Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Skills
Timeline
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Katherine Kaiter

Chicago,IL

Summary

Highly accomplished Sales & Catering Manager with a strong background in five-star luxury hospitality, including Relais & Chateaux properties, and formal Forbes Travel Guide Training. Recognized for delivering refined, personalized service and executing high-end corporate, social and events with precision and grace. Skilled in maximizing revenue through strategic sales initiatives, detailed event planning, and cultivating long-term client relationships. Brings a deep understanding of luxury standards, anticipatory service, and cross departmental collaboration to consistently exceed guest expectations. I am relocating to Chicago for my husbands job and I am excited to find my new role.

Overview

15
15
years of professional experience

Work History

Director of Dining and Catering Sales Manager

The Academy at Mapleton Hill
10.2022 - Current
  • Led a team of sales professionals, providing guidance and support for their professional growth and success.
  • Increased event bookings by developing and implementing strategic catering sales plans.
  • Built strong relationships with vendors, ensuring high-quality products and services at competitive prices.
  • Responded to initial inquiries, coordinating facility tours and food sampling.
  • Collaborated with marketing team to create promotional materials and social media campaigns that attracted new clients.
  • Collaborated with clients to confirm event details such as setup logistics, decorations and food and beverage selections to fulfill client requests.
  • Resolved problems with high-profile customers to maintain relationships and increase return customer base.

Senior Event Manager /Group Sales Manager

The St Julien Hotel and Spa
02.2018 - 10.2023
  • Negotiated contracts with high-value clients, securing profitable deals for the organization.
  • Provided exceptional customer service throughout all stages of the sales process, ensuring client satisfaction and loyalty.
  • Collaborated with cross-functional teams to develop cohesive sales strategies, ensuring a streamlined approach to achieving targets.
  • Managed a diverse portfolio of accounts, consistently meeting or exceeding individual sales goals while contributing to overall team success.
  • Built relationships with customers and community to establish long-term business growth.
  • Streamlined event planning processes by implementing efficient project management strategies.
  • Created and designed tailor-made wedding plans to maximize client budget, keep client happy and cultivate referrals.
  • Coordinated schedules and timelines for events.
  • Managed event logistics and operations.
  • Adapted quickly when faced with unexpected challenges or changes in plans, maintaining composure while finding effective solutions.

Sales and Catering Manager

The Little Nell Hotel
04.1995 - 09.2004
  • Successfully managed a diverse range of events including weddings, corporate functions, and special occasions, consistently exceeding client expectations.
  • Coordinated with event planners for floor and table layouts, guest numbers, and overall catering needs.
  • Managed high-quality food preparation and presentation, ensuring consistent client satisfaction.
  • Met with clients to outline desired goals and prepared quotes for overall catering costs.
  • Developed comprehensive event proposals that clearly outlined deliverables, timelines, budget requirements based on client input.
  • Participated in industry conferences and networking events to stay current on trends within the catering sector continually.
  • Handled payment collection and payroll of 12 employees.

Sales Manager and Event Coordinator

Good Day Chocolate
04.2014 - 02.2020
  • Successfully guided this company as a start-up through initial launch phases, ensuring a solid foundation for future growth using risk mitigation strategies.
  • Delivered exceptional results in a variety of industries, demonstrating versatility and adaptability as a Start-Up Consultant. Getting the brand into Whole Foods and numerous other store
  • Collaborated with cross-functional teams to identify and address unique challenges faced by start-up clients.
  • Assessed competitor landscapes for various industries, equipping clients with valuable knowledge to inform their market positioning strategy.
  • Managed event logistics for successful trade shows, including vendor coordination, space allocation, and budgeting.

TV Host/Sports Reporter

Aspen Sking Company/ESPN X Games
11.1996 - 03.2013
  • Developed strong relationships with industry experts and influencers, securing exclusive interviews for the show.
  • Demonstrated versatility as a host by successfully covering diverse subject matter ranging from entertainment news to political commentary.
  • Achieved consistently positive feedback from viewers and critics alike for charismatic hosting style.
  • Utilized social media platforms effectively for promotion and interaction with viewers, fostering strong connections between the show and its audience.
  • Utilized storytelling skills to provide vivid descriptions of live events, creating an immersive experience for readers who could not attend games themselves.
  • Revitalized community sports coverage by increasing assignments and revamping quality standards.
  • Pitched and developed new columns, consistently increasing readership with proven sports and reporting expertise.

Education

Bachelor of Arts - Communications

Arizona State University
Tempe, AZ
05.1996

Skills

  • Catering management
  • Event planning
  • Sales strategy
  • Contract negotiation
  • Vendor management
  • Customer service

Skills

*Forbes Travel Guide Five Star Service Training

*Professional in Group and Event Sales

*5 Star Service Professional

Timeline

Director of Dining and Catering Sales Manager

The Academy at Mapleton Hill
10.2022 - Current

Senior Event Manager /Group Sales Manager

The St Julien Hotel and Spa
02.2018 - 10.2023

Sales Manager and Event Coordinator

Good Day Chocolate
04.2014 - 02.2020

TV Host/Sports Reporter

Aspen Sking Company/ESPN X Games
11.1996 - 03.2013

Sales and Catering Manager

The Little Nell Hotel
04.1995 - 09.2004

Bachelor of Arts - Communications

Arizona State University
Katherine Kaiter