The Pennsylvania Restaurant & Lodging Association (PRLA) strives to promote, protect, and improve the hospitality and tourism industries in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. We are the voice of the industry in our state capital, tackling regulatory obstacles, and serving on the front line of legislative matters in Harrisburg. In addition to our advocacy work, we supply member specific benefits, offer educational opportunities and create meaningful industry connections for our members. The PRLA is an affiliate of two national organizations, the American Hotel & Lodging Association and the National Restaurant Association.

Developed and managed strategic partnerships encompassing corporate relations, civic engagement, charitable endeavors, and industry collaborations. Executed public relations efforts in conjunction with PR agency on retainer. Responsible for developing event strategy for both external event participation as well as internal signature event series. Built full service project plans for each event, detailing venue requirements, ticket sales and registration, staffing and menu planning, execution timelines, event expenses and all other logistical tasks as customized per event. Managed budget actuals and negotiated in kind product allocation. Analyzed post-event KPI tracking, reporting and recommendations.

Brought extensive expertise of hospitality sales and event execution to this newly established catering division. Implemented a training program for front of the house staff and revamped the event operation and execution with a more knowledgeable approach to the catering business. Simultaneously facilitated daily sales duties; such as sales calls, client appointments, on and off site inspections, contract and menu writing.

Promoted after one year to Business Development Manager in the Northeast/Mid-Atlantic region responsible for maintaining and growing existing clients while profitably expanding our customer base in this territory; selling entire HR Plus product line to all segments of the market. Developed and responded to RFP inquiries and demonstrated knowledge of products in the industry. Facilitated relationships across multiple business sectors within parent company, AlliedBarton. Maintained and grew accounts with creative cross-selling implementation in conjunction with channel partners and GPOs.

Reported directly to the Vice President of Business Development in this medium sized background screening/drug testing firm. Oversaw 15 top-level accounts within the company, ranging in industries from healthcare, higher education, government security and software firms. Focused on account and relationship management, revenue retention and growth of business. Data mined for clients on a quarterly basis to deliver metrics and track successes as well as areas of improvement. Offered new services and useful products that fit the clients ever changing needs.

Produced and executed events in all market segments including corporate, convention, bar/bat mitzvah, wedding and tradeshow. Guest counts ranged from 10 to 2,000. Versed in contract negotiation, menu pricing and planning, RFP process and vendor relations. Identified strategic partners to build mutually beneficial relationship and capitalize on external sources of revenue. Conducted weekly all department banquet meeting and responsible for tracking and distribution of weekly banquet event orders.

Participated in ARAMARK sales training course with veteran hospitality professionals, reviewed fundamentals of mapping, market penetration, customer service focus and relationship development. Entered the sales force by conducting monthly external sales blitzes; including creating marketing materials, distribution of promotional products, gifting key corporate clients and identifying new target clients. Participated in corporate policy of 50 strategic cold calls per week. Majority of sales was conference groups combined with overnight accommodations ranging from 50 to 500 attendees.

Executive administrative job responsibilities included planning of familiarization tours and press trips for seven international markets; coordinated tradeshow registration, participation, scheduling and booth arrangements; monitored co-op international budgets, expense reports, invoices, etc. Worked in the marketing and public relations department and oversaw co-op budgets for advertising campaigns and collateral materials; directed site inspections and survey creation for domestic tour operator campaign, designed and distributed new sales collateral and promotional items for National Tour Association tradeshow.