Natalie Strahl
Event and Meeting Manager
Carpinteria,CA
Summary
Seasoned professional with experience in event planning and management, business development and sales and executive administration. I have over 25 years of expertise in special events planning and success in event and meeting operations. Ready to help team achieve company goals. Possesses excellent communication and interpersonal skills to establish and maintain positive working relationships. Adept at managing all aspects of event planning including logistics, venue selection and catering. Organized and dependable candidate successful at managing multiple priorities with a positive attitude. Willingness to take on added responsibilities to meet team goals. Detail-oriented team player with strong organizational skills. Ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously with a high degree of accuracy.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
Work History
Business Development
Anheuser-Busch: Beyond Beer
05.2022 - Current
- Working directly with off-premise and on-premise clients developing and growing sales volume in assigned territory through relationship building, and effective fact-based selling and presentations
- Developing and leveraging relationships with key influence and decision makers in assigned stores and markets
- Implement strategies to meet or exceed goals for assigned stores and markets
- Growing POS for client brands by selling incremental display locations, executing initiatives as well as maintaining in stock conditions
- Analyzes and develops business plans each Quarter that identifies opportunities to grow sales within the territory.
- Communicated directly with customers and partners to build strong business networks and relationships.
- Identified business development challenges and customer concerns for proactive resolution.
- Contributed to industry events and trade shows to showcase products and gather industry intelligence.
- Kept detailed records of daily activities through online customer database.
- Maintained current knowledge of evolving changes in marketplace.
- Informed customers of promotions to increase sales productivity and volume.
- Contributed to event marketing, sales and brand promotion.
Wine Specialist
Folded Hills, LLC: Gaviota Ranch Winery & Montecito Tasting Room
01.2022 - 03.2023
- Ensures that every guest feels a positive and genuine connection with Folded Hills
- Takes the extra steps to serve/sell quality wine flights, glasses of wine, and retail items in a high-traffic, fast-paced environment
- Connecting and educating guests on Folded hills highly regarded wines, family history and winemaking practices
- Promoting and selling Folded Hills - Wine Club Memberships, The Fold and The Fold Reserve
- Attendance of wine education seminars and classes for becoming a level certified Wine Specialist of Wine
- Began pilot program with Hospitality Manager to use the winery as a wedding ceremony and reception location Work directly with Hospitality Manager planning and executing events at Winery and Montecito Tasting Room as well as aiding in the larger events that includes are Wine Club members.
- Set up wine tastings to bring in business and promote special offerings.
- Represented establishment professionally with guests and earned consistent repeat and referral business.
- Handled questions and concerns skillfully and redirected customers toward higher profit items to increase per-ticket revenue.
- Incorporated guest and management feedback to deliver unparalleled service and consistently hit profit targets.
- Organized routine and special event orders to keep adequate inventory for forecasted needs.
- Carried out complete opening, closing and shift change duties to keep restaurant working efficiently and teams ready to meet customer needs.
- Answered customers' questions, recommended items, and recorded order information.
- Displayed enthusiasm and promoted excellent service to customers, successfully increasing referrals, and walk-in business.
- Collected payment for food and drinks served, balanced cash receipts and maintained accurate cash drawer.
- Shared knowledge of menu items and flavors, enabling customers to make personal decisions based on taste and interest.
- Oversaw successful bar service and operations to handle as many as 75 guests per day.
Customer Development Representative – Inside Sales – DTP (Direct to Patient)
Inogen, Inc
01.2021 - 01.2022
- Provides inside sales of Inogen products to oxygen patients through outgoing and incoming phone and email contact
- Generates new business from incoming multi-media lead sources
- Speak to current and prospective customers meeting and exceeding call volume quotas and sales target
- Daily, fielding technical product questions and assuring that customer's needs are expeditiously addressed.
- Attended meeting and sales events to learn latest developments and brainstorm new sales strategies.
- Prepared and submitted reports to keep management informed of sales activities and progress.
- Monitored industry news and trends to stay up-to-date on competitive landscape.
- Engaged in friendly conversation with customer to better uncover individual needs.
- Monitored sales and other performance indicators and took action to improve performance.
- Consistently work to increase marketplace adoption of Inogen products, while exceeding customer expectations and providing a consistently high level of service.
- Answered customers' questions regarding products, prices, and availability.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge of available products to best serve customers and maximize sales potential.
