LORENZA DOWD
NORTH BERGEN,NJ
Summary
Seasoned Director of Special Events and Sales with 14 years of experience in event management, sales strategy development, and team leadership. Proven track record in implementing innovative event programs, boosting sales revenue, and cultivating strategic partnerships. Excitedly seeking a role in Special Event Sales and Management to leverage extensive experience in creating effective marketing strategies and coordinating high-profile events.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Catering Sales Manager
Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group
New York City, NY
02.2024 - Current
- Worked alongside the Director of Catering and Events, managed the catering budget and forecasts for the year.
- Strategize new prospects, qualifying, and maintaining a database
- Develop a sales plan by market segment and time of the year
- Contribute to the annual Sales and Event Marketing Plan
- Assist with the competitive analysis and provides feedback from the clients on the menu/presentation/quality of service
- Increase revenue through applied selling strategy
- Cultivate existing and new client relationships
- Confirming event details including but not limited to menu selections, timelines, set-up, guest count when creating a Banquet Event Order Participate in weekly BEO (Banquet Event Order) Meetings with Food & Beverage and Events Team to review upcoming events, discuss, and rectify all logistical challenges, and foresee potential problems or hindrances
- Monitor the quality of the products and services provided
- Strong Communication with operational Events Manager to ensure a seamless event execution and client’s expectations are being met and exceeded
- Greet clients at the beginning of the event and conduct a final walkthrough to ensure the event production is flawless, executing the entire event as required.
- Assist in supervising, training, and directing catering team members.
- Create team SOPs to ensure seamless service
Director of Special Events and Sales
SONY HALL NEW YORK
New York
01.2023 - Current
- Manages full event department life cycle, encompassing sales, planning, marketing, and administration, with a focus on creating effective marketing strategies to boost sales revenue
- Leads the internal events team to establish and adhere to robust standard operating procedures (SOPs), sales goals, and delivers overall leadership support to the expanding department
- Implements innovative event program changes, including designing creative menus in partnership with the corporate chef to enhance profitability and brand experience
- Collaborates closely with the Marketing/PR team to generate content and assets that increase venue visibility, attract new clients, and engage existing ones through email and social media channels
- Seeks and cultivates strategic partnerships to enhance venue visibility and profitability
- Ensures flawless coordination for large-scale, high-profile events by closely collaborating with vendors and production teams
- Constructs pre- and post-event processes and provides leadership to achieve set sales goals
- Works closely with ownership, delivering monthly reports and identifying calendar trends
- Manages onstage technical elements, including audio, lighting, staging, and video, ensuring a seamless event experience
- Exhibits out-of-the-box thinking, analytical, and problem-solving skills amid a continually changing environment.
Director of Special Events
Gerber Group
New York, NY
11.2015 - 01.2023
- Managed event departments across five distinct property locations, establishing procedures, training programs, and sales targets to enhance productivity and sales
- Facilitated partnerships and coordinated high-level events with Union hotels and MTA/MNR properties, ensuring smooth execution and production
- Directed a team of four in setting procedures and sales targets across various properties, fostering team collaboration and goal alignment
- Enhanced profitability through systematic menu reviews, goal setting, issue identification, and financial control implementation
- Worked in synergy with the Marketing team to develop aligned sales strategies and amplify PR/Marketing potential through event partnerships
- Devised and maintained dynamic sales strategies, which included initiating new events and monitoring departmental objectives.
Education
B.A., Communications/ Minor in Fine Arts -
Hofstra University
Hempstead, N.Y02.1994
Skills
- Microsoft Outlook, Excel, Powerpoint and Word
- Tripleseat
- All Seated
- Sevenrooms
- Avero
- Delphi
- Salesforce
- Event Production
- Floral Decor
- Event Planning and Coordination
- Sales and Negotiation
- Marketing and Promotion
- Problem Solving and Decision Making
- Leadership and Teamwork
- Budget Management
- Contract Negotiation
Timeline
Senior Catering Sales Manager
Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group
02.2024 - Current
Director of Special Events and Sales
SONY HALL NEW YORK
01.2023 - Current
Director of Special Events
Gerber Group
11.2015 - 01.2023
B.A., Communications/ Minor in Fine Arts -
Hofstra University
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