Ashley MacKinnon

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

Orlando, Fl, 32803

admqge@r.postjobfree.com 407-***-****

CAPABILITIES

Results-oriented and ambitious professional with over 20 years of experience in the hospitality industry. Broad-based skills in management, revenue generation, menu planning, cost analysis and operations. Reputation as strategic, creative, proactive, and dedicated to leading staff in achieving tangible results.

COMPUTER SKILLS

Windows, Microsoft Word, Excel, Quick books, Delphi, Event Pro, Opera, CITY, LightSpeed, Meeting Matrix, Open Table

EMPLOYMENT HISTORY

Sheraton Lake Buena Vista Resort

Director of Catering (July 2019-Present)

Brought on to the team to essentially increase Catering revenues, increase property exposure to local, social market and integrate creativity to the food and beverage division of the property.

Surpassed booking goals within the first quarter.

Hosted local organizations and planners to luncheons and happy hours to put Sheraton back on the local social map for Orlando

Worked with culinary and Executive leaders on menu creation for a more modern, cost effective flare to our site visits and hosted luncheons / events.

Hosted local industry themed luncheons with heavy décor, entertainment, custom beverages and personalized menu selections

Introduced new markets of revenue generation to the property within existing corporate business such as In Conjunction With from city wide groups to the events and restaurant outlets as buyouts and local dining.

Caribe Royale

Associate Director of Catering (March 2016-July 2019)

Implement Social Catering initiatives to the Caribe Royale

Development and execution of wedding, holiday and local social menus

Hosted local organizations with trade shows and familiarization lunches to put Caribe Royale on the local social map for Orlando

Surpassed financial goals set for 2016-17 with a 90 day free sell market

The largest road block I overcame at this property was to introduce a new vision of food and beverage. We took it from old school traditional to a modern “Fresh Bites” flare. Introduced and enrolled upgraded beverage station options which increased revenue by over 30%

Wyndham Orlando Resort International Drive

Associate Director of Catering & Conference Services (December 2014-March 2016)

Assist in leading the catering and convention services managers team

Development and execution of convention, catering and offsite menus

Increased catering revenue by 50% over forecast for 2015

Manage group comments and concerns for guest recovery and satisfaction

Catered the Grand opening Celebration of the “Orlando Eye” with 1000 guests in attendance

Membertou Trade & Convention Centre

Sales and Conference Services Manager (February 2013-April 2014)

Brought on to team to build staff morale, increase revenue and rejuvenate existing client relationships

Traveled throughout Canada to various tradeshows showcasing the Convention Centre and Educating the attendees on the success of the Native American Reservation growth.

Increase revenues while building relationships with existing and new clientele

Menu creation and execution with both culinary and service teams to increase revenues by introducing more trending options and theming certain nights with entertainment to increase revenue potential in the outlets.

The Buena Vista Palace, Walt Disney World, Florida

Director of Special Events (2006-November 2012)

Promote Black Tie to Barbecue (off site catering division) events to prospective local and corporate clientele

Successful in meeting and exceeding revenue goals in an economic downfall

Supervise four catering managers and assist them in achieving both their professional and personal goals

Was preferred caterer at more than 15 venues throughout Central Florida based on word of mouth due to our reputation of impeccable attention to detail

Partnered with culinary on a daily basis in creating specialized menu details and themed beverage options to enhance the guest experience

Planned and executed the largest offsite event for the company. It consisted of 2500 attendees from a well- known restaurant franchise that produced revenue of $200 000.

Meeting and Conference Services Manager (2004-2006)

Planned, coordinated and executed convention meetings and events for clients

Created a corporate client Happy Hour to showcase our food and beverage

Worked with wine vendors to create “Pairing Stations” as reception options

Created a Corporate Teambuilding Activity to sell- “Build the Team Cocktail”

Managed various departments throughout the hotel to ensure the meetings and events were successful and the clients were satisfied

The Outback Restaurant (Not the Franchise)

Manager (2002-2004)

Planned and designed new training manuals at all levels of job descriptions

Frequently trained and provided refresher information to the employees on customer service and awareness of current and upcoming menus

Balanced budgets and approved payroll processes and figures

Promoted the restaurant with creative advertising techniques to capture ratio and exceed budgets.

Beverage incentive programs and different upselling competitions for the team members to ensure they maximized each sale and kept them educated on current trends

Average covers exceeded 200 on weeknights and 325 on weekends

Assistant Manager of Outlets (2001-2002)

Managed all F&B outlets throughout resort (Outback Restaurant, Arthur’s 27, Room-Service, Watercress Café and Pastry Shop, The Laughing Kookaburra)

Supervised all aspects of the outlets, including the employee’s performance

Trained with the Food and Beverage Director to assisted in their absence to execute monthly inventory, month end reporting and costing.

Wine incentive programs with the staff, action plans and training programs for the different outlets.

Previous year’s employment included Walt Disney World International Program and traveled across Canada working for Fairmont (Previously Canadian Pacific Hotels) at such properties as the Algonquin, Palliser and The Banff Springs.

TRAINING & ACHIEVEMENTS

Gallo Wine Academy Certificate of Achievement

Nominated for Partners & Excellence Walt Disney World – Disney Trainer

Excel in increasing revenues through nourishing relationships with new and existing clients

Practiced in providing wine and food seminars

Certified in the CARE (Controlling Alcohol Risks Effectively) program

Introductory Sommelier Course - Walt Disney World

EDUCATION

Hospitality Tourism and Management Degree - University College of Cape Breton

REFERENCES AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST

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