds, leading volunteers and staff

Manage all clients’ needs involved with event

DIFFA Dallas Dallas, Texas

Chapter Director July 2011 –Sept 2012

Chapter Director for Non-profit, for 2011/2012 Event season

Manage and Plan multiple high profile events for leading Non-Profit, plan and manage all functions, including Annual Gala with revenue of 1 million +

Responsible for running Chapter office, including, financials, development, Patron giving, vendor relations

Direct large volunteer staff, including soliciting new volunteers, training, managing

Develop Sponsor Decks, solicit Corporate Sponsorships, and maintain relationships with high profile patrons and donors

Coordinate Social Media, Websites, print, and PR and Marketing efforts

W DALLAS VICTORY Dallas, Texas

Banquet Director May 2006 – August 2009

Responsible for the short and long term planning and the day-to-day operations of the Conference & Banquet department. Specific duties include assisting potential guests in organizing functions, ensuring service standards and procedures are consistently applied, in addition to coordinating activities with other departments in order to facilitate increased levels of communication and guest satisfaction.

Directed pre-opening operations including creating all preopening training agendas

Contributed to the successful opening of the new property in 2006

Executed events for the banquet facility and offsite private events for W residents and tenants of Victory Park

Responsible for Catering needs of Premier Dallas events including celebrity and entertainment venues. Key client relationships include Nieman Marcus, American Idol, American Film Institute, Who’s Wedding Is It, America’s Next Top Model, as well as Top 100 Dallas/Ft. Worth companies and professional athletes.

Under my direction, department received #1 in brand overall service MPSI 2008, as well as Starwood “Best in Class” manager in 2007.

Achieved notable results in food, beverage, and labor costs in down economy while maintaining budgeted profit percentage.

HOUSE OF BLUES – LOEWS Chicago, IL

Food and Beverage Director/Director of Catering Sales September 2002 – May 2006

Dual position oversaw all aspects of F&B outlet operations, and lead Sales and Marketing for Catering and Convention Services

Created and implemented annual budgets for F&B and Catering

Consistently attained personal booking goals for Entertainment Markets, which included collaboration with House of Blues Event Complex which accommodated up to 11000 guests.

Responsibilities included generating new business leads from site visits, issuing contracts, event detailing through final billing.

Responsible for creating sales and marketing goals for Catering CS team

Produced marketing plans for Chicago Social Market and maintained relationships with local organizations, CVB, citywide conventioneers and vendors.

Day to day operation management which includes Micros POS programming, menu development, food and liquor ordering and inventory control.

Booked Meet and Greets, special promotions, and after party for celebrity performers.

Created events for Chicago VIP clientele, Marshall Field Anniversary Galas, and Chicago Cubs Make a Wish Charity events.

Accolades include Loews Hotel F&B Operation of the Year 2005, and 2004 “Best Hotel Bar” City Search (#1 City and #3 Nation)

Prepared marketing plans, booked entertainment, and weekly promos for multimillion dollar venue.

WINEGARDNER & HAMMONS Lexington, KY

Banquet Service Manager September 1999 – September 2002

Responsibilities included executing events for the Banquet Facility space of 21,000 square feet

Served such dignitaries as U.S. Vice President, State Governors, members of Congress, as well as Board of Fortune 500 companies

Wedding Coordinator for approximately 80 weddings per year. Personal bridal contact through all planning and event stages.

Successfully led team through a complete service and labor standards upgrade. Created new service guideline manual.

EDUCATION

LAKE MICHIGAN COLLEGE, Benton Harbor, Michigan

Bachelor of Arts, Hospitality Management

UNIVERSITY OF NOTRE DAME, Notre Dame, Indiana

Business Management

CERTIFICATIONS

National Association Catering Executives (NACE)

4 points from Certified Professional Catering Executive (CPCE)

National Restaurant Association (NRA)

Certified Foodservice Manager

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