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Work Background
Founder & Chief Travel Strategist
INNPLAYFounder & Chief Travel Strategist
Jul. 2024East Northport, New York, United StatesINNPLAY is a specialized housing management company dedicated to revolutionizing the sports and competitive event hotel experience. Founded by a passionate travel sports mom who experienced firsthand the challenges of booking accommodations for tournaments, INNPLAY aims to provide a better way for tournament organizers, athletes and their biggest fans.
Sr. Director Sales Operations & Event Management
Accommodations Plus InternationalSr. Director Sales Operations & Event Management
Jan. 2022 - Mar. 2024Melville, New York, United States• Generated a notable 50% conversion rate from RFI & RFP responses to in-person meetings, enhancing the impact of subsequent presentations. • Conducted prospect profitability analyses, leading to pivotal strategic decisions that increased overall profitability by 10%. • Implemented and executed comprehensive Business Development team new hire and ongoing sales training programs, resulting in accelerated skill development and increased sales performance across the team. • Implemented dynamic marketing strategies, leading to a substantial upsurge in brand visibility and market reach. • Optimized agreements and negotiations for mutually beneficial outcomes throughout the sales cycle, delivering vital insights and guidance that led to an increase in deal closures. • Championed GoToMarket strategies through market evaluations, strategic account allocations, and granular sales performance analytics, resulting in a 20% increase in market penetration. • Managed 4 executive client events in major cities, exceeding attendee targets and fostering invaluable client relationships. • Managed the successful participation of over 50 international trade shows and conferences, collaborating with the marketing team to develop captivating booth designs that led to heightened engagement and a 20% increase in meeting confirmations.
Licensed Real Estate Salesperson
Keller Williams Points NorthLicensed Real Estate Salesperson
Oct. 2020 - Jan. 2022Woodbury, New York, United States• Achieved a closing rate of 90% by expertly evaluating client needs and preferences, and implementing precise pricing strategies and negotiation techniques resulting in seamless property matches and increased offer acceptance rates. • Negotiated advantageous deals for buyers and sellers, resulting in a 25% increase in new agent closings. • Achieved a 60% increase in property exposure by leveraging social media for targeted marketing.
Director of Account Support
Accommodations Plus InternationalDirector of Account Support
Oct. 2019 - Oct. 2020Melville, NY• Developed strategic sourcing strategies for new client onboarding, aligning business processes with client needs and delivering significant cost savings. • Spearheaded data analytics and strategic planning initiatives, furnishing valuable insights for informed decision-making and enhanced client results. • Implemented robust risk assessment framework guiding account management to successfully renegotiate hotel contracts amid COVID challenges, resulting in $55M in client savings. • Drove process enhancements across account management and hotel sourcing functions, improving operational efficiency, and elevating client satisfaction. • Maximized market share and wallet expansion by strategically overseeing the direction and implementation of new API accounts, surpassing revenue quotas consistently. • Elevated the core competency levels of Account Managers/ Directors through targeted training and mentoring initiatives, resulting in significantly improved productivity and operational excellence.
Senior Market Research Manager
Accommodations Plus InternationalSenior Market Research Manager
Jan. 2019 - Oct. 2019Melville, NY• Formulated and executed robust risk mitigation strategies, while delivering on client savings commitments. • Conducted thorough market research to discern industry trends and dynamics, enabling informed decision-making to achieve favorable outcomes for airlines and hotel partners. • Expanded strategic sourcing blueprint and inventive negotiation strategies tested in previous role throughout organization of 100+ clients, resulting in annual savings of 10 - 20%.
Team Leader Regional Airlines
Accommodations Plus InternationalTeam Leader Regional Airlines
Jan. 2017 - Dec. 2018Melville, NY • Led and cultivated high-performing team of eight individuals, providing tailored coaching sessions and implementing efficient workflows, leading to enhancements in team productivity and effectiveness. • Served as Salesforce implementation SME and lead trainer for 100-member global account management team. • Mentored junior staff members, establishing transparent career progression pathways and nurturing cooperative and supportive workplace culture. • Designed and executed strategic sourcing blueprint for hotels and ground transportation, resulting in annual savings of $5M and doubling related savings through inventive negotiation strategies. • Fostered seamless communication channels with client functional departments, ensuring a clear understanding of their needs and expectations, resulting in enhanced client satisfaction and loyalty. • Developed comprehensive training materials that empowered teams with the knowledge and tools necessary to optimize API technology platforms, driving operational efficiency and client success.
