Kara Cathion
Cheltenham,MD
Summary
To significantly increase revenue for a hospitality or tourism business using the experience and developed skill sets I have established. Committed professional provides excellent customer service and works to carry out events to highest of standards. Knowledgeable and experienced in budgeting, vendor management and event promotion and marketing. Adept at problem-solving.
Overview
6
6
years of professional experience
Work History
Meeting Planner & Travel Advisor
Solomon Page, Propel Health
01.2024 - Current
- Facilitated clear communication between all parties involved in the event planning process, fostering collaboration and efficient decisionmaking.
- Leveraged industry trends and best practices in the planning process, resulting in innovative and memorable events.
- Coordinated travel arrangements for speakers and VIPs, providing a seamless experience from arrival to departure.
- Streamlined registration processes for enhanced customer satisfaction and increased efficiency in attendee management.
- Negotiated favorable contracts with vendors, securing optimal pricing and services for all aspects of meetings.
- Conducted thorough post-event evaluations to identify areas of improvement, leading to continuous enhancement of future meetings.
- Managed budgets effectively to ensure cost savings while maintaining high-quality events and experiences for attendees.
- Managed high-volume workload under tight deadlines while maintaining a keen attention to detail in every aspect of the job duties performed.
- Handled emergency situations calmly while working quickly to find alternative travel arrangements when needed.
Pharmaceutical Program Coordinator
VEEVA DIGITAL EVENTS
05.2023 - 01.2024
- Responsible for executing logistics for medical education events and ensuring that Veeva's commitments are met on-schedule and within budget
- Source event vendors, service providers and subcontractors in alignment with anticipated attendance
- Handle deposits and payment schedules with Club members or the event host
- Compile and update all Banquet Event Orders (BEOs) and diagrams
- Attend daily/weekly/monthly meetings and any other functions required by management
- Proactive communication between Club members, guests, staff, and vendors, weather on the telephone, in person, or in writing.
- Established strategic partnerships with external organizations, expanding program reach and impact.
- Facilitated regular meetings with team members to discuss progress updates, address challenges, and brainstorm solutions for ongoing success.
Director of events & Sales
The Country Club At Woodmore
10.2019 - 05.2023
- Assist with developing, planning and implementing strategies to promote large- and small-scale events
- Correspond with prospects to outline desired goals, develop catering packages, and prepare contracts for events of up to 1,000 guests
- Upsell catering packages to create maximum profit without sacrificing the prospective customer’s budget
- Generate and execute a definitive sales strategy to meet and/or exceed departmental revenue goals consistently
- Elevate event staff performance with skilled leadership, motivation and discipline
- Prepare and present weekly Catering sales reports to ensure department is reaching monthly, quarterly, and yearly forecasted budget
- Coordinate and supervise front of house staff, back of house staff, and contracted vendors to ensure events run smoothly and on time.
- Deftly navigated unforeseen challenges or obstacles during live events while maintaining a calm demeanor under pressure.
- Streamlined event logistics by implementing innovative project management strategies to ensure seamless execution.
- Generated significant cost savings through efficient budget management and effective vendor negotiation tactics.
Events Coordinator
The Country Club At Woodmore
11.2018 - 10.2019
- Communicate all events to Chef/FOH at least two weeks prior to event with clear confirmation that invoice has been seen and document that the location has received all items needed for the event
- Source event vendors, service providers and subcontractors in alignment with anticipated attendance
- Handle deposits and payment schedules with Club members or the event host
- Compile and update all Banquet Event Orders (BEOs) and diagrams
- Attend daily/weekly/monthly meetings and any other functions required by management
- Proactive communication between Club members, guests, staff, and vendors, weather on the telephone, in person, or in writing.
- Coordinated schedules and timelines for events.
- Adapted quickly when faced with unexpected challenges or changes in plans, maintaining composure while finding effective solutions.
- Managed event logistics and operations.
Club Concierge/Office Administrative Assistant
The Country Club At Woodmore
05.2018 - 11.2018
- Welcome and assist guest along with Club members on a daily basis
- Demonstrate excellent communication skills and personal skills throughout each encounter
- Creating specialized daily communication between the department heads and Club members regarding important information
- Executive Assistant to the General Manager, Member Director, Accountant, and Director of Food and Beverage
- Work to alleviate executive overload by handling all customer interactions for company including walk-ins, email, phone, collection of payments and fax interactions.
- Conducted regular inventory checks of amenities to ensure timely replenishment for optimal guest experience.
- Strategically scheduled staff shifts to maintain optimal coverage during peak hours without compromising customer service quality or increasing labor costs unnecessarily.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Hospitality Administration And Management
The University of Maryland Eastern Shore
Princess AnneCertificate of Culinary Arts -
Prince George's Community College
Upper Marlboro, MDSkills
- On-site Execution
- Guest Management
- Event Marketing
- Social Media Promotion
- Venue Selection
- Post-event Analysis
- Time Management
- Creativity and Adaptability
- Events logistics management
- Event Budgeting
- Staff Training
- Vendor and contract negotiations
Timeline
Meeting Planner & Travel Advisor
Solomon Page, Propel Health
01.2024 - Current
Pharmaceutical Program Coordinator
VEEVA DIGITAL EVENTS
05.2023 - 01.2024
Director of events & Sales
The Country Club At Woodmore
10.2019 - 05.2023
Events Coordinator
The Country Club At Woodmore
11.2018 - 10.2019
Club Concierge/Office Administrative Assistant
The Country Club At Woodmore
05.2018 - 11.2018
Bachelor of Arts - Hospitality Administration And Management
The University of Maryland Eastern Shore
Certificate of Culinary Arts -
Prince George's Community College
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