- Managed friendly and professional customer interactions.
- Determined needs, delivered solutions, and overcame objections through consultative selling skills.
- Set up new accounts, established customer credit and set up payment methods.
- Used CRM software to maintain detailed contact logs and account records.
- Met or exceeded sales targets and quotas to contribute to overall sales goals and revenue of company.
- Served customers with knowledgeable, friendly support at every stage of shopping and purchasing.
Design & Development Manager
360 Destination Group
01.2020 - 03.2020
- Planned and executed unique customer events and experiences
- Coordinated, sourced, and managed transportation, guest activities, and entertainment and event décor for all programs
- Responsible for accurate and timely budgeting and reconciliation of all events
- Actively worked with the Account Executive to develop and design proposals with unique décor and thematic concepts for Corporate Events utilizing advanced costing sheets.
- Delivered innovative ideas to high profile clients under strict deadlines.
- Worked closely with Marketing team, Operations team, and Account Executives on all events from concept and design, through execution and post event analysis.
- Monitored resource allocation, budget development and personnel recruitment for multiple event projects.
- Drafted documentation detailing design requirements and technical specifications.
Event Manager
Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort
01.2018 - 01.2020
- Responsible in planning, executing, and overseeing full-service meetings, corporate and social events
- Successful execution of such events in the continuing effort to deliver outstanding guest service and financial profitability for hotel
- Ability to be creative and imaginative to accommodate client's special requests and needs
- Worked directly with clients in preparing BEO's, rooming lists, and internal hotel resume for all events
- Collaborated with Executive Chef and culinary team creating specific menus to accommodate any dietary needs for clients and attendees
- Communicated with clients and maintained all communication in working file.
- Collaborated and worked with all hotel departments to ensure customers experience was beyond expectations, increasing loyalty and guarantee of booking future business.
- Worked with many top corporate brands as well as local community businesses, non-profits, and schools.
- Monitored event activities and resolved technical glitches.
- Designed event specifications to meet organizational needs and objectives.
- Successfully planned and executed over 50 meetings and events per year, ranging from 15 to 10,000 attendees.
- Managed administrative logistics of events planning, event booking, and event promotions.
- Created detailed timelines and budgets for events to meet all deadlines.
- Developed and distributed event surveys to gather feedback and assess event success.
Owner, Creative Director
Natalie Ronelle Events & Weddings
01.2017 - 01.2020
- Full wedding planning, event and design company that collaborated with a diverse clientele creating unique and memorable lifetime experiences
- Focused on building relationships, marketing, business development, sales, creative planning, and project delivery
- Marketing savvy, active on all social media accounts to promote and advertise own business to help generate leads and inquiries
- Partnered with clients in all creative aspects and facets of the design and planning process and aided in the success of clients wedding, creatively and logistically.
- Managed day-to-day business operations.
- Conducted initial consultation with clients to discuss wedding details, venue options and other logistics to understand vision and budget.
- Negotiated prices with suppliers, inspected venues and selected vendors to meet couple expectations.
- Liaised between wedding venues, vendors and engaged couple to help plan and deliver successful event.
- Handled customer service inquiries and complaints and immediately resolved issues to guest satisfaction.
- Organized logistics and prioritized tasks for small to large-scale weddings.
Senior Event Manager/Executive Assistant to Owner
Onyx + Redwood
10.2014 - 01.2018
- Assisted lead designer and owner with concept, design, planning, and execution of weddings
- Assistant designer on photo shoots, collaborating with other vendors to showcase Onyx + Redwood
- Created marketing campaigns and partnered with public relations firm, Be Inspired, on social media accounts including the selection of photographs for Instagram and any submissions to online and print media.
- Coordinated with kitchen or catering staff on delivery, timing and service style of food.
- Liaised with clients to determine exact event requirements.
- Generated ideas to enhance and expand current event offerings.
- Nurtured and built relationships with vendors, venues and industry contacts to obtain best pricing and services for events.
- Produced detailed proposals for events to document timelines, suppliers and budgets.
- Coordinated florists, photographers, and musicians for events.
- Utilized job-related software, Aisle Planner, to create standard guidelines, calendars and budgets for each event.
- Maintained and built comprehensive database of industry contacts, vendors and venues in Aisle Planner.
- Supported senior leadership by developing status reports on activities related to planning, scheduling, cancellation, inquiries, resourcing, risk mitigation, and proposal development for various events.
