KATIE MADISON
Nashville,TN
Summary
Results-driven hospitality leader specializing in complex group business and team development. Notable for exceeding production goals by 189% and securing a 100% satisfaction score, contributing to over $19M in revenue. Guides and mentors teams in delivering exceptional client experiences, driving repeat business through strategic relationship management.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
Work History
Destination Sales Executive
Marriott International
Gaylord Opryland Resort, Nashville
01.2024 - Current
- Partnered with hotel sales team at the largest non-gaming hotel in U.S. (2,888 rooms, 700,000+ sq ft meeting space) to book complex group business through strategic up-selling and ensure seamless turnover to Event Management.
- Coordinated impactful site inspections and FAM trips, capturing client insights that shaped proposals and drove repeat business.
- Delivered brand-standard service experiences that built trust with decision-makers and supported account growth.
- Analyzed site inspections and FAM trips annually to improve booking rates and client engagement.
- Provided mentorship to junior staff, aiding their professional development and enhancing team performance.
Senior Manager, Events & Catering
Marriott International
Gaylord Rockies Resort, Denver
01.2021 - 11.2024
- Achieved a 100% personal event satisfaction score in both 2023 and 2024 while contributing over $19M in annual revenue each year.
- Managed high-touch catering operations for complex group events, enhancing client relationships through personalized service and proactive communication.
- Hired, trained, and led administrative team supporting catering and events operations, establishing a consistent, brand-standard client experience.
- Led cross-departmental teams and developed staff training programs that elevated service standards; collaborated with sales to cultivate repeat business and identify future opportunities.
Senior Catering Sales Executive
Marriott International
Renaissance Dallas Hotel, Dallas
01.2017 - 01.2021
- Drove sales growth in corporate and complex social catering segments, closing Q2 2021 at 189% of total production goals.
- Achieved a 30% lead conversion rate, well above the 18% Texas market average, through strong qualification, targeted prospecting, and strategic up-selling.
- Expanded account relationships to drive future-year demand, designed profitable catered events, and enhanced the property's competitive positioning.
- Hired and led an administrative team supporting catering sales, collaborated with sales channels and operations to ensure seamless turnover and foster long-term client loyalty.
Event & Sales Manager
Hai Hospitality
Dallas, TX
01.2014 - 01.2017
Sales & Operations Manager
Nobu Hospitality
Dallas, TX
01.2005 - 01.2014
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Literature
The University of Texas at Dallas
Dallas, TXSkills
- Group and catering sales
- Team leadership and mentoring
- Hiring and training
- Revenue optimization
- Contract negotiation
- Proactive solicitation
- Proposal development
- Site inspections and FAM trips
- Cross-functional collaboration
- Cvent and Marriott CRM
- Microsoft Office Suite
- Event planning and budgeting
- Sales strategies
- Catering management
AWARDS
Golden Circle and Platinum Achiever Awards for excellence (2018, 2019, 2023)
Timeline
Destination Sales Executive
Marriott International
01.2024 - Current
Senior Manager, Events & Catering
Marriott International
01.2021 - 11.2024
Senior Catering Sales Executive
Marriott International
01.2017 - 01.2021
Event & Sales Manager
Hai Hospitality
01.2014 - 01.2017
Sales & Operations Manager
Nobu Hospitality
01.2005 - 01.2014
Bachelor of Arts - Literature
The University of Texas at Dallas