Awanda Booth
White Plains
Summary
Sales Leader and Trade Event Planner with over 17 years of experience in driving revenue generation and executing successful trade events. Expertise in B2B and C2B sales, utilizing leadership and solution-driven strategies to develop integrated trade markets for international and domestic clients. Proven track record of establishing strong partnerships and delivering innovative sales solutions, both digitally and in-person. Consistently contributed to financial success through strategic event planning and enhanced brand presence.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
Sales Manager
SURTEX - The National Stationery Show - Distinctive Living @ NY NOW - Home Design @ NY NOW - Emerald Expositions
White Plains, NY
11.2016 - 06.2023
- Achieved predetermined revenue goals through focused personal sales activities and new exhibitor development.
- Identified new sponsorship and marketing opportunities to drive business growth.
- Managed, trained, and motivated sales representatives to ensure achievement of sales targets.
- Coached team members on opening and closing opportunities, promoting continuous improvement.
- Collaborated with executive leadership to drive organic revenue growth initiatives for $16 million B2B tradeshow.
- Built strong relationships with key industry executives, suppliers, and attendees to enhance engagement.
- Effectively mediated conflicts between exhibitors and sales representatives to maintain collaboration.
- Developed podcasts and webinars to prepare prospects and exhibitors for success.
Sales
Nordstrom
White Plains, NY
11.2023 - Current
- Engaged customers by recommending handbags and explaining product benefits.
- Greeted customers and assisted with inquiries to enhance shopping experience.
- Managed sales transactions, including totaling purchases and processing payments.
- Maintained a clean and visually appealing handbag showroom to boost sales.
- Developed style boards tailored to customer interests and preferences.
- Added customers to personal book for follow-up on special events and promotions.
- Opened Nordstrom credit cards while communicating associated benefits.
- Implemented strategic sales techniques, consistently exceeding quarterly sales targets.
Freelance Director Talent Acquisition
HSM Entertainment
New York City
06.2023 - 01.2025
- Collaborated with the company President to recruit top talent for platform expansion.
- Led talent acquisition initiatives to enhance global music catalog audience.
- Developed strategic partnerships to improve platform reach and accessibility.
- Facilitated team collaboration through regular communication and performance assessments.
- Maintained cost-effective product delivery in dynamic markets.
- Managed diverse music catalog across Rock, Pop, Rap, and Classical genres.
Senior Sales Manager
SURTEX - Emerald Expositions
New York
11.2016 - 06.2023
- Directed strategic relaunch of million-dollar SURTEX show, achieving significant industry impact.
- Collaborated with EVP of Operations and Marketing Managers to design detailed RFPs and budgets.
- Developed effective floor plan alongside Operations Manager, securing prime venue for enhanced visibility.
- Coordinated with marketing team to craft compelling messaging and appealing brand aesthetics.
- Attracted over 200 brands from 14 countries, showcasing extensive industry reach and influence.
- Implemented targeted campaigns with marketing teams, resulting in substantial increases in qualified leads.
- Drove overall sales performance through collaborative efforts with cross-functional teams.
- Fostered strong partnerships within community of over 5,000 brands to enhance engagement.
Creative Principle/Assistant Producer/Merchandiser/Marketing
Cre8tive International Marketing
White Plains, NY
01.2010 - 01.2017
- Contributed to the success of Hartbeat Weekend with Kevin Hart in Atlantic City and Las Vegas.
- Organized youth talent show at Thomas H. Slater Center, promoting creativity among young participants.
- Crafted engaging brand identity for luxury event at Cre8acion, enhancing guest experience.
- Provided consulting for independent entertainment company while mentoring aspiring musical artists.
- Oversaw visual management at high-end perfumery, improving customer experiences and brand presentation.
- Developed 8-week workshop, 'Music, Dance, and Sports Lifestyle,' nurturing talent and creativity.
- Produced dynamic 60-second TV spot for leading restaurant owner, effectively showcasing brand.
- Launched 'Born for This' mentoring program for low-income teens at White Plains Youth Bureau.
