Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic

Alluwanna Vernon

Summary

Event and Group Sales professional with ten years of experience in hospitality and event management. Specializes in securing and executing high-profile events and group bookings, with a strong focus on client relationship building and contract negotiation. Demonstrated success in driving sales and maximizing revenue while ensuring seamless logistics for various events. Recognized for exceptional organizational skills and a commitment to customer satisfaction and team collaboration.

Overview

13
13
years of professional experience

Work History

Events & Group Sales Manager

Hilton Charlotte Airport
12.2023 - Current
  • Successfully developed and implemented sales strategies that aligned with the hotel's goals and objectives by analyzing market trends, identifying valuable business opportunities, and applying them to attract and retain clients.
  • Prepare and skillfully negotiate group contracts, plan and run, nurture client relationships, and consistently exceed catering and group targets.
  • Use of Artificial Intelligence to efficiently analyze data to identify industry trends, prioritize lucrative leads, personalize marketing efforts, provide real-time insights, forecast more accurately, and identify areas for improvement.
  • Develop and direct event production, and logistics and manage events’ budget.

Project Manager

Quality Incorporations XVIII Ltd
09.2021 - 12.2023
  • Developed and executed purchasing strategies, and tracked metrics to reduce expenses.
  • Negotiated deals and led the vendor management process.
  • Supervised and redesigned the company's daily production, which boosted CSQ.
  • Worked closely with the operation manager, supervisors, and customers to define the scope and the schedule of deliverables.
  • Aligned goals with the company’s scheduling, budgeting, and resource management.
  • Implemented monitoring of new features to ensure KPIs were consistently met.

Sales and Marketing Director-On Property

Turks and Caicos Collection Luxury Resorts
07.2019 - 08.2020
  • Achieved property revenue targets through the implementation of revamped on-property revenue initiatives and the exploration of diversified revenue generation opportunities across four properties: Alexandra, Ambergris Cay, Beach House, and Blue Haven Resorts.
  • Exceeded revenue targets within the first six months of launching on-property revenue initiatives.
  • Redesigned retail outlets floorplan.
  • Evaluated and developed pricing strategies and forecast.
  • Recruited, scheduled, and developed staff.
  • Performed inventory management for retail outlets and spas.
  • Led all aspects of the vendor management process.
  • Lead author of hotels’ theme song, children’s e-books, and dance choreography for marketing purposes.
  • Managed and marketed the hotel’s characters Ivan and Sandy as per SOP.
  • Ensured all guests’ materials aligned with brand standards.
  • Planned and coordinated photo and video shoots for revenue departments and hotel characters.
  • Successfully led rebranding and marketing campaign.

Opening Director of Sales and Marketing

AC Hotel Kingston
01.2019 - 07.2019
  • Implemented all standard operating procedures, job descriptions, and policies required for the new build.
  • Created hotel’s factsheets, promotional material, events guide, contracts, proposals, rate structure, invoices, and internal reporting documents and procedures.
  • Worked with the General Manager to create and implement sales plans addressing revenue, customers, and the targeted market segments.
  • Monitored rates and promotions in the public domain and on the company and third-party websites.
  • Introduced and navigated the hotel’s participation in various sales channels, Market Sales, Event Booking Centers, and electronic lead channels.
  • Charted the way to attract and retain new business.
  • Vetted and implemented an incentive program.
  • Led on-property sales, events, weddings, and meetings, and built long-term, value-based customer relations that enabled the achievement of the hotel’s sales objectives.

Executive Assistant Manager (Food and Beverage, Housekeeping and Laundry)

Hilton Rose Hall & Jewel Resorts
11.2017 - 11.2018
  • Managed all Food and Beverage operations within the budgeted guidelines and to the highest standard.
  • Creative menu design and pricing for specialty, buffet food outlets, and private events.
  • Established and managed department targets, KPI schedules, policies, and procedures.
  • Ensured compliance with all Crystal, Hilton, and health and safety regulations.
  • Managed and controlled staff scheduling for optimum resource management.
  • Prepared annual housekeeping and F&B budget.
  • Developed and implemented housekeeping systems and procedures.
  • Planned, controlled, and supervised horticultural activities.
  • Shared responsibility for the general operations of Jewel Paradise Cove.

Group Sales & Events Manager

Hilton Rose Hall & Jewel Resorts
09.2012 - 11.2017
  • Spearheaded marketing and sales financial objectives for resorts (Hilton Rose Hall, Jewel Dunn’s River, Jewel Grand, Jewel Paradise Cove, and Jewel Runaway Bay).
  • Led satellite team and managed an estimated five million monthly event and groups budget.
  • Had oversight for the banquet team.
  • Planned and coordinated accommodations, venues, staffing, catering, transportation, weddings, conferences, tradeshows, sporting and corporate team-building events.
  • Prepared and presented annual budget; scheduled expenditures; analyzed variances; initiated corrective actions.
  • Planned, developed, implemented, and evaluated advertising, merchandising, and trade promotion programs; developed field sales action plans, and directly managed multiple events and groups.
  • Performed detailed group account reconciliation and accounts payable for vendors and employed problem-solving techniques.

Education

Project Management Professional Certificate -

Project Management Institute
Charlotte, NC

Project Management Professional Fundamentals & Practices -

Virtual Tech Training & Services Limited
St. Ann, JM

Master of Business Administration - Marketing

University of The West Indies
Kingston, JM

Director of Sales Certification -

Curio, A Collection By Hilton
Austin, TX

International Wedding Planning Certification -

The Wedding Planning Institute of Canada
Canada

Sales Effectiveness Training -

Shepard Inc.
Chicago, USA

Management Training -

Customer Service Academy of Jamaica Ltd
Kingston, JM

Bachelor of Business Administration - Human Resources and Marketing

University of Technology
Jamaica

Skills

  • Inventory management
  • Windows operating system proficiency
  • Statistical analysis (SPSS)
  • Salesforce and CRM tools
  • Microsoft Office Suite
  • Event planning and coordination
  • Contract negotiation
  • Sales strategy development
  • Data analysis and reporting
  • Budget management
  • Vendor management
  • Customer relationship management
  • Revenue generation strategies
  • Team leadership and collaboration
  • Problem solving techniques
  • Effective communication skills
  • Creative thinking approaches
  • Leadership development initiatives

Timeline

Events & Group Sales Manager

Hilton Charlotte Airport
12.2023 - Current

Project Manager

Quality Incorporations XVIII Ltd
09.2021 - 12.2023

Sales and Marketing Director-On Property

Turks and Caicos Collection Luxury Resorts
07.2019 - 08.2020

Opening Director of Sales and Marketing

AC Hotel Kingston
01.2019 - 07.2019

Executive Assistant Manager (Food and Beverage, Housekeeping and Laundry)

Hilton Rose Hall & Jewel Resorts
11.2017 - 11.2018

Group Sales & Events Manager

Hilton Rose Hall & Jewel Resorts
09.2012 - 11.2017

Project Management Professional Certificate -

Project Management Institute

Project Management Professional Fundamentals & Practices -

Virtual Tech Training & Services Limited

Master of Business Administration - Marketing

University of The West Indies

Director of Sales Certification -

Curio, A Collection By Hilton

International Wedding Planning Certification -

The Wedding Planning Institute of Canada

Sales Effectiveness Training -

Shepard Inc.

Management Training -

Customer Service Academy of Jamaica Ltd

Bachelor of Business Administration - Human Resources and Marketing

University of Technology

Similar Profiles

CREATE PROFILE
Alluwanna Vernon