Summary
Overview
Work History
Skills
Certification
Favoritebooks
Languages
Timeline
Generic

Maria Nowell

Corona,California

Summary

A results-oriented and performance-driven professional specializing in meeting, event, and conference services, skilled in organizing and coordinating conferences, managing logistics, and formulating budgets. An effective communicator with proven experience, comprehensive organizational skills, and a capacity to excel both in team settings and fast-paced environments. Renowned for building enduring client and vendor relationships, leading teams with excellence, enhancing efficiency, and setting priorities that guarantee the successful execution of projects.

Overview

12
12
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Meeting & Events, Conference Services Manager

Renaissance Esmeralda
Indian Wells
01.2023 - Current
  • Successfully managed and coordinated hotel events of various scales and complexities.
  • Prepared event documentation and coordinated between sales, property departments, and clients to provide consistent, high-level service during property events.
  • Ensured seamless turnover of property events and identified revenue optimization opportunities through effective up selling and offering enhancements for exceptional event experiences.
  • Negotiated with clients for revenue optimization, contract fulfillment, and client satisfaction through innovative menu presentations and event proposals.
  • Maximized revenue potential through up selling, ensured successful events through finalized confirmed bookings requirements, while maintaining effective written communication (Resumes, BEO. Daily Reports) and personal contact with all departments.
  • Ensured accuracy of Banquet Checks and conducted bill reviews upon completion of program or event
  • Successfully executed banquet events by managing operations, supervising staff, and collaborating with banquet manager to assess function space requirements.
  • Actively involved in meetings with hotel staff and clients which included but were not limited to: Morning Operations Briefing, Morning CS Briefing , Resume Meeting , Banquet Event Order Meetings , Sales Meetings Pre-Convention Meetings ,
    Planning Visits,and Menu Tastings.
  • Maintained up-to-date knowledge of hotel capacities, meeting space dimensions, and operational requirements for various departments
  • Ensured client satisfaction at the beginning and end of all events.

Meeting & Events, Conference Services Manager

Jenner & Block LLP
New York, NY
01.2018 - 01.2023
  • Successfully executed and directed meeting, events, and conference services contracted programs. Maintained a high level of service throughout pre-event, event, and post-event phases.
  • Proven experience in event management, specializing in sourcing private event spaces and skillfully negotiating contracts for optimized outcomes
  • Oversaw all facets of Conference Services, managed catering agreements, billing processes, room layouts, food and beverage provisions, equipment, adequate supplies, audio/visual setup, and developed strategies to guarantee effective performance management.
  • Leveraged communication with Director to facilitate onsite logistics, coordinated with Department Leads for building preparedness, successfully handled COI/Harmless Holds and oversaw visitor/vendor point of entry/security needs.
  • Ensured accuracy of events and conference services details in ASANA, meeting specified weekly/monthly/annual meeting goals established during annual budgeting.
  • Negotiated the firm's hotel program and negotiated hotel contracts and concessions offered-Coordinated travel/hotel logistics for partners, keynote speakers and visiting heads of the firm
  • Collaborated with Marketing & Communications on developing inspiring invite designs and ensuring accurate formatting in line with company policies, practices, and guidelines.
  • Streamlined operations through the development of innovative processes and systems that facilitated education and growth within the department.

Corporate Account Manager, Client Consulting

Travel and Transport Ultramar
New York, NY
02.2014 - 11.2018
  • Managed and executed high quality travel programs for domestic/global accounts, maximizing profits
  • Negotiated and planned travel program renewals with airline, car rental, hotel, and travel agency services to maximize profit
  • Established cost control objectives and evaluated the efficiency of travel programs, ensuring adherence to corporate policy and preferred supplier relationships. This led to an average increase in clients' cost savings by 8%-12%.
  • Managed all aspects of client satisfaction for overall travel programs, consistently exceeding expectations based on quarterly and end-of-year reviews
  • Scheduled and led travel program milestone meetings for agent team members, ensuring clear understanding of expectations, responsibilities, and deadlines.
  • Participated in development opportunities to enhance business unit performance and foster creativity.

Consultant, Client Services Manager

Joulebody
New York, NY
01.2012 - 01.2014
  • Sourced ayurvedic, raw, macrobiotic whole food ingredients and designed personalized signature meal plans for renowned clients.
  • Conducted research to find suppliers of recyclable, eco-friendly, and compostable/sustainable packaging materials.
  • Networked and attended industry events, keeping updated on industry trends and building future business and partnering opportunities.

Skills

  • Event Management
  • Budgeting/Forecasting
  • Vendor Management
  • Operations
  • Diversity Inclusion
  • Recruitment/Onboarding
  • Oral/Written Communication Skills
  • Process Optimization

Certification

  • ServSafe Food Protection/Manager, 2024-01-01
  • Covid-19 Safety Training, 2024-01-01
  • Asana
  • NFS/Rendezvous
  • Concur
  • Salesforce
  • Microsoft Office Suite
  • WebEx

Favoritebooks

  • The Power of Habit
  • Algorithms to Live By
  • The Power of Now
  • The Alchemist
  • Who Will Cry When You Die

Languages

  • English
  • Spanish

Timeline

Meeting & Events, Conference Services Manager

Renaissance Esmeralda
01.2023 - Current

Meeting & Events, Conference Services Manager

Jenner & Block LLP
01.2018 - 01.2023

Corporate Account Manager, Client Consulting

Travel and Transport Ultramar
02.2014 - 11.2018

Consultant, Client Services Manager

Joulebody
01.2012 - 01.2014

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Maria Nowell