STEPHANIE BURKHART, CMP
Shelbyville,IN
Summary
Experienced in creating and implementing effective sales and marketing strategies, regardless of scale and budget. Demonstrates strong ability to maximize profits with limited resources. Conducts thorough market research, develops strategic reports, and successfully organizes and promotes marketing campaigns. Proactively seeks out new sales leads, resulting in a high rate of closed sales. Recognizes the significance of collaborating with customers and executives, while also prioritizing communication and motivation of staff members.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
Work History
Director of Sales and Marketing
Sheraton Indianapolis City Centre
05.2024 - Current
- Managed sales promotions and marketing strategies on major social media sites.
- Cultivated and maintained strategic alliances with key partners and vendors.
- Achieved sales goals and service targets by cultivating and securing new customer relationships.
- Analyzed sales and marketing data for improved strategies.
- Prepared sales presentations for clients showing success and credibility of products.
- Exceeded sales quotas and increased profitability through effective sales strategy and business planning.
Director of Food and Beverage
Omni Severin Hotel
03.2023 - 05.2024
- Delivered in-depth training to workers in food preparation and customer-facing roles to promote strong team performance.
- Maintained sound financial footing by overseeing department profit, loss and budgeting.
- Spearheaded regular maintenance and repair operations to keep building and equipment in peak condition.
- Worked with qualified chef to diversify menu with new offerings.
- Identified team weak points and implemented corrective actions to resolve concerns.
- Created and deployed successful strategies to boost restaurant performance, streamline food prep processes and reduce waste.
Director of Catering and Convention Services
Omni Severin Hotel
03.2015 - 03.2023
- Led the Catering & Convention Services team at the longest running Four Diamond Hotel in Indianapolis
- Hired and trained all Catering Sales & Convention Services Managers
- 2019, 2020, 2021 Best of Weddings for The Knot
- Managed a full meeting space renovation, completed in 2017.
- Designed catering packages to increase sales and customer experience.
- Worked with chefs to plan menus according to client needs and budgets.
- Motivated staff to perform at peak efficiency and quality.
Director of Sales and Marketing
Stanford Hotels, Sheraton Suites Orlando Airport
05.2014 - 03.2015
- Accountable for all Sales and Marketing efforts including all market segments (group, catering and transient), Social Media presence / Reputation Management and Public Relations
- Creating new revenue streams through adding additional partnerships with Wholesale and Tour and Travel Groups
- Developed and directed the strategy for launch of new hotel product after full renovation, completed August 2014.
General Manager
La Siesta Resort & Marina
02.2013 - 05.2014
- Managed a 10 Acre, 52 unit Beach Resort & Full Service Marina with an annual Room Revenue budget of $3.1M
- Improved customer service ratings through extensive staff training with all departments
- Finished 2013 with Guest Service Score of 89.5, representing a 17.4% increase over 2012
- Led the Sales Team in their marketing and solicitation efforts to add FIT/Leisure and SMERF business resulting in the addition of 1400 room nights for 2013
- As of May 2014, 1136 room nights on the books, as well as 22 weddings equating to $176K in catering revenue
- Managed $750K soft goods renovation completed November 2013.
Director of Sales & Marketing
Postcard Inn on the Beach
11.2011 - 02.2013
- Achieved 148% of sales goals within the first year as DOSM, closing on over $1.2M in room revenue in the year for the year
- Finished 2012 with YOY group room growth of over 48% in room nights and $12.56 in ADR
- Led sales calls with team members to establish sales and customer retention goals
- Mentored and directed sales and catering team training, as well as development programs.
Director of Catering and Conference Management
Loews Don Cesar Hotel
08.2008 - 11.2011
- Led an Award Winning Catering & Conference Department with a revenue stream of $16M annually at a Four Diamond Resort
- Our resort hosted 500+ weddings per year
- 2010 & 2011 achieved highest Meeting Planner Survey Scores in entire portfolio, with an average score of 97.4%
- Hired and trained all Catering Sales & Conference Managers, a team of (12) managers & (6) associates
- Created and developed Intimate Wedding Coordinator position that generated over $1.8M annually in incremental revenues for the F&B outlets
- Planned and executed many high profile events such as Tampa Bay Wine & Food Festival, Celebrity Waiter Night and Lyrics for Life.
Skills
- Employee relations
- Self-motivated
- Customer-oriented
- Leadership/communication skills
- Data-driven decision-making
- Pricing strategy
- Industry partnerships
- Recruitment and team development
- Sales processes
- Revenue Growth
Accomplishments
- ILEA President's Award - 2020
- Manager of the Year - 2020, Omni Hotels
- Manager of the Quarter - 2016, Omni Hotels
- Loews Legacy, Manager of the Year - 2011, Loews Hotels
Affiliations
- International Live Events Association, Indiana Chapter - Board of Directors, Director of Programs
- American Hotel & Lodging Association
- Meeting Professionals International
- Society of Government Meeting Professionals
Certifications and Training
- Certified Meeting Professional – Event Industry Council
- Healthcare Meetings Compliance Certificate - MPI
- Talent Plus Manager & Team Member Interview Analyst
- Lead Your Team to Peak Performance - Master Connections
- Conference Management - Master Connections
- Sales Conversions - Hospitality Marketing Solutions
- Core Management Certification - Master Connections
- 4 Disciplines of Execution - Franklin Covey
- Presentation Skills - Signature Training
Timeline
Director of Sales and Marketing
Sheraton Indianapolis City Centre
05.2024 - Current
Director of Food and Beverage
Omni Severin Hotel
03.2023 - 05.2024
Director of Catering and Convention Services
Omni Severin Hotel
03.2015 - 03.2023
Director of Sales and Marketing
Stanford Hotels, Sheraton Suites Orlando Airport
05.2014 - 03.2015
General Manager
La Siesta Resort & Marina
02.2013 - 05.2014
Director of Sales & Marketing
Postcard Inn on the Beach
11.2011 - 02.2013
Director of Catering and Conference Management
Loews Don Cesar Hotel
08.2008 - 11.2011
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