Donor Gift Consultant & Grant Writer Assistant
The Food Bank for Westchester
Elmsford, NY
12.2015 - 10.2016
- Responded to donor gifts, researched potential grant opportunities, and assisted the senior grant writer with writing.
- Selected accomplishment: completed Raiser's Edge training.
- Accomplishment: completed Raiser Edge training
Visual Manager, Mattress Coach, Product Specialist
Ashley Furniture Home Store
New Rochelle, NY, Hasbrouck Heights, NJ, Secaucus, NJ
01.2007 - 01.2010
- Selected Accomplishments (Visual Manager)
- Directly reported to the CEO, COO, and VP of Sales and Training, demonstrating a strong alignment with executive leadership.
- Instilled customer confidence and consistently surpassed personal sales targets by employing innovative prospecting techniques and in-depth product knowledge, achieving exceptional scores of 95-100 on secret shops.
- Exceeded accessory sales projections, achieving an impressive year-to-date increase of 50%.
- Took the initiative to serve as Store Manager during a management transition, maintaining operational continuity and staff morale.
- Energized a diverse team of over 35 through daily motivational meetings and impactful monthly workshops, fostering a positive and engaged working environment.
- Successfully hired and trained housekeeping and stockroom staff while equipping team members to repair damaged furniture efficiently.
- Enhanced the customer experience by overseeing showroom lighting and decorative styling, creating stunning living vignettes in a spacious 27,000-square-foot showroom that captivated visitors.
- Proactively handled customer complaints to resolution, consistently upholding company standards and ensuring client satisfaction.
- Effectively resolved employee disputes and navigated discrepancies in line with company policies, maintaining a harmonious workplace.
- Took inventory control, carefully monitored accessory ordering budgets, and managed store supplies to optimize efficiency.
- Selected Accomplishments (Mattress Coach)
- Developed comprehensive training materials for mattress education in Hasbrouck Heights, New Jersey, setting a standard for excellence in product knowledge.
- Led Ashley Furniture in Hasbrouck Heights, NJ, to achieve the title of district's #1 mattress store within three months, showcasing effective leadership and strategic vision.
- Selected Accomplishments (Product Specialist)
- Drove business growth through targeted phone prospecting, competitive shopping initiatives, and regular promotional engagement with prospects and customers.
- Conducted thorough independent research on leading furniture companies and brands alongside an extensive study of the Ashley Furniture Home Store brand, ensuring a competitive edge in knowledge.
- Achieved rapid promotion to Bedding Coach after consistently exceeding mattress sales goals, driving the store's ranking from #8 to #3 in the district within three months, underscoring a commitment to excellence and results.
Education
Marketing
Hampton University
Hampton, VAMarketing/Advertising
Pace University
Pleasantville, NYSkills
- Solution-driven leadership
- Coaching and mentoring
- Salesforce Lightning expertise
- Raisers Edge proficiency
- Strategic planning
- Goal setting
- Conflict management
- Key account development
- Interpersonal skills
- C2B and B2B sales
- Business development
- Excel and PowerPoint proficiency
- Microsoft Office skills
- Prospecting strategies
- Sponsorship sales
- Revenue generation
Timeline
Sales
Nordstrom
11.2023 - Current
Freelance Director Talent Acquisition
HSM Entertainment
06.2023 - 01.2025
Sales Manager
SURTEX - The National Stationery Show - Distinctive Living @ NY NOW - Home Design @ NY NOW - Emerald Expositions
11.2016 - 06.2023
Senior Sales Manager
SURTEX - Emerald Expositions
11.2016 - 06.2023
Donor Gift Consultant & Grant Writer Assistant
The Food Bank for Westchester
12.2015 - 10.2016
Creative Principle/Assistant Producer/Merchandiser/Marketing
Cre8tive International Marketing
01.2010 - 01.2017
Visual Manager, Mattress Coach, Product Specialist
Ashley Furniture Home Store
01.2007 - 01.2010
Marketing/Advertising
Pace University
Marketing
Hampton University