Sales Inside

Maria Vainisi

708-***-**** adg4bp@r.postjobfree.com http://linkedin.com/in/maria-vainisi

HOSPITALITY and EVENT PLANNING PROFESSIONAL

Innovative Account Director and Senior Event Producer with a well-known reputation of producing successful corporate events in a high demand and fast paced environment. Expertise in assessing client needs and providing effective solutions within budget and timeframe. Dedicated to exceptional service and high levels of performance with impeccable attention to detail in every task. Strong technical proficiency in various event planning software applications including Triple Seat, All Seated and Caterease. PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

THE PARAMONT GROUP – PARAMOUNT EVENTS, Chicago, IL March 2018 – Present Account Director/Senior Event Producer

Proactively seek and develop relationships that lead to opportunities to provide special event solutions to the catering department. Understand and utilize sales process to find and secure sales for Paramount’s catering division. Review contracts and facilitate communication between departments to ensure high level of service.

• Meticulously design, produce, and direct the execution of corporate and private events for a diverse range of clients fluctuating in size from 10-3,000 with event budgets between $3K - $350K.

• Managed and sold $1.2M+ in events that include food, beverage, staffing, linen, equipment, audio/visual production, and décor in 2019.

• Consistently meet and exceed sales goals by soliciting, negotiating, and booking new and reoccurring business through various efforts including cold calling, inside sales calls, referrals and networking.

• Identify cost savings resulting in a reduction of at least 13% per event. Catering Coordinator/Event Producer July 2017 – March 2018 Client-facing position focused on administering menu planning, floor plans, room set-up, event timelines, rental orders, décor, cost and billing details and other requirements pertinent to booked events. Leveraged exceptional interpersonal skills to quickly resolve customer issues and ensure optimal hospitality.

• Key contributor to increasing sales by partnering with the sales team to develop proposals, close contracts, and effectively build points of connection with potential and future clients to generate new and reoccurring business.

• Ensured events ran effectively and efficiently by creating and distributing upcoming event paperwork and specifications and distributing all details to senior leadership.

• Proactively identified new clients and managed existing clients by building a reputation of knowledge, expertise and accountability.

Special Events Intern May 2017 – July 2017

Assisted Sales and Event Managers during execution of events. Acquired knowledge of how to plan, manage and lead an event. Performed market research on up and coming trends to advise clients on how to structure their menu and which items to feature.

LODGE MANAGEMENT GROUP, Chicago, IL May 2016 – August 2016 Special Events Intern

Gained hands-on experience in Human Resource, Marketing, Management and Finance. Visited Chicago's Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events to complete necessary tasks in order to successfully complete the Special Event Application. Responded to event inquiries for potential events held throughout the eleven venue spaces.

EDUCATION

Illinois State University, Normal, IL

Bachelor of Science (BS); Recreation and Park Administration, Recreation Management, May 2017

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