skip to main |
skip to sidebar
Event Services Manager,
Hilton Orlando
q: What do you do?
a: I manage the convention floor while groups are in house. I ensure all meeting rooms and food functions are set to the clients' specifications. I’m described to the clients as an extension of all the departments in the hotel, so essentially I’m a one-stop-shop for the planner with any needs they may have while here.
q: What's your favorite part of the job?
a: I love being able to work closely with all the departments in the hotel. I’ve developed some great relationships with so many people and continually learn something new every day. I work with everyone from housekeeping to AV to the front office to the General Manager every day.
q: What's the greatest challenge?
a: I don’t actually plan any part of the meetings. Rather, I’m on the floor ensuring everything is executed flawlessly. With so many areas and meeting planners involved, it can become rather challenging trying to get everything done right while also learning about the program as you go. There’s only so much pre-work I can do on the program, so I’m constantly having to think on my feet and stay one step ahead of the group to make sure they get everything they need.
q: Do you stay in touch with any other UCF hospitality alums?
a: Yes! Julie Noda '05, Marissa Moore '07, John Brooks '07, Holly Steinebronn '07, Shannon Fleshman '07 and Valerie Teman '06.
q: Outside work...you're most likely to be seen?
a: In Downtown Orlando. Whether at a Wine Bar, a club, Farmers' Market or Sunday brunch, I LOVE Downtown Orlando!
q: Your biggest accomplishment since graduating, outside your career?
a: Skydiving and Bungee Jumping in New Zealand.
q: How did UCF prepare you for what you do?
a: Working with so many different personalities and having to figure out how to make those relationships work. I hated that we had so many team projects; however, looking back, it was the most valuable experience because it taught me to work with all types of people.
q: How could the hospitality program have been better?
a: I would have liked to see more hands-on experience and less textbook-style learning. I learned very quickly that "experiences" trump everything else in this industry, so the more Rosen can offer...the better.
q: A UCF memory?
a: I was nominated for Homecoming King in 2006 and that whole week was so amazing. The best part was driving onto the field for the last Homecoming at the Citrus Bowl. I was just so proud to be a Knight at that moment.
q: Favorite meal in Orlando?
a: BBQ Ribs at Houston's in Winter Park.
q: On your iPod?
a: A little of everything! Currently? LMFAO, Maroon 5, Rent, and Carrie Underwood…told you I was eclectic!
q: Little known fact about you?
a: I sang with a performance troupe at the White House for President Clinton’s Christmas party.
Sales Manager,
Hilton Orlando
q: What do you do?
a: I initiate new sales leads, prospect and qualify leads, solicit and entertain clients, conduct site visits, prepare proposals, determine rates and negotiate contracts for the brand new 1400-room Hilton Orlando which opened September 1, 2009. I started here in July and in just over 90 days was promoted from Conference Sales Manager to Sales Manager.
q: What's your favorite part of the job?
a: I take pride in developing sales plans and strategies to meet or exceed revenue and room night goals. I like the fast pace, and interacting with people. Sales is a very high risk, high reward industry that I truly enjoy.
q: What's the greatest challenge?
a: The economy's killing face to face meetings. Executives are concerned with the perception of people inside and outside their organization when they invest in meetings, but in reality now is the time they need to get together and discuss how they can turn their companies around. The economy is also hurting rate integrity.
q: Do you stay in touch with any other UCF hospitality alums? a: Brandon Geers '08 and Arin Sugerman Council '04.
q: Outside work...you're most likely to be seen?
a: Spending time with my fiancé (Lucia Soven, UCF Radio/TV '06), playing golf or playing with my dog, Cody.
q: Your biggest accomplishment since graduating, outside your career?
a: Getting engaged and buying a house.
q: How did UCF prepare you for what you do?
a: Public speaking helped prepare me for face-to-face interaction with clients and colleagues. All of the group work was so relevant because in the real world 90% of everything is done on a team, and it helps me work with my sales team every day.
q: How could the hospitality program have been better?
a: Hospitality is a broad subject. A wider variety of courses besides restaurants and hotels would have been refreshing. However, I was part of the inaugural group that took courses originally in the Classroom Building at Main Campus, and then moved over to the new Rosen College. Since then the enrollment has increased dramatically, so I'm sure there are more types of courses than when I attended.
q: A UCF memory?
a: Meeting my fiancé, spending time with friends and fraternity life (Lambda Chi). Also, meeting Donna Kelly from the Hilton Orlando. Donna came to speak to my Convention Sales course at Rosen College taught by Kathie Canning from the OCCC. I stayed after class and introduced myself. I stayed in touch and told her it was my goal to work at the Hilton Orlando. She's the Director of Sales who hired me and now I work with her every day.
q: Favorite meal in Orlando?
a: Texas de Brazil.
q: On your iPod?
a: I don't have an iPod. I'm too busy!
q: Little known fact about you?
a: It took me six years to graduate from UCF...never give up!
