Norma Samuel
Fort Washington
Summary
Dynamic travel and event professional with a proven track record at Blacks In Government, Inc., excelling in client relationship building and meticulous travel planning. Expert in negotiating contracts and managing logistics, I consistently enhance customer satisfaction while delivering exceptional service and innovative solutions for diverse events and travel needs.
Resourceful Travel Consultant passionate about providing dream experiences in leisure travel. Strong research background and love of all things travel. Extensive career in hospitality working with clients pursuing unique vacation adventures.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Group Vacation Coordinator
Self-employed
01.2018 - Current
- Arranged travel accommodations for groups, couples, and special needs clients.
- Provided clients with best deals and well-researched travel options, successfully negotiating rates while improving customer satisfaction ratings.
- Handled sensitive information with professionalism and discreteness.
- Provided exemplary customer service to new and existing clients, which helped build lasting relationships and secure new travel assignments.
- Followed up with customers to increase customer service with travel plans.
- Recommended travel insurance plans to customers to reduce uncertainty and risk of financial loss.
- Promoted dedicated customer service and support by promptly resolving customer complaints.
- Assisted clients with flight changes and cancellations to minimize travel disruptions.
Event Planner - Nonprofit Organization
Blacks In Government, Inc.
01.2005 - 12.2019
- Established working relationships with clients by organizing various events.
- Coordinated with participating vendors during event planning.
- Coordinated schedules and timelines for events.
- Managed event logistics and operations.
- Performed event coordination for larger parties and gatherings.
- Performed face-to-face meetings to finalize contract for services and event details.
- Conferred with event staff at event site to coordinate details.
- Oversaw event registration process by collecting and tracking attendee information.
- Developed detailed event reports, documenting all aspects of each event.
- Created detailed timelines and budgets for events to meet all deadlines.
- Managed administrative logistics of events planning, event booking, and event promotions.
- Implemented protocols and procedures to effectively manage planning process.
- Monitored and controlled event expenditures to meet budgets.
- Analyzed event costs to identify areas of improvement and cost savings.
- Implemented contingency plans to address last-minute changes or unforeseen events.
- Evaluated existing plans, processes and events planning services to identify opportunities for improvement.
- Trained and supervised event staff to complete tasks on time.
- Negotiated contracts with venues, vendors and suppliers to obtain best rates and services.
- Utilized social media to promote events and increase attendance.
- Coordinated transportation and parking arrangements for guests and vendors.
- Supported senior leadership by developing status reports on activities related to planning, scheduling, cancellation, inquiries, resourcing, risk mitigation, and proposal development for various events.
- Coordinated travel and accommodations for event attendees.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Business Management . Accounting
Bowie State University
MarylandAssociate of Applied Science -
Prince George's Community College
Upper Marlboro, MDSkills
- Strong organization
- Interpersonal communications
- Travel research, planning, and arrangements
- Hotel/Resort partnerships
- Itineraries
- Leisure travel
- Client amenities
- Concierge tasks
- Administrative tasks
- Cultural awareness
- Ground transportation planning
- Hotel accommodations
- Reservations Management
- Food & beverage services
- Logistic and audiovisual services
- Marketing
- Client relationship building
- Customs requirements
- Itinerary planning
- Regulations and compliance
- Global destinations
Certification
Travel & Tourism Certificate, Prince Georges Community College, 2012
Languages
Spanish
Elementary
Timeline
Group Vacation Coordinator
Self-employed
01.2018 - Current
Event Planner - Nonprofit Organization
Blacks In Government, Inc.
01.2005 - 12.2019
Bachelor of Science - Business Management . Accounting
Bowie State University
Associate of Applied Science -
Prince George's Community College