Account Director
Accommodations Plus InternationalAccount Director
Sep. 2014 - Dec. 2016Melville, New York• Ensured seamless client transitions from contract signing to implementation by working in tandem with the Business Development team, fostering strong client relationships from inception. • Collaborated closely with the sales team to ensure client needs were not just met, but proactively addressed, resulting in increased client satisfaction and client retention rate. • Delivered impactful client communications, ranging from weekly performance meetings to comprehensive business reviews, driving transparency and strategic alignment. • Championed internal team communications, providing crucial insights on client performance, strategies, and evolving needs, resulting in cohesive and effective cross-functional collaborations. • Showcased expert proficiency in all API technology platforms, aligning clients with tailored software solutions that drove operational efficiencies and enhanced client experiences. • Led the end-to-end request for proposal process, meticulously negotiating with ground transportation providers and hotels to secure favorable contract terms, optimizing client budgets while ensuring competitive rates and exceptional amenities. • Achieved a remarkable 15% increase in savings benchmarks, exceeding targets consistently, while overseeing the largest regional airline account. This success was driven by close collaboration with research and sourcing units, resulting in strategic cost-saving initiatives that aligned with client objectives and market demands.
Group Sales Manager
Montauk Yacht Club Resort & MarinaGroup Sales Manager
Nov. 2012 - Aug. 2014Montauk, NY• Negotiated terms and conditions of contracts with clients, ensuring profitability, while meeting needs and expectations of clients. Moreover, I identified and cultivated potential clients for group events and functions, such as corporate retreats, conferences, and other group gatherings. • Attained 100% of sales quota through leading outbound sales initiatives, resulting in significant upsurge in revenue and market share. • Pioneered strategic partnerships leading to outstanding 25% boost in brand recognition and market penetration.
Manager, Global Accounts
HelmsBriscoeManager, Global Accounts
Jan. 2012 - Oct. 2012New York, NY• Cultivated and nurtured relationships with top tier meeting planners, facilitating site selections and contract negotiations for high-profile corporate events. • Ensured seamless event execution and client satisfaction, fostering lasting partnerships and repeat business opportunities.
Sales Manager
Hiltons of ChicagoSales Manager
Jun. 2010 - Oct. 2011• Served as the sales representative for The Hilton's of Chicago (Conrad, Drake, Hilton Chicago, and Palmer House) • Surpassed sales quotas by 130%, representing The Hiltons of Chicago in contract negotiations and sales initiatives. • Drove significant event bookings and partnerships in Pharmaceutical and Retail markets, maximizing hotel revenue and market presence.
Executive Meeting Specialist
Le Parker MeridienExecutive Meeting Specialist
Aug. 2009 - Jun. 2010• Orchestrated successful sales and service operations for intimate groups of 25 rooms or fewer on peak nights, exhibiting expertise in small-scale event planning and white glove treatment. • Strategically negotiated contracts, securing advantageous terms, and maximizing event profitability for clients.
Senior Event Manager
New York Hilton MidtownSenior Event Manager
Jan. 2007 - Jun. 2009• Managed extensive groups of 250 to 1,000 guest rooms on peak nights for a diverse range of events and tradeshows, ensuring flawless execution and exceptional guest experiences. • Demonstrated meticulous room block management, curated tailored food and beverage offerings, and exceeded client expectations for each event.
Event Manager
Hilton Hotels & ResortsEvent Manager
Aug. 2005 - Jan. 2007Washington, District of Columbia, United States• Led the negotiation and execution of written sales agreements, managing groups of up to 250 guest rooms on peak nights with precision and attention to detail. • Coordinated high-profile events with high-ranking government officials and VIP guests, serving as the primary liaison with the Secret Service and ensuring seamless event logistics.
Advanced Intern
Walt Disney WorldAdvanced Intern
May. 2004 - Aug. 2004Food & Beverage Advanced Intern at the Walt Disney World Resorts Vacation Club, Hilton Head Island, SC
Front Desk Agent & Supervisor
The Lodge at WoodcliffFront Desk Agent & Supervisor
Sep. 2003 - Aug. 2005Rochester, New York, United States
Food & Beverage Intern
Walt Disney WorldFood & Beverage Intern
Jan. 2003 - Aug. 2003Hostess at the Crystal Palace in the Magic Kingdom

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