Wendy Gustafson
Minneapolis,MN
Summary
An effective, seasoned, and creative leader with extensive meeting and event planning experience. Action-oriented with strong ability to communicate effectively and professionally with all levels of audiences.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
Work History
Director of Sales & Marketing
WaterWalk Minneapolis-Plymouth Hotel & Residences
08.2020 - Current
- Hosted grand opening event for 500 guests
- Prepare RFP for new and existing accounts and submit through Lanyon and HRS
- Ensure room rates are loaded in GDS, Amadeus, Sabre, Apollo and Galileo
- Engage with travel manager to confirm room rates are visible in Concur
- Participate in site inspections and familiarization tours
- Determine clients' objective on program and budget guidelines
- Negotiate room rates rates to maximize clients' budget and profitability for ownership
- Develop proposal, contract and participate in pre and post conferences with clients
- Strong communication skills with operational team to deliver superior client experience
- Connect with prospects through varies approaches, including trade shows, prospecting and local-area networking
- Developed relationships with vendors and industry peers
- Hosted monthly themed events to engage with guests
Director of Catering & Special Events
Minneapolis Marriott Northwest
02.2012 - 03.2020
- Hired, trained and developed a team of catering and convention services managers
- Managed sales effort, planning and execution of special events, trade shows, corporate and association meetings
- Negotiated pricing to include room rates, food and beverage, audio visual and decor
- Hosted conventions for Medtronic, Boston Scientific and Target in hosting conventions, trade shows and special events
- Partnered with chef to plan menus and audio visual company for production according to client needs and budgets
- Rank #1 in in Minnesota for Event Satisfaction Scores
- Developed annual budget and end of month reports for management company and ownership
- Responded to initial inquiries, coordinating facility tours and food sampling
Director of Catering & Convention Services
Sofitel Minneapolis Hotel
08.2007 - 02.2012
- Organized and planned logistics for each meeting and event from conception to execution
- Met with clients to understand event scopes of work, establish budgets and determine timelines
- Strong communication skills with department managers and operations team
- Team awarded Circle of Excellence for achieving 100% of guest satisfaction scores
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Business Administration And Management
University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire, WI
Eau Claire, WIAssociate of Arts - Fashion Merchandising And Design
Lowthian College of Fashion
Minneapolis, MNSkills
- Strong Meeting and Event Planning Skills
- Negotiation Skills
- Quote and Proposal Management
- Interdepartmental Collaboration
- Budgeting and Expenditures
- Partnering and Relationships
Accomplishments
- Ambassador of I-94 West Chamber of Commerce
- Marriott Northwest awarded "Hotel of the Year" and "Sales of the Year" of the North and South Americas by achieving revenue goals and exceeding Event Satisfaction Survey scores
- Guest appearance on WCCO featuring "Tips & Tricks for Hosting a Successful Holiday Party"
- Opening executive management team for WaterWalk Hotel & Residences, Marriott Northwest, Mall of America, The Renaissance Hotel, Depot
- Board Member and speaker for National Association of Catering Executives
- Member of Global Business Travel Association, Meeting Planners International, Hotel Sales Marketing Association International, International Society of Live Events and Twin Cities Wedding Professionals
Timeline
Director of Sales & Marketing
WaterWalk Minneapolis-Plymouth Hotel & Residences
08.2020 - Current
Director of Catering & Special Events
Minneapolis Marriott Northwest
02.2012 - 03.2020
Director of Catering & Convention Services
Sofitel Minneapolis Hotel
08.2007 - 02.2012
Bachelor of Arts - Business Administration And Management
University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire, WI
Associate of Arts - Fashion Merchandising And Design
Lowthian College of Fashion