Mark Williams
Naples,Florida
Summary
Sr. Event Planning Manager with 23 years of experience in Hospitality, Event Planning & Operations
Results-driven leader with strong background in strategic management and organizational growth. Skilled in developing and implementing effective business strategies, optimizing processes, and driving team performance. Known for adaptability, effective collaboration, and delivering measurable outcomes in dynamic environments. Strong communication and problem-solving abilities, coupled with focus on fostering productive and positive team culture.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
Work History
Director of Event Planning/ Sr. Event Manager
Marriott Marquis Chicago
05.2023 - Current
- Developed high-performing teams by providing mentorship, guidance, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Enhanced team collaboration through regular communication, goal setting, and performance evaluations.
- Established a culture of continuous improvement by fostering open communication channels and empowering employees to voice their ideas.
- Cultivated a positive work environment that fostered employee engagement, increased retention rates, and boosted overall team morale.
Sr Event Planning Manager
JW Marco Island Resort & Spa
06.2017 - Current
- Partnering with clients to ensure room blocks, event menus, décor, setup, audio visual, trade shows and entertainment to ensure the flawless execution of all aspects of their events
- Accuracy in budgeting and forecasting of each event
- Collaboration with vendors and the logistics of load in and load out dates & times
- Assisted Leadership Team & Revenue Management when Director of Event Management was out of the office
Director of Event Planning & Operations
JW Marriott Buckhead
10.2016 - 06.2017
- Staffing and development of managers, supervisors and hourly associates
- Introduced Catering Forecasting and increased the overall accuracy of Catering & Rooms Forecasts
- Implementation of LSOP’s for Event Planning for Pre-Convention and Resume meetings
- Budgeting and Forecasting for Event Planning and Operation departments
- Attendance in Executive Leadership, Sales Strategy and Regional meetings
Assisstant Front Officee Manager
JW Marco Island Resort & Spa
05.2013 - 10.2016
- Achieved a 94% engagement score of the Front Desk, AYS, Concierge, Bell Stand & Valet Departments
- Customer relations and problem resolution with a laser focus on Arrival Experience and Elite Recognition
- Forecasting & Budgeting of the Front Office Revenue
- Achieved $855K in upgrade revenue
- Implementation and execution of the Mobile Check-in, Check-out, Mobile Chat & Mobile Key
Event Planning Manager
JW Marco Island Resort & Spa
10.2010 - 05.2013
- Partnering with clients to ensure room blocks, event menus, décor, setup, audio visual and entertainment to ensure the flawless execution of all aspects of their events
- Accuracy in budgeting and forecasting of each event
- Collaboration with vendors and the scheduling of load in and load out dates & times
- Recipient of the Manager of the Year & Manager of the Quarter Award
Education
Electronics -
TESST Inst.
Alexandria, VA01.1993
Networking -
Strayer College
01.1989
CCNA -
IT Academy
Oakland, CA01.1989
Skills
- Strong interpersonal & Communication Skills
- Problem Solving
- Leadership
- Meticulous attention to detail
- Excellent Organizational Skills
- Poised under Pressure
- MS Office Suite
Accomplishments
- Built strong relationships with vendors such as florists, photographers, videographers, musicians, and officiants to take hassle out of wedding planning.
- Planned and Successfully executed Groups from 50 guests to over 3,000 guest.
- Partnered with Large Corporations and Political Conventions resulting in Amazing Events and life long connections..
- Planned over 8 City-Wide & numerous smaller events in 2024.
- Earned "Manger of the Year" Award in 2013 at the JW Marco Island Marriott
- Earned "Manager of the Quarter" Award in 2013 at the JW Marco Island Marriott.
Hobbies and Interests
- Travel
- Art
- Landscaping
- Interior Design
- Pets
Manager of the Year and Manager of the Quarter
Successfully ending the year with on overall planning score of 98.8 including Overall Event Satisfaction with 59 surveys returned in 2013.
Timeline
Director of Event Planning/ Sr. Event Manager
Marriott Marquis Chicago
05.2023 - Current
Sr Event Planning Manager
JW Marco Island Resort & Spa
06.2017 - Current
Director of Event Planning & Operations
JW Marriott Buckhead
10.2016 - 06.2017
Assisstant Front Officee Manager
JW Marco Island Resort & Spa
05.2013 - 10.2016
Event Planning Manager
JW Marco Island Resort & Spa
10.2010 - 05.2013
Networking -
Strayer College
CCNA -
IT Academy
Electronics -
TESST Inst.
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