Eugenia Carson
San Diego,CA
Summary
Conference Services manager with over 20 years of experience planning conferences and high end events in the luxury hotel industry. My main role is to coordinate services for groups and organizations holding meetings, conferences and other events on hotel grounds. As a Senior Conference Services Manager my role is to also meet with heads of other departments in the hotel to coordinate all program logistics. I monitor events and support my clients during the pre-planning process as well as on site to ensure a flawless experience for all attendees and their guests.
Overview
27
27
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Conference Services Manager
Bahia Resort Hotel
San Diego, CA
02.2024 - Current
- Coordinated logistics for conferences, ensuring seamless execution and high guest satisfaction.
- Developed personalized event proposals, enhancing client engagement and driving repeat business.
- Managed vendor relationships, negotiating contracts to optimize service delivery and cost efficiency.
- Oversaw event setup and breakdown, maintaining high standards of organization and attention to detail.
- Trained and mentored staff on best practices in conference management and customer service excellence.
- Collaborated with sales teams to align services with client expectations, fostering long-term partnerships.
- Analyzed feedback from events to inform strategic planning and improve future conference offerings.
- Provided exceptional customer service throughout every stage of the event planning process.
- Conducted post-event evaluations to identify areas of improvement and implement necessary changes for future success.
- Strengthened vendor relationships, ensuring high-quality services at competitive prices.
- Supervised the timely breakdown of event spaces, ensuring rooms were promptly reset for upcoming conferences.
- Managed on-site staff effectively, fostering a team-oriented environment for successful events execution.
- Achieved revenue targets by proactively selling conference services to potential clients.
- Elevated guest experiences through meticulous attention to detail in catering arrangements and menu selections.
- Enhanced client satisfaction by efficiently managing conference logistics and coordinating with vendors.
- Developed comprehensive event budgets, consistently adhering to financial constraints.
- Ensured compliance with safety and security regulations during events, creating a safe environment for all attendees.
- Trained and supervised event staff to complete tasks on time.
- Implemented contingency plans to address last-minute changes or unforeseen events.
- Produced concept plans for high-profile corporate meetings and events.
- Coordinated transportation and parking arrangements for guests and vendors.
- Developed and distributed event surveys to gather feedback and assess event success.
Senior Event Planning Manager
Paradise Point
San Diego, CA
07.2021 - Current
- Coordination and execution of conferences for medium to large size groups
- Assist clients with selection of menus for their food functions by providing menu proposals
- Assist clients in assigning contracted meeting space to accommodate specific meetings and events
- Conduct site inspections with clients to assist with pre-planning and to set expectations
- Provide estimates to assist clients in staying within budget
- Upsell menus to increase banquet revenue
- Assist with decor and entertainment ideas to elevate and enhance client events
- Communicate pertinent group information and specifications with internal departments to ensure the success of each conference
- Work closely with group contacts on site in making sure all client needs are met
- Conduct pre-cons and post-cons with clients as needed
- Review of final invoices to ensure accuracy prior to sending to clients
- Serve as a mentor to entry level catering and conference services managers and assists with training
- Assists with forecasting
Conference Services Manager
Fairmont Grand Del Mar
San Diego, CA
09.2007 - 07.2020
- Consult with customers to determine objectives and requirements for events such as meetings, conferences, and conventions.
- Arrange the availability of audio-visual equipment with in house AV team, arrange transportation, displays, and other event needs.
- Coordinate services for events, such as accommodation and transportation for participants, facilities, catering, signage, displays, special needs requirements, printing and event security.
- Monitor event activities to ensure all goes smoothly and assist with any challenges or opportunities that may arise.
- Confer with staff at a chosen event site to coordinate details.
- Conduct post-event evaluations to determine how future events could be improved.
- Maintain records of event aspects, including financial details.
- Evaluate and select providers of services according to customer requirements.
- Inspect event facilities to ensure that they conform to customer requirements.
- Review event bills for accuracy, and approve payment.
- Negotiate contracts with such service providers and suppliers as hotels, convention centers, and speakers.
- Meet with sponsors and organizing committees to plan scope and format of events, to establish and monitor budgets, or to review administrative procedures and event progress.
- Plan and develop programs, agendas, budgets, menus, events and assist clients in promoting sponsorships.
Convention Services Manager
Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego
San Diego, CA
03.1999 - 09.2007
- My role was the same as my current position at Fairmont Grand Del Mar.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Political Science
University of Puerto Rico, Recinto De Rio Piedras
01-1996
Skills
- Communicates effectively
- Provides quick and efficient customer service
- Hospitality expertise
- Exceptional in multi-tasking
- Fluent in Spanish
- Event planning
- Customizing menus
- Creating themed events
- Effective Communication Skills
- Forecasting
- Budget
- Professionalism
- Knowledge in space management
- Organization
- VIP services
- Operations management
- Detail-oriented
- Event planning expertise
- Client service
- Onsite execution
- Logistics management
- Staff training and development
- Networking and relationship building
- Teamwork
- Critical thinking
Languages
English
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
Senior Conference Services Manager
Bahia Resort Hotel
02.2024 - Current
Senior Event Planning Manager
Paradise Point
07.2021 - Current
Conference Services Manager
Fairmont Grand Del Mar
09.2007 - 07.2020
Convention Services Manager
Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego
03.1999 - 09.2007
Bachelor of Arts - Political Science
University of Puerto Rico, Recinto De Rio Piedras