Lauren Dittmeier
Creve Coeur,MO
Summary
Dedicated Catering professional with 15 years of experience in customer service, event planning and execution. Devoted to giving every customer a positive and memorable experience. Quick-thinker with logical solutions to wide variety of event related obstacles.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
Work History
Director of Catering
Saint Louis Club
Clayton, Missouri
02.2017 - 10.2023
- Menu planning and event development with Club Members and clients in CSG, CRM, and Club Essentials.
- Answered/returned phone calls and walk in inquiries regarding Private Events.
- Provided property tours to existing and potential clients/Members.
- Prepared accurate and detailed BEOs and Catering documents
- Negotiated and contracted all entertainment for Private Events.
- Prepared and presented reports to the Board of Directors and House Committee directly associated with the Catering Department.
- Collaborated with Marketing Department and outside vendors on new Wedding and Catering materials.
- Collaborated with Director of Facility Operations to ensure all event set up is accurate and done in timely fashion including preparing event diagrams.
- Responsible for achieving/exceeding annual sales goals of $1.75 million +.
- Developed and implemented catering policies, procedures, menus and pricing structures.
- Trained new employees on relevant job duties such as reports, event operations and customer service protocols.
- Worked closely with Executive Chef in order to create custom menus and unique culinary experiences for guests.
- Analyzed client feedback to identify opportunities for improvement in service quality.
- Researched industry trends to stay abreast of new developments in the field of catering services.
- Cultivated and nurtured new client/member relationships while maintaining and growing existing partnerships.
Sales Manager
Penn National Gaming, Hollywood Casino St. Louis
Maryland Heights, Missouri
04.2016 - 02.2017
- Solicited new and existing accounts to meet/exceed revenue goals.
- Prepared detailed and accurate proposals, contracts, and event orders for customers in Delphi.
- Prepared internal booking reports and file maintenance.
- Produced accurate floor plans for all events using Delphi.
- Assisted the Director of Sales in strategic development to attract new business and events.
- Participated in weekly BEO meetings and management sales meetings.
- Collaborated and communicated with other departments within the hotel and casino to ensure quality service to all guests.
- Attended community, social, and networking meetings/events to represent and promote Hollywood Casino.
- Maintained effective working relationships with the St. Louis CVC, Maryland Heights CVB, area hotels, service providers, and MPI St. Louis Chapter.
- Managed travel and entertainment expenses and submitted reports on a timely basis.
- Learned MGC regulations as they pertained to the hotel, conference center and casino patrons/events,
- Participated in a wide variety of manager activities/events on the property and in the community.
- Performed sales consultations and educated clients on products and services.
Catering Coordinator
Saint Louis Club
Clayton, Missouri
09.2011 - 04.2016
- Menu planning and event development with Club Members and clients in CSG and CRM.
- Answered/returned phone calls and walk in inquiries regarding Private Events.
- Responsible for booking private rooms for Club Members and guests.
- Responsible for editing all Catering documents/ promotional materials.
- Prepared and distributed all BEOs and Catering documents.
- Contacted and booked entertainment for Private Events.
- Generated daily/weekly reports summarizing upcoming events.
- Assisted in developing promotional materials such as brochures and special menus.
- Supervised all weekday events 100 persons and over.
Event Operations Manager
Forest Hills Country Club
Chesterfield, Missouri
05.2009 - 05.2011
- Responsible for the development and creation of all Member Events from start to finish in Jonas Systems.
- Accountable for the day-to-day operations of on-site events, including large scale golf tournaments.
- Responsible for assignments of all event service team members.
- Created marketing/promotional materials for Member Events.
- Responsible for set up and breakdown of all events in accordance with provided event materials and diagrams.
- Sourced and contracted all entertainment on Club premises.
- Coordinated staff schedules for pre-event setup, onsite execution, and post-event breakdowns.
- Facilitated communication between clients and internal teams throughout the entire duration of each event.
- Resolved any issues or challenges that arose during the course of an event.
- Hired and trained staff for cross-functional assignments.
Education
Bachelor of Science in Hotel and Restaurant Management -
University of Missouri
12.2008
Skills
- Menu Development
- Event Planning Proficiency
- Active Listening
- Client Retention Strategies
- Creativity and Innovation
- Contract Negotiation
- Efficient Time Management
- Collaborative Teamwork
- Interpersonal Communication
Organization Involvement Awards
- MPI St. Louis, Supplier of the Year, 06/2017
- MPI St. Louis, Educon Chairperson, 06/2016, 06/2017, Speaker Selection for MPI’s annual Education Conference, Solicited new and existing sponsorships for Educon, Helped create and produce programming materials.
- MPI St. Louis, Nominated for Supplier of the Year, 06/2015
- MPI St. Louis, Monthly Programs Chairperson, 07/2014, 2016, Helped select and organize the monthly education programs for our Chapter meetings., Communications liaison to monthly meeting venues.
- MPI St. Louis, Nominated for the Rising Star Award, 06/2014
- MPI St. Louis, Special Events Committee Member, 07/2013, 07/2014, Organized two large fundraisers for our Chapter., Solicited auction items from local businesses.
Timeline
Director of Catering
Saint Louis Club
02.2017 - 10.2023
Sales Manager
Penn National Gaming, Hollywood Casino St. Louis
04.2016 - 02.2017
Catering Coordinator
Saint Louis Club
09.2011 - 04.2016
Event Operations Manager
Forest Hills Country Club
05.2009 - 05.2011
Bachelor of Science in Hotel and Restaurant Management -
University of Missouri
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