Robin Sturges
Kansas City,MO
Summary
Proven leader in hospitality sales and event planning, proficient at driving revenue growth and fostering client relationships, offering over 20 years of experience. Expert in contract negotiation and budget management, with strong knowledge of strategic planning and building strong client relationships. Demonstrates exceptional organizational and communication skills, ensuring client satisfaction and performance enhancement.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
Work History
Director of Sales
Embassy Suites Olathe/Kansas City
12.2022 - 10.2024
- Created and implemented tactical sales plans to drive measurable incremental occupancy, increase average rates, and increase business volume on need dates
- Elevated team performance with strategic planning and coaching in areas of prospecting, sales goals, and emerging opportunities, all while maintaining a positive culture
- Actively solicited and maintained client relationships through strategic sales initiatives including outside sales calls and trips, site inspections, targeted customer events, and ongoing communication
Sales Manager
The Raphael Hotel, Autograph Collection
04.2022 - 09.2022
- Organized events from conception to completion including execution of group/catering sales agreements and addendums, while collaborating with property leadership to ensure profitable bookings
- Evaluated changes in guest needs, industry and competitive trends to recommend appropriate product/service and operational changes to be made to ensure guest and employee satisfaction
- Promoted and developed new group guest room and catering business while maintaining existing client relationships for enhanced production and occupancy
- Consulted with the Director of Sales on rate/inventory suitability of potential group business and review STAR Reports to ensure hotel is positioned in the market properly
Event Sales Manager
Hyatt Place Kansas City/Lenexa City Center
04.2021 - 10.2021
- Evaluated changes in guest needs, industry and competitive trends to recommend appropriate product/service and operational changes to be made to ensure guest and employee satisfaction
- Created and executed group and catering sales agreements and addendums, while collaborating with property leadership to ensure profitable bookings
- Promoted and developed new group guest room business while maintaining existing client relationships for enhanced production
- Consulted with the General Manager on rate/inventory suitability of potential group business and review STAR Reports to ensure hotel is positioned in the market properly
Senior Catering Sales Manager
Marriott Country Club Plaza
04.2016 - 04.2020
- Responsible for soliciting, negotiating, and securing new and repeat business through prospecting calls, outside sales calls, personalized site visits, presentations, and networking events
- Accurately forecasted event revenue in accordance with the budget for the Sales, Catering and Event Management team to meet and exceed goals
- Planned and detailed all function requirements with the client, including event space requirements, time frame, equipment and audio visual, menus and themes, while focusing on up-selling hotel product offerings
- Implemented new department initiatives by way of creating personalized menus, marketing material and promotions to acquire new and repeat social and corporate catering business, leading to an increase in efficiency and potential revenue
Meeting & Event Manager
Sheraton Overland Park Hotel at the Convention Center
06.2015 - 04.2016
- Managed and coordinated convention activities associated with planning, supervising, and executing events for groups to include sales, negotiations, and conflict resolution
- Communicated all group details and history to the appropriate operational departments to ensure all specifications are implemented and executed to established guidelines
- Accurately forecasted group revenues in accordance with the budget for the Sales, Catering and Event Management team to meet and exceed goals
- Managed contracted group room blocks and sent frequent rooming list and attrition updates to my clients
Event Manager/Contractor
Sprint/Experiential Marketing & Strategic Events Team
12.2012 - 06.2015
- Organized events from conception to completion: venue selection, contract negotiation, budget management, menu selection, housing, transportation, creation and distribution of marketing materials, organization of activities and manage on-site logistics
- Negotiated contracts and approved all meeting expenses to deliver each program at or under budget, while meeting rigorous timelines; prepared and managed programs up to $500,000.00
- Served as liaison for internal partners, vendors, partners, and participants to ensure flawless coordination of programs from early planning stage to post-event support
- Maintained registration and housing databases
Education
Bachelor of Science - Hospitality and Restaurant Management
Missouri State University
01.2002
Skills
- Dedicated
- Highly Organized
- Communication Skills
- Budget Management
- Contract Negotiation
- Revenue Growth
- Deal Closing
- Relationship Building
Timeline
Director of Sales
Embassy Suites Olathe/Kansas City
12.2022 - 10.2024
Sales Manager
The Raphael Hotel, Autograph Collection
04.2022 - 09.2022
Event Sales Manager
Hyatt Place Kansas City/Lenexa City Center
04.2021 - 10.2021
Senior Catering Sales Manager
Marriott Country Club Plaza
04.2016 - 04.2020
Meeting & Event Manager
Sheraton Overland Park Hotel at the Convention Center
06.2015 - 04.2016
Event Manager/Contractor
Sprint/Experiential Marketing & Strategic Events Team
12.2012 - 06.2015
Bachelor of Science - Hospitality and Restaurant Management
Missouri State University
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