Open To Work
LAUREN SIMMONS
Atlanta,GA
Summary
Results-driven Senior Sales Leader known for productivity and efficiency in task completion. Specialize in strategic planning, customer relationship management, and market analysis. Excel in negotiation, leadership, and communication, ensuring seamless team coordination and client satisfaction. Accomplished Sales Manager offering 15 years of experience developing and maximizing group sales. Diligent in building and retaining accounts by providing support and attentive service. Expertise in marketing strategies, product promotion to achieve market penetration. Successful record of expanding network connections through persuasive and consultative sales.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
Skills
- Account Management
- Contract Negotiation
- Dynamic Presenter
- Direct Solicitation & Prospecting
- Data Analysis
- Market Analysis
- Competitor Analysis
- Budgeting & Forecasting
- Salesforce CRM
- Microsoft Office
- Strategic Planning
- Consultative Sales
- Team Leadership
Work History
Senior Sales Manager
InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) - Crowne Plaza at Ravinia
Atlanta, GA
03.2022 - Current
- Developed and executed annual sales strategies driven by data and client insights, resulting in over $10M in booked event revenue over three years and consistently exceeding sales targets in a competitive market.
- Drove $1M revenue growth in 2023 by strengthening stakeholder relationships, expanding the top 10 accounts, and securing multi-year contracts through tailored strategic account plans.
- Led tailored proposals and complex negotiations for multi-day corporate meetings and citywide events (up to 2,000 attendees), generating over $4.2M in group revenue in 2024 through collaboration with CVBs, third-party planners, and internal meetings and events teams.
- Built and nurtured strategic partnerships with CVBs, Destination Marketing Organizations, Destination Management Companies, and third-party planners, driving a 35% increase in group leads and securing over $3M in high-impact meetings annually.
Director of Partnerships
Atlanta Reggae in the Park LLC presents the BeReggae Art and Music Festival
Atlanta, GA
03.2021 - 08.2023
- Coordinated logistics for a 3-day festival entertaining over 10,000+ daily attendees.
- Designed VIP hospitality packages—including artist green rooms and sponsor lounges, driving $30K in upsell revenue and earning 98% satisfaction through premium lodging and luxury shuttle service experiences.
- Curated 20+ artist rider accommodations annually, optimizing backstage logistics and reducing setup time by 35%.
- Optimized vendor negotiations across hotels, transportation, and offsite catering, resulting in $50K in annual savings while continuously elevating premium service standards.
Sales Manager
Sage Hospitality - Renaissance Midtown Atlanta Hotel
Atlanta, GA
08.2021 - 03.2022
- Achieved 2021 Q4 sales goal (111% Rooms Revenue, 128% F&B).
- Accomplished a 30% growth in repeat clientele by enhancing relationship management and client follow-up protocols, including use of SalesForce CRM.
- Secured the largest contract in 2021, a $250K partnership with the WNBA by leveraging advanced negotiation tactics and strategic relationship-building.
- Oversaw 40+ events, coordinating efforts among internal teams to manage a $500K annual F&B budget.
Executive Meeting Manager
HEI Hotels & Resorts - Westin New York Grand Central
New York, NY
09.2019 - 03.2020
- Managed over 50+ corporate and social events, generating $1.5M+ in group revenue while maintaining 95% client satisfaction scores.
- Built relationships with key pharmaceutical accounts resulting in 30% growth in repeat business.
- Negotiated competitive group rates, contributing to a 20% increase in average event spend year-over-year.
- Conducted detailed site inspections and crafted customized proposals, converting 65% of leads into confirmed bookings through consultative selling techniques.
Sales & Marketing Taskforce Consultant
Strategic Solution Partners
100% Travel
04.2019 - 01.2020
- Provided sales support to the on-property team, ensuring continuity in sales efforts, pipeline management, and revenue optimization during leadership transitions.
- Drove short-term revenue growth by proactively managing groups and responding to inbound inquiries to secure new business opportunities.
- Mentored and guided new sales associates, implemented best practices, and refined sales processes to enhance efficiency and maximize conversions.
- Negotiated and closed complex group contracts with meeting and event stakeholders, ensuring long-term revenue growth while elevating client satisfaction and loyalty.
Account Executive (Affinity) - (100% Remote)
Marriott International
100% Remote
12.2016 - 09.2018
- Managed a portfolio of affinity accounts (religious, state association, and government), ensuring personalized service and account growth with a portfolio worth $7M.
- Generated new business opportunities by prospecting and cold calling, resulting in a significant increase in quarterly revenue production, exceeding 110%.
- Cross-functional collaboration with on-property sales, marketing, and account teams to manage a portfolio of 100+ accounts, driving strategic alignment and revenue growth across key business segments.
- Handled annual contract negotiations for team's top producing account, totaling $1M in contract commitments in 2017.
Senior Catering Sales Manager
Marriott International - Atlanta Marriott Marquis
Atlanta, GA
02.2013 - 12.2016
- Increased local catering revenue for events of 500+ attendees in 2016-2017, generating 226% in F&B and 222% in rooms revenue; recognized as Catering Sales Team of the Year in 2016 for the Americas.
- Generated over $1.2M in annual local catering revenue by securing and managing high-impact corporate events and social galas, consistently exceeding sales targets by 50%.
- Collaborated with culinary, banquet, and revenue teams to maximize profitability, resulting in a 10% increase in average check spend across all catering segments.
- Negotiated multi-event contracts with key repeat clients, contributing to a 30% increase in year-over-year repeat catering business and boosting customer lifetime value.
Certification
- CAPM - Certified Associate in Project Management
- CSP - Certified Sales Professional
- CSEP - Certified Special Event Professional
Education
Bachelor of Science - Interdisciplinary Studies
Clayton State University
Morrow, GA 09.2023 - current
Awards
- Top Performer, Intercontinental Hotel Group (IHG), 3 Years
- Catering Sales Team of the Year Americas, 2016
- Trumpet Awards Foundation High Heels High Tea Honoree
- Presidents Circle, Marriott International, 5 Years