Michelle Nicolas
North Grafton,MA
Summary
Experienced Event and Catering Professional with over 10 years in planning and executing large-scale events, including conferences and galas for up to 1,500 attendees. Expertise in client relations, vendor partnerships, and cross-department collaboration to create impactful experiences. Proven track record in enhancing operational efficiency and guest satisfaction across diverse settings.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
Work History
Catering & Convention Services Manager
Encore Boston Harbor
Everett, MA
02.2024 - Current
- Direct large-scale corporate, medical, and educational programs at 5-star luxury resort, enhancing guest satisfaction and operational excellence.
- Plan and oversee group events, coordinating with sales, food & beverage, and other departments to ensure seamless execution.
- Manage logistics for pre-planning visits, site inspections, catering, budgets, and entertainment to deliver high-quality client experiences.
- Partner with clients and vendors to design tailored event solutions, ensuring full union compliance.
- Collaborate with all parties to define requirements, and align logistics with operational standards for seamless delivery.
Catering Sales Manager
The Colonnade Hotel
Boston, MA
12.2021 - 02.2024
- Secured and managed corporate and social catering business, enhancing market presence at 4-star luxury hotel in Boston's Back Bay.
- Secured new group and catering business through prospecting, networking, and relationship-building.
- Liaised with clients, vendors, and operations teams to ensure seamless event execution.
- Negotiated budgets and contracts to enhance profitability and ensure favorable terms.
- Conducted tastings, site visits, and client consultations to secure business.
- Sold guest rooms and event space and provided thorough detailed documentation for internal and external teams.
- Developed and delivered presentations that boosted engagement and increased social revenue.
Office Assistant
Servello CPA
Westborough, MA
11.2020 - 09.2021
- Managed calendar for CPA, coordinating scheduling and facilitating client communications.
- Streamlined workflow systems to enhance task management and reduce response times.
- Processed bookkeeping and invoicing using QuickBooks.
- Managed company social media profiles, increasing audience engagement and brand awareness.
Catering Sales Manager
DoubleTree by Hilton
Westborough, MA
06.2016 - 11.2020
- Developed and executed sales strategies, resulting in exceeding revenue goals.
- Enhanced profitability in corporate and social markets through targeted upselling, increasing overall revenue.
- Generated new business and executed events, contributing to the hotel's reputation as a premier 4-star venue.
- Prospected new accounts through cold calls, networking, and site inspections.
- Coordinated bookings, room blocks, and logistics across departments to streamline event execution.
- Negotiated contracts, proposals, and addendums while ensuring accuracy and compliance.
Sales Manager & Executive Assistant
Crowne Plaza Hotel
Natick, MA
09.2010 - 06.2016
- Tracked sales pace and compiled activity reports, providing insights on performance metrics to senior leadership.
- Greeted and toured prospective clients, coordinating sales team calendars to optimize scheduling.
- Progressed through various positions within the organization supporting sales, events, and administration.
- Generated catering revenue while supporting large-scale event operations at a 4-star property.
- Managed event details, proposals, and client contracts to ensure seamless execution from inception to completion.
- Managed executive schedules, coordinated meetings, and organized confidential documentation.
- Represented hotel at trade shows and community functions, enhancing brand visibility and fostering industry relationships.
Education
Associate - Science
Quinsigamond Community College
Worcester, MASkills
- Event planning and execution
- Catering sales
- Business development
- Contract negotiation
- Budget oversight
- Salesforce
- Cvent
- Delphi
- Opera
- MS Office
Awards And Affiliations
- Manager of the Year, Massachusetts Lodging Association, 2022
- Sales Manager of the Year, The Colonnade Hotel, 2022
- Sales Champion, DoubleTree Hotel, 2019
- Member, Boston Wedding Group
Timeline
Catering & Convention Services Manager
Encore Boston Harbor
02.2024 - Current
Catering Sales Manager
The Colonnade Hotel
12.2021 - 02.2024
Office Assistant
Servello CPA
11.2020 - 09.2021
Catering Sales Manager
DoubleTree by Hilton
06.2016 - 11.2020
Sales Manager & Executive Assistant
Crowne Plaza Hotel
09.2010 - 06.2016
Associate - Science
Quinsigamond Community College