Yvonne Palaganas

 Responsible for organizing and executing group events in the restaurant including information gathering from the client and systematic information dissemination and coordination between the Operations and Kitchen Teams to execute all event requirements and commitments to the client.

 To be the “face” of the restaurant for any walk-in inquiry or site inspections and ensure that clients have a full understanding of what the restaurant can deliver to meet their needs and close the deal.

 Sourcing of suppliers needed for special requirements and ensuring that the supplier delivers high quality of end product and professional service matching the high standards of the restaurant.

 Adopt unique marketing strategies to promote and upsell initiatives for the restaurant including Networking Events, barter arrangements with suppliers, and other activities.

 Total event management from event inquiry to event execution to post-event handling of MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions) groups and events with 10 rooms and above, including:

o Maximizing rooms and catering revenue through effective space management

o Liaises with the client to gather and finalize all guestroom and event details and requirements and provides professional advices on guestroom allocation and events setups through hotel site inspections, pre-event detailing, billing arrangements, food tastings and mock setups

o Provides accurate and timely events information to Sales & Marketing, Rooms, F&B and other operating departments through the Group Information Sheet and Banquet Event Orders/Amendments to ensure proper task delegation and smooth event execution

o Liaising with external suppliers if needed to ensure timely and correct delivery of services and products as required by the client

o Onsite inspection on the day of the event to ensure all commitments to the client are delivered and proper introduction and handover is made between the client and the Banquet Manager in-charge

o Daily room and event billing checks with the Front Office and Banquets Team to ensure correct postings and inform client in advance of any additional costs incurred during the group’s stay

o Post-event call for feedback collection, conflict/complaint management if necessary, or follow-up for future events


 Relationship management with existing clients with regular follow-ups, calls and updates on upcoming hotel promotions and events

 Maximizes conversion of all received leads, upselling in all event aspects, and ensuring high rate of return business

 Increased lead conversion from 45% in 2014 to 52% 1st half of 2015 due to higher guest return ratio.

 Head of the 2014 Dragon Boat Competition partnered exclusively with the hotel

 Runs reports for the Events Management Department together with the Director of Events Management and Director of Sales & Marketing for yearly Performance Reviews with revenue reports and forecasts presented to major hotel stakeholders

 Delphi Systems and Market Vision champion and knowledge of Opera system

 Received the President’s Award for Sales Excellence for achieving 263% of the 2014 Q1 events revenue target.

 Responsible for the planning, coordination and execution of confirmed social events, local corporate and government conferences and dinners, and outside catering events, including:

o Liaises with the client to gather and finalize all event details and requirements and provides professional advices on events setups through function space inspections, outside catering inspections, pre-event detailing, billing arrangements, food tastings and mock setups

o Provides accurate and timely events information to Sales & Marketing, Rooms, F&B and other operating departments through the Banquet Event Orders/Amendments to ensure proper task delegation and smooth event execution

o Liaising with external suppliers if needed to ensure timely and correct delivery of services and products as required by the client

o Onsite inspection on the day of the event to ensure all commitments to the client are delivered and proper introduction and handover is made between the client and the Banquet Manager in-charge

o Daily event billing checks with the Front Office and Banquets Team to ensure correct postings and inform client in advance of any additional costs incurred during the event

o Post-event call for feedback collection, conflict/complaint management if necessary, or follow-up for future events


 Maximizes business opportunities while ensuring effective communication with clients and efficient coordination among internal departments

 Liaises with event organizer to finalize event details and provide professional advice on events setup and execution

 Handled the Nu Skin Chinese incentive group staying at the hotel together with the Director of Events. In total, the Nu Skin mega-incentive group has 14, 500 delegates spread across Dubai and Abu Dhabi. This is the biggest ever corporate incentive group in UAE history.

 Head of the 2013 Dragon Boat Competition partnered exclusively with the hotel

 Assists Director of Events and Director of Sales & Marketing for yearly EVP Reviews with revenue reports and forecasts

 Delphi Systems and Market Vision champion and knowledge of Opera system

 Responsible for the corporate MICE segment, specifically the planning, coordination and execution of confirmed group events from various local and international accounts

 Co-handled the first ever Ironman Triathlon in Mactan, Cebu (more than 1, 000 room nights with 2, 000 in-house and non in-house guests participating) and the annual PLDT Asian Carriers Conference (1, 500 room nights with 800 guests) together with the Director of Events

 Delphi Systems champion

 Assisted 3 Event Managers and the Director of Events Management in liaising with other departments for information while maintaining a good understanding of the clients serviced by the Events Managers

 Handled all incoming telephone and fax inquiries and provided initial suggestions and general information on sales inquiries

 Responsible for updating the Group Chart, preparing relevant reports and ensuring proper filing of signed contracts and agreements with clients and suppliers

 Conduct site inspections for Event Managers. if required

 Handled local corporate and government meetings and dinners with up to 20 guests and 10 guestrooms

 Handle general office needs (document routing, payment processing, filing, office supply check and ordering)