Event Manager
Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort
مجموع سنوات الخبرة :14 years, 2 أشهر
• Manages events from all segments including MICE, corporate, leisure and social
• Works closely with banquet operations and culinary team
• Analyze enquiries and convert them to winning proposals and contracts that matches guests requirements with the hotels facilities and services; pursued by aggressive follow-up and negotiation skills to confirm the business
• Highlight the properties strength and maximize its revenue potential through site inspection, entertainment, meetings, joints sales calls, sales blitz and tele-sales
• Constant and clear communication with guests to further understand their needs, gather their requirements and feedback; and obtain their long term commitment
• High level and consistent guest service / support
• Issue complete and detailed event order; conduct BEO and group resume meetings to go through all information, clarify points and highlight important notes; arrange operational post briefing to feature strength and develop weakness internally
• Ensures all financial obligations as per the hotel standards are secured
• Update all system with correct information and actual figures
• Create, analyze and interpret reports for the department and present to higher management
• Engaging colleagues through constant review of standards, best practices and sharing actual work experiences
• Outstanding negotiating and influencing skills. Generated over 3 million USD in revenue in 2 years. Most senior manager in the Department, I report directly to the Director of Events.
• Successfully organized over 450 events so far, from international conferences (350+ attendees; 250+ rooms) to smaller event. The hotel has one of the highest room inventory in Abu Dhabi, with 533 rooms and over 3000 m² of exhibition and conference space.
• Acted as Director of Events for 6 months, after the previous director left. During that time, I ensured the safe continuation of the business, defined new strategies, attended executive meetings, and guided the Events Team until the position was filled-in. Gained recognition and appreciation from the GM for a job well done.
• Instrumental in setting, communicating and maintaining timelines and priorities on every project, by using Oracle’s OPERA® Property Management and Reporting System as well as IDeaS Revenue Management.
• In event management, I maintain relationships with supplier, customer service and administrative functions from start to finish. Recognized for being a problem solver, I work consistently well under stress, always maintaining good PR.
• Proven track record in exceeding customer expectations
Given full responsibility for all events execution from start to finish. One of my greatest accomplishments was to introduce the Groups & Events concept in the hotel. Created and trained the Banquet Operations Team, which did not exist in the past. Promoted private events and outside catering activities. Pursued funding to buy a truck for catering and events, opening up a new line of business. Delivered outstanding contribution to sales revenue. Designed templates, forms, menus and office admin filing systems (soft/hard). Re-engineered the M&E enquiry process. Trained and directed the newly formed Event team.
• Accepted full responsibility of the M&E department for both properties. Leading a team of 3 Executives and a Coordinator. Reporting directly to the Director of Revenue.
• Managed complex multiple events for both sites. Organized high visibility F1 events and group, with no margins for error.
• Provided leadership, motivation, direction and support to the M&E team.
• Responsible for budgeting, forecasting and delivering repeat business through developing and maintaining client relationships.
• Conducted on/off site inspections and suppliers evaluations to ensure high standards are met.
• Developed solid foundations in Event and Group Management.
• Acquired firm understanding of hotel and departmental strategies.
• Mastered sales techniques, market intelligence, competition, benchmarking, revenue management, client relations, and account management.
• Managed operational and administrative functions to ensure specific projects were delivered on time and efficiently.
• Enhanced customer service and quality delivery, by effectively coordinating with F&B, Banquet Operation, IT/AV, Engineering, Front Office, Room Reservations, Housekeeping, Reception, Security and Concierge.
First introduced to the Hotel Industry, its practice, systems and structure. Assisted the M&E Director for the office administration of the department. Handled event enquiries, drafted contracts, issued rates as advised by the M&E Director. Worked well in a team, with people of diverse cultures and nationalities.