Bonnie Finlay
Annapolis,MD
Summary
To continue my career in events and meeting planning
Results-driven hospitality professional prepared to excel in managing catering and events. Proven track record in delivering exceptional client experiences through meticulous planning and effective team leadership. Reliable and adaptable, with strong focus on collaboration and achieving results, showcasing skills in event coordination and customer service.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
Work History
Director of Catering & Events
Sheraton San Diego Resort
01.2023 - 11.2025
- 132,000sq.ft. indoor meeting space, 1065 rooms
- Oversee department with annual revenues of $38,800,000 in total revenues, with 139,000 annual GRN.
- Increased meeting planner satisfaction survey score 40pts year over year.
- Recreated and standardized departmental forms and processes.
- Rebuilt and restructured department of 11 team members.
- Increased Catering Revenue $1.3 million in annual revenues during my tenure.
- Created executive menus, South Asian Wedding package. Introduced meal of the day program upgraded bar and signature cocktail offerings.
Director Catering & Conference Services
Loews Hotels & Resorts
01.2019 - 01.2023
- 83,000sq.ft meeting space, 398 rooms
- Oversee department with annual revenues of $13,100,000 in food and beverage with 50,000 GRN.
- Recreated and standardized departmental processes and forms.
- Redesigned wedding and holiday party packages for Catering. Created Access menus for small groups
- Booked over $200,000 in catering business in 2020 for 2021 while servicing $2,100,000 in conference food & beverage revenues actualized in 2020.
Catering & Conference Services Manager
Loews Vanderbilt Hotel
01.2018 - 01.2019
- 24,000sq.ft. meeting space; 339 rooms.
- Increased actual food & beverage revenue $217,103 over contracted minimums year to date.
- Maintained a 99% on Meeting Planner Satisfaction Surveys.
- Created 2018 Catering holiday sales package including holiday party packages, menus & cocktails.
- Recreated and standardized departmental processes and forms. Created hotel preferred vendor list
- Served on task force for conference services to Loews Coronado Bay & Loews Ventana Canyon
Conference Services Manager
Loews Coronado Bay Resort
01.2014 - 01.2018
- 65,000 sq.ft. meeting space; 440 rooms
- Assist clients in all aspects of meeting planning for group food & beverage revenues range from $45,000 to $460,000 and 200-2,000 room nights.
- Maximized food & beverage actual revenue to $2,450,000 compared to $1,345,000 in contracted minimums with an additional $36,000 in other banquet revenues for groups service year to date in 2017.
- Maintain an average of 100% on guest satisfaction surveys.
Conference Services Manager
Loews Annapolis Hotel
01.2011 - 01.2014
- 20,000sq.ft. meeting space; 215 rooms
- Group food & beverage revenues ranged between $15,000 to $45,000 and 40 to 200 room nights.
- Designed dinner buffet for 2015 banquet menus.
- Awarded Loews Legacy, manager of the year, for 2013.
- Nominated for 2014 Maryland Stars of the Industry
- Served on a task force for conference services at Loews Coronado Bay Resort.
Special Events Manager
Homestead Gardens
01.2009 - 01.2011
- Developed, implemented and managed all aspects of store meetings, workshops and special events; including event content, speakers, entertainment and catering. Supervised the day of operations of logistics for all events.
- Negotiated contracts for all entertainment, speakers and catering while maintaining event budgets and billing.
- Advised the development of marketing, advertising and promotional campaigns for all special events and the retail store.
- Developed and managed 8 annual events with one 10 day event resulting in $200,000 of sales, while supervised food & beverage department with $400,000 in annual sales.
Catering Sales Manager
Westin Annapolis
01.2008 - 01.2009
- Solicited new business, negotiated contracts and menu pricing for catering events.
- Worked closely with clients through the planning process and oversaw execution of successful events.
- Nominated for Manager of the Month.
Banquet Captain
Westin Annapolis
01.2007 - 01.2008
- Directed, managed and scheduled banquet servers and set up for all banquet functions.
- Reviewed and executed banquet event orders to confirm proper set ups, timeline and specific guest needs.
- Established and developed a relationship with all clients, ensuring all meeting and function specifications were communicated and executed correctly.
- Recipient of Employee of the Month.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Criminology and Criminal Justice, Citation in the Spanish Language & Culture
University of Maryland
College Park, MDSkills
- Guest relations
- Menu development
- Venue selection
- Event design
- Attention to detail
- Time management
- Multitasking
- Problem-solving abilities
Timeline
Director of Catering & Events
Sheraton San Diego Resort
01.2023 - 11.2025
Director Catering & Conference Services
Loews Hotels & Resorts
01.2019 - 01.2023
Catering & Conference Services Manager
Loews Vanderbilt Hotel
01.2018 - 01.2019
Conference Services Manager
Loews Coronado Bay Resort
01.2014 - 01.2018
Conference Services Manager
Loews Annapolis Hotel
01.2011 - 01.2014
Special Events Manager
Homestead Gardens
01.2009 - 01.2011
Catering Sales Manager
Westin Annapolis
01.2008 - 01.2009
Banquet Captain
Westin Annapolis
01.2007 - 01.2008
Bachelor of Arts - Criminology and Criminal Justice, Citation in the Spanish Language & Culture
University of Maryland