Sohana Z. Cantwell, CMP

**** * **** ***** *****, Chicago, IL 60657 - 872-***-****

adfkwc@r.postjobfree.com

OBJECTIVE Outgoing Certified Meeting Planner with 8+ years of Event and Meeting experience seeking to leverage my knowledge gained from multiple areas of the hospitality and event industry to grow in an Event Management role.

WORK American Bar Association, Chicago, IL 05/18-Present

EXPERIENCE Senior Meeting Planner

Manage and plan complex Virtual and In-Person conferences as guided by the strategic plan in partnership with Section Chair, Managing Directors and Committee Co-Chairs

Manage vendor contract negotiations, development of budgets, project timelines, programming and speakers, and detailed game plans for events and conferences

Work in cooperation with other section staff in the development of promotion and marketing plans, management of CLE accreditation process, and all speaker and sponsor arrangements

Serve as lead for on-site management of the overall conference and its catered events

Work closely with volunteers and program committees to determine scheduling, space assignments and program content for each conference.

Society of Gynecologic Oncology, Chicago, IL, 02/17-05/18

Senior Coordinator of ASO Meetings

Serve as the primary meeting planner for four Annual Meetings including meeting set-up, registration, meeting specifications, negotiating hotel contracts, housing, food and beverage selection, arranging for audio-visual support, event budgeting planning, and other planning duties

Manage abstract submission process, presenter communication, form collection, and annual meeting syllabus/program book

Manage RFPs for yearly meetings and distribute to appropriate destinations or National/Global Sales Representatives

Develop and manage exhibitor relations, corporate support and sponsorship process

SAVOR…Chicago at McCormick Place, Chicago, IL, 02/13-02/17

Catering Sales Manager

Plan and manage events with show management, ICWs and exhibitors to ensure their individual company success at conventions including International Association of Chiefs of Police, ASCO, Institute of Food Technologists, National Restaurant Association, and more

Set proper client expectations from proposal to execution to billing to achieve the highest level of satisfaction

Develop, grow, and maintain relationships with vendors to successfully execute multiple concurrent events

Interact daily with clients to efficiently cross communicate their needs to Purchasing, Culinary, Beverage & Banquet Departments

Congress Plaza Hotel, Chicago, IL, 8/10-2/13

Senior Catering Manager

Catering Manager

Assistant Catering Manager

Exceeded revenue expectations through sales and coordination of functions including weddings, corporate meetings, and multi day conventions ranging from 10-300 guests.

Conducted site visits, arranged tastings, and communicated with vendors to execute functions at the highest level of customer service.

Collaborated directly with the Executive Chef to update menus to maximize revenue and profit while providing modern and interesting food options for clientele.

Interviewed and scheduled all event staff to provide excellent customer service.

CERTIFICATIONS Certified Meeting Planner

EDUCATION Bachelor of Science, School of Continuing Studies, December 2008

Indiana University, Bloomington, IN