Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
References
Timeline
Generic

Amanda Sanders

Murfreesboro,TN

Summary

Hospitality professional with demonstrated success in driving revenue growth, optimizing profitability, and elevating the client experience. Expertise includes strategic sales planning, budget forecasting, CRM implementation, and development of innovative catering and sales programs that achieve sustained financial performance. Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams, sell, plan, and execute events ranging from 10-800 guests, and deliver measurable results aligned with organizational objectives. Seeking a long-term leadership role in the sales and events industry to provide strategic value, deliver consistent profitability, and foster enduring client relationships.

Overview

7
7
years of professional experience

Work History

Director of Sales and Catering

Nearest Green Distillery / Nashwood Inc.
Shelbyville, TN
11.2024 - Current
  • Generated $32K in crossover revenue at the start of 2025, with sales on pace to reach $760K in actualized revenue by year-end
  • Designed and executed the Tennessee Cigar Festival, achieving a 42% profit margin on the inaugural event
  • Collaborated with Executive Chef to develop and launch new catering menus, enhancing both guest experience and profitability
  • Implemented and customized the Caterease CRM system, building menus, templates, and event documentation processes to streamline operations
  • Delivered 21% year-to-date profit margins on events, exceeding industry benchmarks
  • Created and managed the 2025 budget and forecast, aligning financial planning with organizational growth goals

Senior Conference Services Manager

Hutton Hotel / First Hospitality
Nashville, TN
02.2023 - 11.2024
  • Generated $250k of additional Food and Beverage revenue from contracted minimums in 2023 through up-selling techniques both in the banquet and restaurant spaces
  • Collaborated closely and maintained strong cross-functional relationships with all internal departments to coordinate successful execution of event details per client requirements
  • Received numerous positive reviews and feedback from clients pre and post event
  • Successfully executed all turned-over contracts carrying out all concessions and hotel requirements ranging from Room Blocks for (10) guests, to multi-day conferences for up to (250) guests
  • Participated and led several site tours with/for the sales team resulting in booked events estimating over $300k in revenue
  • Key contributor to the rollout of 2024 Banquet menus
  • Assist current Director with responsibilities to include tracking B&C budgeting through forecasting, Owner's Notes, proposals and estimates, etc.
  • Team player often jumping in to assist other departments throughout the hotel during busy times with low staffing levels, as needed

Event Manager

Taste Catering and Events / Taste Family of Businesses
09.2021 - 01.2023
  • Contracted and executed $900K in 2022 at an overall average profit margin of 65% between food cost, beverage cost, rental profit, and labor budget
  • Selected as Event Manager by clients to book, plan, and execute (2) 500+ person events in 2022, each contracted over $100k with a 60% profit margin
  • Key player in training for all new on-site catering associates on topics to include service standards, beverage programs, and food knowledge
  • Received several 5-star reviews from satisfied clients on wedding planning sites to include WeddingWire and TheKnot
  • Responsible for communication in the planning process and coordination with the culinary team, warehouse team, accounting team, clients, event planners, and rental companies
  • Created kitchen sheets for culinary team to break down exact quantities of each food item and ingredient needed for on site preparation for each event in clear terms for both prep kitchen and onsite kitchen.

Private Events Director

Greenbrier Country Club / ClubCorp
07.2020 - 09.2021
  • Began position with $8,000 in sales on the books, completed 2020 with $200,000 contracted in Private Event Sales for 2022
  • Responsible for hiring and training 20+ restaurant and banquet staff members on banquet operations and standards of service
  • Execute all Banquet Event Orders per contracted agreements including details such as times, room set ups, and monetary amounts to be collected
  • Conduct weekly staff trainings to enhance service team knowledge of food and all liquor, beer, and wine products
  • Implement new wine and beer menus quarterly maintaining controlled beverage costs.

Banquet Captain

Cavalier Hotel Marriott Autograph Collection / Gold Key PHR
04.2019 - 07.2020
  • During COVID shut down, selected as 1 of 8 total hotel employees out of 85 to keep hotel open, involving cross training in departments such as front desk, housekeeping, valet, and more
  • Purchased $55,000 worth of replacement equipment to provide associates necessary tools for increased productivity
  • Implemented opening and closing checklists
  • Maximized team performance by training new employees on proper food handling, guest expectations and restaurant protocols
  • Assisted with customer events in restaurant buyouts as well as Private Dining Room reservations.

Education

B.S Hospitality Management -

James Madison University
05-2017

Skills

  • Client Relations and Customer Service
  • Upselling techniques
  • Proficient in CI/TY, Delphi, Caterease, Caterpro
  • Budgeting and Forecasting
  • Accurate Detail Execution
  • Banquet and Culinary Coordination

References

References available upon request.

Timeline

Director of Sales and Catering

Nearest Green Distillery / Nashwood Inc.
11.2024 - Current

Senior Conference Services Manager

Hutton Hotel / First Hospitality
02.2023 - 11.2024

Event Manager

Taste Catering and Events / Taste Family of Businesses
09.2021 - 01.2023

Private Events Director

Greenbrier Country Club / ClubCorp
07.2020 - 09.2021

Banquet Captain

Cavalier Hotel Marriott Autograph Collection / Gold Key PHR
04.2019 - 07.2020

B.S Hospitality Management -

James Madison University

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