Senior Meeting Event Manager - Maritz Primary client liaison and team leader for travel programs. Manages the overall coordination and execution of an entire travel program from an operational perspective. Responsible for coordination of all program planning from pre-sale stage to final billing, while providing unparalleled levels of customer service on all travel programs. Works closely with client contact to understand and meet program objectives/outcomes. Business Development Manager with a second tier incentive house. Skilled at planning and budgeting; writing and closing contracts; adhering to company standards and customer relations; full knowledge of hotel sales with an emphasis on groups.Meridian Enterprises Corporation St Louis, MOBusiness Development Manager 2007 - 2009Acting liaison between Account Executive and vendor; cultivated relationships and demonstrated ability to source space with a careful eye on budget and expectations. Responsibilities included gathering information on specific destinations, sourcing hotel space, preparing detailed information for presentation, writing letters of agreements, negotiating hotel contracts and delivering group space to point of sale.Specialties: Developed and cultivated relationships with hotel vendors and clients; proven track record of negotiating hotel contracts and garnering a winning situation for client and vendor Averaged closing business ratio of 40%.