ALANA NORRIS
Apopka,FL
Summary
Trusted hotel management professional with over 17 years of experience fostering strong client relationships through integrity and effective communication. Skilled in addressing challenges head-on and delivering solutions that benefit both clients and hotels. Known for responsiveness, organization, and collaboration, ensuring successful outcomes and lasting partnerships.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
Director of Catering
DoubleTree Orlando Theme Park Resort
Orlando, USA
01.2023 - Current
- Directed revenue growth, brand protection, relationship building, and problem-solving to meet GM and DOS expectations.
- Built a 17-year reputation on earning trust through integrity and accountability.
- I believe the best long-term business comes from doing what's right for both the client and the hotel.
- Executive leaders know they can count on me to communicate honestly, address challenges directly, and follow through on my commitments.
- Responded promptly to client inquiries, organization, honesty, and commitment to solution-finding for clients.
- Fostered collaboration and trust among team members as dependable, fair, and collaborative.
Area Director of Catering
Sheraton Orlando North and Grand Orlando Resort
Orlando, USA
01.2018 - 01.2023
- Oversaw multi-property leadership for a $2M catering portfolio, ensuring alignment with business objectives and service standards.
- Directed commercial strategy, forecasting, pricing, menu development, and catering performance, enhancing overall revenue across two full-service hotels.
- Implemented operational improvements that enhanced communication and execution, leading to a superior client experience.
- Shared operational and commercial best practices across the Aimbridge portfolio through the Catering Council.
Catering Manager
Westin Lake Mary Orlando North
Lake Mary, USA
01.2013 - 01.2018
- Managed the full catering sales cycle from inquiry through event execution, overseeing corporate meetings, weddings, galas, and social events while consistently exceeding guest expectations.
- Delve
Business Development Manager
Shula's 347 Grill at Westin Lake Mary
Lake Mary, USA
01.2011 - 01.2013
- Developed strategic partnerships to enhance brand visibility and customer engagement.
- Managed client relationships to ensure satisfaction and repeat business opportunities.
- Conducted market research to identify trends and inform business strategies.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to align marketing campaigns with sales goals.
- Designed promotional materials to effectively communicate service offerings and specials.
- Identified potential clients, built relationships, and negotiated contracts.
Catering Coordinator
Westin Lake Mary Orlando North
Lake Mary, USA
01.2009 - 01.2011
- Coordinated event logistics for diverse catering services at a luxury hotel.
- Developed detailed event timelines to ensure smooth catering operations.
- Facilitated communication between departments to streamline event execution.
- Oversaw inventory management for catering supplies and equipment usage.
- Processed invoices for payment after completion of each event.
- Maintained records to orchestrate event details, customer requests and billing information.
Education
Bachelor of Business Administration - Marketing
University of North Florida
Jacksonville, FLSkills
- Revenue Optimization
- Pricing Strategy
- Menu Development
- Contract Negotiation
- Business Development
- Relationship Management
- Executive Client Relations
- Operational Excellence
- Luxury Weddings
- Indian Weddings
- Corporate Meetings
- Association and SMERF
Brands
- Hilton
- Marriott
- Sheraton
- Westin
- DoubleTree
- Aimbridge Hospitality
- Interstate
- Crescent Hotels and Resorts
- Culinaire International
Core Expertise
- Revenue Optimization
- Relationship Management
- Business Development
- Menu Development
- Pricing Strategy
- Contract Negotiation
- Luxury Weddings
- Indian Weddings
- Corporate Meetings
- Association and SMERF
- Executive Client Relations
- Operational Excellence
Recognition
- Influential Woman of the Year, 2026
- Crescent Leader of the Year, 2025
- Crescent Top 3 Sales Managers
- Crescent Leader of the Quarter, X2
- Sheraton Leader of the Year
- Sheraton Manager of the Year
- Marriott Horizon Award
- Gold Key Award
- Aimbridge Catering Council
- DoubleTree CARE Committee
- Culinaire Top 10 Sales
- Culinaire Management Team
Timeline
Director of Catering
DoubleTree Orlando Theme Park Resort
01.2023 - Current
Area Director of Catering
Sheraton Orlando North and Grand Orlando Resort
01.2018 - 01.2023
Catering Manager
Westin Lake Mary Orlando North
01.2013 - 01.2018
Business Development Manager
Shula's 347 Grill at Westin Lake Mary
01.2011 - 01.2013
Catering Coordinator
Westin Lake Mary Orlando North
01.2009 - 01.2011
Bachelor of Business Administration - Marketing
University of North Florida