Elvira Velez

Event Professional Profile

ad4ouw@r.postjobfree.com • 469-***-****

LinkedIn • Dallas, TX

Creative, results-driven professional with 15 years of expertise in planning and executing successful events.

Detail-oriented, organized and resourceful professional skilled in managing large-scale events and ensuring seamless operations. Strong leadership abilities, capable of guiding and motivating cross-functional teams to achieve event objectives. Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, fostering positive relationships with clients, vendors, and stakeholders. Proven ability to prioritize and meet tight deadlines in fast-paced, high-pressure environments. Strategic thinker, with keen eye for detail and passion for delivering exceptional customer experiences. Proficient in leveraging technology and digital platforms to enhance event success and audience engagement. Extensive knowledge and experience in RFP Process and CVENT Platform.

Areas of Expertise

● Mentoring & Coaching

● Negotiations & Deal Closing

● Event Planning & Administration

● Event Coordination & Management

● Staff Hiring & Training

● Business Process Improvement

● Operational Planning & Execution

● Calendar & Resources Management

● Vendor & Client Relations

● Budgeting & Financial Planning

● Performance & Sales Management

● Contract Negotiations & Management

Professional Experience

Fairmont Dallas, Dallas, TX

Director of Catering and Conference Services

2023 — Present

Supervise 70K square feet meeting space, ensuring optimal utilization and efficiency. Lead team of six managers, fostering leadership and strategic development. Devise comprehensive training materials, enhancing staff skill sets and performance. Standardize social and corporate vendor sourcing, contributing to hotel's progressive growth. Demonstrate proficiency in P&L analysis, driving financial insight and decision-making.

●Attained 2023 Catering sales budget objectives through innovative strategy implementation.

●Governed combined financial responsibilities, managing $10 million budget.

●Orchestrated Opera V8 to Opera Cloud conversion, modernizing operational systems.

●Realized $2.5 million Catering revenue target in 2023, surpassing financial goals.

●Recruited and mentored six managerial staff, building high-performance team.

●Streamlined problem resolution processes, elevating operational efficiency.

●Negotiated and secured contracts exceeding $4.5 million, bolstering revenue growth.

Remington Hotels, Dallas, TX

Regional Director of Catering and Conference Services

2022 — 2023

Spearhead catering and conference services at Marriott DFW, flagship Remington hotel. Develop strategies for both social and corporate markets at Marriott DFW property. Manage onboarding and continuous support for five Directors of Catering across Remington's Marriott properties. Oversee operational support for five distinct Marriott locations within Remington Portfolio. Direct key initiatives in enhancing service standards and operational efficiency at flagship Marriott DFW.

●Exceeded 2022 budget by 10%, surpassing goal of $7M.

●Increased Social wedding market by 21.3%, establishing new relationships and opportunities.

●Recruited and mentored new team members as Catering Managers and Conference Services Managers for three hotels.

OSR/2.0 IN Marriott, Location

Senior Events Leader

2022 — 2022

Analyzed hotel requirements across event and catering sectors, driving tailored solutions to enhance sales and creative strategies. Spearheaded development of bespoke position, focusing on structural innovation and team onboarding within high-demand environments. Instituted foundational training programs for newly formed teams, ensuring competency in handling voluminous leads and group engagements without prior company exposure.

●Expanded Marriott Miami Airport's management structure from single manager to include additional manager and coordinator, optimizing operational efficiency.

●Elevated Marriott Stanton South Beach's team composition by introducing Senior Manager and coordinator, thereby filling critical leadership void.

●Transformed Westin Michigan Avenue's staffing from one part-time manager to robust team comprising Senior Manager, Event Manager, and two coordinators.

●Reinforced Westin Chicago River North's leadership by integrating newly appointed Director and enhancing banquet management with three specialized managers.

The W Dallas Victory, Dallas, TX

Director of Event Planning

2018 — 2022

Led VIP and social event programs, enhancing international operational efficiency and alignment. Orchestrated virtual and in-person meetings, boosting productivity and adhering to branding standards. Oversaw contract management, negotiation, inventory control, financial flow, event planning, and hotel logistics. Excelled in technical leadership, serving as system champion and administrator.

●Secured new ventures, notably NFL draft and other sports affairs.

●Devised digital marketing tactics for event visibility on online platforms.

●Participated in Global Crisis Response, aiding sites across Hawaii, Spain, San Francisco, etc.

●Managed team comprising three managers and two coordinators.

●Administered $5.5M budget for annual events.

●Enhanced service satisfaction ratings by 8% over 2018-2019.

●Elevated Dallas site to 10th rank among 39 global locations.

●Coordinated collaborations with local leaders, fostering partnerships with Women Who Brunch, American Cancer Association, and Baylor Scott & White Health.

The St. Regis Bahia Beach, Puerto Rico

Group Sales Manager

2011 — 2018

Steered sales initiatives in Colombia, Mexico, and Europe, focusing on local, international, and golf group markets. Directed dynamic teams with strategic task prioritization and goal-setting. Fostered team growth and professional advancement through tailored opportunities. Enhanced operational efficiency with prompt and constructive performance evaluations. Compiled and analyzed quarterly and annual sales data, identifying prospects for account and territory expansion.

●Garnered "Manager of Year" accolade at prestigious 5 Star/5 Diamond resort.

●Surpassed sales targets, achieving impressive 109% average over tenure.

●Pioneered market expansion, securing inaugural international agreements with Mexican and Spanish entities.

●Acquired 12 new group accounts in under nine months by piloting local market development.

●Orchestrated high-profile local events, enhancing community and client rapport, notably including Gold Party Night, Puerto Rico Open Suite, and Luxury Weekend Events.

The St. Regis Bahia Beach, Puerto Rico

Senior Catering & Events Manager

2011 — 2015

Facilitated detailed client engagement for diverse group and catering events, ensuring tailored service excellence. Oversaw department operations effectively during Director's absence, maintaining seamless workflow. Developed and executed innovative strategies for catering and wedding planning division, enhancing business growth. Coordinated multifaceted weddings, adeptly addressing diverse religious, sexual orientation, and socioeconomic needs. Contributed actively in monthly P&L meetings, providing insightful financial oversight and recommendations. Secured key business agreements, consistently achieving event sales targets through strategic negotiations. Innovated VIP-oriented sports and entertainment events, elevating client experience and satisfaction.

●Directed team encompassing catering and event management, overseeing annual banquet and catering fiscal allocations.

●Orchestrated major exhibitions, conventions, and elite gatherings, managing finances exceeding $10 million.

●Elevated department to pinnacle of profit generation within organization.

●Enhanced digital visibility for key events, including matrimonial ceremonies, wellness retreats, and gastronomic meet-ups, through strategic partnerships with regional event coordinators.

●Administered team of two managers, one executive meeting specialist, and administrative aide, ensuring precise directives and mentorship.

●Fostered collaborative agreements with third-party suppliers to enhance hospitality packages offered by hotel.

Additional experiences as Associate Director of Convention Services and Services Manager – Groups & Conventions for Gran Melia Puerto Rico Golf Club Resort at Puerto Rico.

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing & Business Administration, Universidad de Puerto Rico, San Juan, Puerto Rico

Marriott-Certified Wedding Planner, Marriott Corporate

Marriott-Certified Meeting Planner, Marriott Corporate

Technical Skills

Office 365 Delphi CI/TY Social Tables Meeting Matrix Zoom/Skype Opera Cloud CVENT

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