Account Manager/Underwriting Analyst
Berkley Aviation – General Aviation Department
03.2013 - 05.2016
- Managed aviation accounts, Hull and Liability and Commercial General Liability, Marketing Products, General Liability, Excess and General/Elite Aviation; Worked directly with our customers to ensure their policies were accurate and up to date for all their aircraft, including endorsements and certificates of insurance
- Endorsed changes to policies through policy endorsements in company based software; Booked policy premiums, returns and additions through booking system; Calculated and issued premium endorsements for No Claim Bonuses, Profit Commissions and Lay-ups; Processed Certificates of Insurance for third parties for named insured – including foreign certificates (EU, Mexican & Canadian) and Government certificates; Analyzed application and confirmation of coverage to issue new and renewal policies;
- Worked in conjunction with Underwriting team in Atlanta and California acted as back-up for other UAM's, Managed all communication with Aviation Brokers and ensuring requests and questions were answered in a timely manner.
- Built and strengthened long-lasting client relationships based on accurate price quotes and customer-centric terms.
- Performed effectively in self-directed work environment, managing day-to-day operations and decisions.
- Maintained current knowledge of evolving changes in marketplace.
Executive Assistant - Critical Care SICU/MICU
Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital
01.2011 - 05.2013
- Direct administrative support for SICU and MICU Clinical Manager's; Project Management for Critical Care Education Team on a multitude of projects, including – training modules for new nursing graduates and new hires and an internal website for Critical Care units as a way to network and communicate with each other.
- Responsible for the management of bi-weekly payroll – for 200+ Critical Care Nurses; Managed and implemented schedule for both MICU and SICU; Designed and implemented an online scheduling tool for staff to place requests for preferred shifts, holidays and paid time off; Collected and compiled clinical data, audit reports and dashboards
- Organized and coordinated conferences and monthly meetings.
- Created, prepared, and distributed reports, schedules, documents, and statistical information for Critical Care Dashboards; Coordinated unit meetings, special events and departmental projects for Critical Care Leadership Team including logistics and catering
- Facilitated training and onboarding for incoming staff.
- Streamlined operations and prioritized tasks, allowing senior staff to increase productivity.
- Volunteered to help with special projects of varying degrees of complexity.
- Brand Ambassador for Critical Care units
Senior Marketing Program Specialist
Citrix Systems
01.2010 - 01.2011
- Worked directly with promotional trial users of former online product - GoTo Meeting, Webinar and Training, onboarding and training them during their 30-day promotional trial of chosen program.
- Using CRM tools and data base to keep track of promotions and customer leads and trials.
- Objective to convert over trial subscription users to paying customers
- Worked directly with individuals that were not associated with large businesses or corporate and portrayed themselves as more mom and pop or individual small business
- Had an overall conversion rate of 98% and led the team in sales and conversions as number one Program Specialist consecutively for six months.
- Interpreted clients' needs and introduced services to fit specific requirements.
- Optimized customer experience by delivering superior services and effectively troubleshooting issues.
Executive Assistant, Global Sales & Marketing
QAD, INC.
12.2006 - 01.2009
- Planned, designed, and executed customer visits and events at QAD corporate headquarters for Global Sales and Marketing team.
- Assisted in execution of annual customer conference, for over 1,200+ customers with QAD's global events staff.
- Partnered in the development of the Sales New Hire Training program - prepared and revised training manual to stay current from all aspects of the company, organized catering, social events, scheduling, confirmation of all speakers and travel for the new sales hires and assisted with the program on site during training; Lead contact and concierge for Sales New Hires during onsite training.
- Worked in coordination with team members on Global Reference Program – tracking customers that reference our products and company to prospective customers and maintaining a database for sales representatives to utilize in Salesforce.com; Implemented and maintained customer rewards program for Global Reference Program.
- Added the bonus of a tiered wine club for the Customer Reference program through Gold Medal Wine..
- Handled confidential and sensitive information with discretion and tact.
- Managed executive calendars for CMO, VP of Sales and VP of Marketing.
- Handled logistics, catering, agendas and travel arrangements for meeting and event planning for C-level executives.
- Processed travel expenses and reimbursements for executive team and senior management group.
- Screened calls and emails and responded accordingly to support executive correspondence. Answered high volume of phone calls and email inquiries.
- Used advanced software to prepare documents, reports, and presentations.
