Brenda Rayburn Email & Phone Number

Kelowna, Bc, Ca

Kelowna, Bc

Corporate Office: #201 -879 Anders Road, West Kelowna, British Columbia, V1Z 1K2

As Director of Operations I had the honour of overseeing 5 fabulous hotels and worked along side a dedicated and passionate team within the Braemar Group of Hotels. Comfort Suites in Regina, Saskatoon & Kelowna. Comfort Inn & Suites, Medicine Hat and Best Western Plus Wine Country, W Kelowna, together we collaborated ensuring the hotels remained current and relevant, while ensuring guests experience was seamless and memorable. Hotel locations showcased Western Canada's specific and unique scenic topography. The variety of cultures, the richness in the diversity was mesmerising. The beauty, our natural resources but most of all the people. Passionate, kind, caring, authentic...that's what you get! Yes this was representation of Canada alright and without a doubt this is Western Canada.As Director of Sales & Marketing I worked with the 5 hotels ensuring sales channels were optimized and service levels over the top, I worked with this magnificent team to extend the best rates while remaining diligent in fiscal responsibility. Creating a new consistent brand image for the Braemar Group of Hotels was a successful and enjoyable challenge. Creating websites, digital marketing to collateral, this new venture was great fun and a great accomplishment. They are on their way and growing. Delighted to have been a part of that journey.

As Director of Sales & Marketing I had the privilege of representing this fabulous full service hotel. Travelling throughout Canada and the US, with connections which span globally, it was a pleasure promoting the value and benefits of not only this great property but the city of Kelowna. I have always stated...."If they don't come to Kelowna...they don't need a hotel room" Achievements included but not limited to: *Directing and overseeing Hotel Sales Department, Catering, Meeting & Events, F&B Departments. *Assistance on active and strategic revenue management consistently played out like a wonderful game of chess with successful & measurable results*Exceeded Hotel revenue targets*Exceeded F&B revenue targets*Exceeded Catering, Meeting & Events revenue targets *Balanced Expenditures Budget vs Actuals on expenditures*Creation of consistent brand management, messaging, with multiple innovative internal and external marketing strategies implemented through various channels.Pet projects included: *Creation and implementation of in-house loyalty programs.*Elevator wraps.*Interactive digital screens. *Introduction of 1st augmented reality game for hotel industry, exclusively created for Best Western Plus Kelowna Hotel & Suites, promoting local, regional and provincial treasures. ►

As Chair of the Best Western Co-op & Committee Member 2007- 2017, I contributed and participated in the marketing co-op for the 53 Best Western hotels in BC and Yukon. Overseeing the development of a comprehensive annual marketing plan that aimed to maximize member contribution funds and collectively market all properties ensuring all properties with varying sizes and amenities were represented and successfully promoted throughout BC and Yukon. Marketing strategies have to be very cognizant of the diversity of the properties and various regions and their trends and challenges. Plans include activities that meet this diversity and include a variety of promotional plans, including: developing social media strategies, website development and alternate channel development, sales programs, trade show participation, advertising campaigns, etc. All activities must appeal to the appropriate market segments. The goal is to advance the properties individually and the brand collectively while also promoting the tourism value of some, while other properties offer a Corporate and a Leisure product combined.The committee also owned the execution of the plan and implementation and as the Chair I was responsible for overseeing all fiscal and operational implementation. • Lead a marketing cooperative of 53 hotels from across BC• Responsible for engaging co-op partners in strategic plan development• Build consensus and member approval of the strategic direction, marketing plan design and development• Plan execution, fiscal and operational management and reporting

Destinations, BC’s Tourism Employment Program – Employment Coordinator Ontario Tourism Education Commission – OTEC Certified Trainer Out of This World Series- Provided pre-employment skills, life skills and job placement services to clients re-entering the workforce & 1st time job seekers. - Provided one on one coaching and group workshop facilitation.- Assisted a variety of industries and local businesses ranging from hospitality and tourism to light industrial and manufacturing with hiring needs and after placement support.

Langley, Bc, Kamloops, Bc & Salmon Arm, Bc

- Positions held in the restaurant division of Forster's Foodservice Ltd - Independant restaurant chain progressing to full service F&B provider for BEST WESTERN KAMLOOPS TOWNE LODGE/Forster's Convention Centre (former flag, presently Coast hotel) & PRESTIGE HARBOURFRONT HOTEL

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