Maria Salazar
Beloit
Summary
Experienced with managing executive schedules and administrative tasks. Utilizes strong organizational and multitasking skills to enhance efficiency and support. Track record of maintaining confidentiality and ensuring seamless operations through effective communication and problem-solving.
Proactive and goal-oriented professional with excellent time management and problem-solving skills. Known for reliability and adaptability, with swift capacity to learn and apply new skills. Committed to leveraging these qualities to drive team success and contribute to organizational growth.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Event Manager
Geronimo Hospitality Group
03.2023 - 10.2024
- Generated repeat business by consistently providing outstanding customer service pre-, during-, and post-event stages.
- Bolstered company reputation through successful execution of fundraising galas for non-profit organizations.
- Oversaw all aspects of event logistics, from registration to post-event follow-up activities.
- Enhanced attendee experience by meticulously planning and executing high-profile events.
- Established strong relationships with vendors and suppliers, ensuring seamless event execution.
- Trained junior team members on best practices in event management, fostering professional growth within the organization.
- Streamlined event management processes for increased efficiency and cost savings.
- Utilized job-related software to create standard guidelines, banquet orders and room layouts for each event.
- Implemented contingency plans to address last-minute changes or unforeseen events.
- Created detailed timelines and budgets for events to meet all deadlines.
- Managed administrative logistics of events planning, event booking, and event promotions.
- Negotiated contracts with venues, vendors and suppliers to obtain best rates and services.
- Led cross-functional teams to successfully plan and execute large-scale corporate events.
- Coordinated cross-functional teams to ensure successful implementation of event strategies.
- Assisted in recruiting, hiring and training of team members.
- Trained and guided team members to maintain high productivity and performance metrics.
- Handled problematic customers and clients to assist lower-level employees and maintain excellent customer service.
Event Manager
Geronimo Hospitality Group
09.2021 - 03.2023
- Managed budgets and negotiated contracts with vendors, ensuring cost-effective event execution.
- Streamlined event planning processes by implementing efficient project management strategies.
- Implemented innovative event themes and designs to create memorable experiences for attendees.
- Managed administrative logistics of events planning, event booking, and event promotions.
- Established relationships with key clients, fostering long-term partnerships for future collaborations.
- Coordinated schedules and timelines for events.
- Coordinated with participating vendors during event planning.
- Managed event logistics and operations.
- Performed face-to-face meetings to finalize contract for services and event details.
- Developed tailored event plans to meet client objectives, ensuring seamless execution and positive guest experiences.
- Established working relationships with clients by organizing various events.
- Negotiated contracts with venues, vendors and suppliers to obtain best rates and services.
- Increased client satisfaction by consistently delivering well-executed events within budget constraints.
- Coordinated large-scale conferences for industry professionals, resulting in increased networking opportunities.
- Oversaw logistics for multi-day events, including accommodations, transportation, and scheduling.
- Collaborated closely with clients throughout the planning process to ensure their vision was accurately reflected in the final event layout.
- Managed event logistics from conception to completion, ensuring every detail contributed to event's success.
Dining Room Manager
Merrill & Houston’s Steak Joint
05.2017 - 09.2021
- Lead and manage the dining team in all aspects of the department and ensure service standards are followed
- Manage the daily operations of the dining areas to meet or exceed hospitality and service standards
- Communicate regularly with dining room team to implement agreed upon strategies, practices, and promotions
- Follow all safety and sanitation policies when handling food and beverage
- Establish relationships with both internal team members and external clients
- Manage the departmental budget and assist with data entry
- Frequently consult with clients to determine catering objectives for events such as meetings, conferences, or conventions
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by ensuring timely and efficient service in the dining room.
- Greeted guests, sat at tables and brought orders to assist front of house staff.
- Resolved guest complaints promptly and professionally, turning potentially negative experiences into positive ones.
- Trained new hires on restaurant policies, procedures, and best practices, fostering a culture of excellence within the team.
- Developed strong relationships with guests, resulting in a high rate of repeat clientele.
- Optimized workflow by cross-training employees in various roles throughout the dining room operation.
Banquet Chef
Merrill & Houston’s Steak Joint
09.2015 - 05.2017
- Assisted management of Banquet Event Order process including menu development, pricing, tracking, and ordering
- Observed production flow and adjusted to adhere to control procedures for cost and quality
- Inspected and cleaned food preparation areas, such as equipment and work surfaces, or serving areas to ensure safe and sanitary food-handling practices
- Instructed kitchen staff in the areas of predation, cooking, garnishing and presentation of food
Office Assistant
Merrill & Houston’s Steak Joint
05.2015 - 05.2016
- Recorded advanced deposits and maintained spreadsheets to submit to the Accounting department monthly
- Adjusted employee timecards on payroll system and submitted for approval
- Updated and maintained event folders
- Facilitated smooth operations by efficiently handling incoming mail, phone calls, and visitor inquiries.
- Expedited document processing with accurate data entry and timely filing.
- Enhanced office efficiency by managing schedules, organizing files, and maintaining a clean workspace.
- Maintained confidentiality in handling sensitive information while performing administrative tasks.
- Increased customer satisfaction by providing professional and courteous front desk support.
- Prepared and edited documents to produce precise, accurate and professional communication.
- Contributed to a positive work environment by fostering open communication among colleagues.
- Assisted in financial tasks such as invoicing, expense tracking, and budget preparation to ensure accuracy.
- Improved office supply inventory management, reducing unnecessary expenditures by regularly auditing and ordering supplies.
- Supported executive staff with well-prepared reports, presentations, and meeting materials.
- Coordinated meeting schedules and logistics, leading to smoother operations and better time management.
- Increased team productivity, organizing and scheduling appointments and meetings without overlap.
Education
High School Diploma -
Beloit Memorial High School
06.2012
Skills
- Fluent in Spanish and English
- Proficient in Microsoft Office products
- ServSafe certified
- City of Beloit Operator’s License
- Brand awareness
- Creative direction
- Vendor negotiation
- Deadline management
- Guest relations
- Schedule management
- File management
- Project management
- Client meetings
- Transportation and logistics planning
- Records management
- Budget management
- Vendor relationship management
- Catering coordination
- Event sales
- Event billing
- Sales and promotion
- Event products and services promotion
- Catering management
- Event staff management
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Customer service
- Time management
- Attention to detail
- Multitasking
- Reliability
- Critical thinking
- Clear communication
- Organizational skills
- Active listening
- Self motivation
- Accurate documentation
- Client relations
2023 WHLA Spirit Of Hospitality Award
The Spirit of Hospitality Award honors lodging employees who are exemplary role models of the true spirit of hospitality in Wisconsin.
Languages
Spanish
Native or Bilingual
English
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
Senior Event Manager
Geronimo Hospitality Group
03.2023 - 10.2024
Event Manager
Geronimo Hospitality Group
09.2021 - 03.2023
Dining Room Manager
Merrill & Houston’s Steak Joint
05.2017 - 09.2021
Banquet Chef
Merrill & Houston’s Steak Joint
09.2015 - 05.2017
Office Assistant
Merrill & Houston’s Steak Joint
05.2015 - 05.2016
High School Diploma -
Beloit Memorial High School
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