- Supported business and hospitality needs of corporate partners and staff during meetings and company events.
- Transcribed meeting minutes to support sales, marketing and senior management teams.
- Filed paperwork and organized computer-based information.
- Greeted arriving visitors, determined nature and purpose of visit and directed individuals to appropriate destinations.
- Volunteered to help with special projects of varying degrees of complexity.
Catering & Conference Services Assistant Planner
Four Seasons Resort Santa Barbara, The Biltmore
01.2000 - 01.2006
- Executive Assistant to Director of Catering & Conference Services; Managed smaller conference groups under twenty people and weddings under fifty people
- Coordinated initial stages of sales to potential clients, including walk-in and telephone/internet inquiries
- Executed contract management, BEO's, rooming lists and internal resumes
- Maintained relationships and correspondence with clientele; Updated accounts of local, repeat corporate clients; Contracted expanded services such as golf, spa, entertainment, group amenities and transportation
- Established client Welcome Amenities based upon total revenue of wedding
- Created a tiered format whereas each Bridal couple would receive a gift or amenity from the Four Seasons that was comparable to their wedding revenue, such as personalized bath robes, spa services or a food and beverage amenity.
Group Reservations Manager
Four Seasons Resort Santa Barbara, The Biltmore
08.2002 - 12.2003
- Met and exceeded sales monthly goals individually and with reservations team; Played an integral role on the reservations team during remodel phase in generating and maintaining revenue for the resort in upselling rooms and spa services
- Compiled regular weekly and monthly forecasts and budgets pertaining to group business and weddings; Promoted features and services of the hotel such as in room dining, fitness center and spa; Answered multi-lined phones and managed guest complaints and concerns; Input and detailed all group business reservations, group events and wedding room blocks
- Main point of contact for Catering Managers, Conference Planners and Sales managers for all group room reservations, Corporate and Wedding.
- Accomplished multiple tasks within established timeframes.
- Provided high level of customer service to each person by engaging customer and using active listening and effective interpersonal skills.
- Managed and closed reservation calls to increase bookings by maintaining strong knowledge of resort products, services, and facilities.
- Maintained professional demeanor by staying calm when addressing unhappy or angry customers.
- Leveraged data and analytics to make informed decisions and drive business improvements.
Education
Master of Arts - Communication
Louisiana State University
Baton RougeBachelor of Arts - Communications
University of California Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara, CASkills
- Adaptability and Flexibility
- Expense Tracking & Reporting
- Meeting and Event Planning
- Administrative and Executive Support
- Customer Service
- Travel Coordination
- Schedule & Calendar Planning
- Business Correspondence
- Advanced MS Office Suite
- Strong Problem Solver
- Meticulous Attention to Detail
- Client Relations
- Interpersonal Skills
- Multitasking Abilities
- Strong Organizational Skills
- Good Telephone Etiquette
- Calm Under Pressure
- Dependable and Responsible
Timeline
Business Development
Anheuser-Busch: Beyond Beer
05.2022 - Current
Wine Specialist
Folded Hills, LLC: Gaviota Ranch Winery & Montecito Tasting Room
01.2022 - 03.2023
Customer Development Representative – Inside Sales – DTP (Direct to Patient)
Inogen, Inc
01.2021 - 01.2022
Design & Development Manager
360 Destination Group
01.2020 - 03.2020
Event Manager
Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort
01.2018 - 01.2020
Owner, Creative Director
Natalie Ronelle Events & Weddings
01.2017 - 01.2020
Senior Event Manager/Executive Assistant to Owner
Onyx + Redwood
10.2014 - 01.2018
Account Manager/Underwriting Analyst
Berkley Aviation – General Aviation Department
03.2013 - 05.2016
Executive Assistant - Critical Care SICU/MICU
Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital
01.2011 - 05.2013
Senior Marketing Program Specialist
Citrix Systems
01.2010 - 01.2011
Executive Assistant, Global Sales & Marketing
QAD, INC.
12.2006 - 01.2009
Group Reservations Manager
Four Seasons Resort Santa Barbara, The Biltmore
08.2002 - 12.2003
Catering & Conference Services Assistant Planner
Four Seasons Resort Santa Barbara, The Biltmore
01.2000 - 01.2006
Master of Arts - Communication
Louisiana State University
Bachelor of Arts - Communications
University of California Santa Barbara
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