Eyoha Bayu
Alexandria,VA
Summary
OBJECTIVE: Results-driven Director of Catering with over 8 years of experience in convention services and catering related positions. Offering positive attitude, exceptional communication and coordination skills. Skilled in leading diverse teams, managing large-scale operations and fostering strong relationships with clients and vendors. Proven proficiency in event planning, budget preparation and staff development.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
Work History
Director of Catering and Convention Services
Westin DC City Center
03.2023 - Current
- Achieved sales goals and service targets by cultivating and securing new customer relationships.
- Managed full-time catering staff and assisted general manager with leadership and development skills as needed.
- Compiled and analyzed data to determine accurate B&C Forecast. Currently, manage a $3.9M 2024 overall B&C budget and closing the year at $4.4M.
- Responsible for servicing $3M in group business. Upsold group B&C to overall $2M.
- Resolved problems with high-profile customers to maintain relationships and increase return customer base.
- Coached and promoted high-achieving service employees to fill leadership positions with qualified staff and boost company growth.
Senior Catering and Event Sales Manager
Westin DC City Center
10.2022 - Current
- Performed service and menu upgrades and upselling activities to meet predetermined revenue objectives.
- Organized corporate meetings, special events and social occasions to satisfy client requirements and increase facility revenues.
- Collaborated with clients to confirm event details such as setup logistics, and food and beverage selections to fulfill client requests.
- Participated in planning meetings, site visits and vendor evaluations to enhance quality of client services.
- Collaborated with clients to confirm event details such as setup logistics, decorations and food and beverage selections to fulfill client requests.
- Exceeded both quarterly and annual local catering sales goals by 148% each quarter in addition to servicing group business.
Convention Services Manager
The Alexandrian And The Morrison House
12.2019 - 09.2022
- Organized logistics and materials for each meeting, arranged spaces and took detailed notes for later dissemination to key stakeholders.
- Managed group room blocks and coordinated collection of attrition with Reservations and Accounting.
- Communicated client objectives to all property departments, facilitated pre/post conference meetings, internal overviews, and client meetings.
- Evaluated existing plans, processes and events planning services to identify opportunities for improvement.
- Managed 100% of Group and Corporate Catering Business across two properties.
- Exceeded goals for sales, revenue and profit margins by 20%.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge of CI and performed competitor analysis.
Convention Services Manager
Sheraton Tysons Corner
01.2019 - 12.2019
- Serviced Group Businesses, consisting of large conventions.
- Reserve conference rooms and managed 45,000 square ft of meeting space.
- Upheld highest level of customer service to include immediate response time, professional representation of product and services, and resolving budget and logistical obstacles.
- Communicated client objectives to all property departments, facilitated pre/post conference meetings, internal overviews, and client meetings.
- Managed administrative logistics of events planning, including fee collection, event booking and event promotions.
- Fulfilled contractual obligations, including communications, vendor coordination, schedule creation and day of event coordination.
Convention Services Manager
Embassy Suites by Hilton Baltimore
05.2018 - 01.2019
- Serviced both Groups and Catering Businesses.
- Partnered with culinary team to create customized menus to fit client’s needs as well as increase food and beverage revenues.
- Manage customer relationships from initial turnover from Sales through post event phase to return to sales.
- Work on-site to oversee event execution and address any unexpected issues.
- Managed 50% of wedding, group and room blocks contracted at hotel.
- Enhanced client satisfaction ratings by scheduling on-site service requests, managing show logistics and functionality needs to meet demands.
Front Desk Agent
Embassy Suites by Hilton Baltimore
10.2017 - 05.2018
- Ensure that Guests receive exceptional experience from check-in through check-out.
- Resolve customer complaints by conducting thorough investigation of the situation and coming up with the most effective resolution.
- Acquired in-depth knowledge of surrounding area to offer guests with information about dining options, entertainment and shopping activities.
- Assisted other hotel personnel in various capacities including overseeing front desk when manager was unavailable and handling purchases at gift shop when required.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Psychology
Stevenson University
Stevenson, MDSkills
- Event sales
- Events logistics management
- Business development and planning
- Menu development
- Solution selling
- Computer skills
- Goals and performance
- Corporate event expertise
Timeline
Director of Catering and Convention Services
Westin DC City Center
03.2023 - Current
Senior Catering and Event Sales Manager
Westin DC City Center
10.2022 - Current
Convention Services Manager
The Alexandrian And The Morrison House
12.2019 - 09.2022
Convention Services Manager
Sheraton Tysons Corner
01.2019 - 12.2019
Convention Services Manager
Embassy Suites by Hilton Baltimore
05.2018 - 01.2019
Front Desk Agent
Embassy Suites by Hilton Baltimore
10.2017 - 05.2018
Bachelor of Science - Psychology
Stevenson University
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