Claire Bennett Email & Phone Number

York, United Kingdom

To lead on the delivery of the organisational strategy, strengthening existing ties with the University of York, ensuring residents continue to receive the support they need to grow and thrive and overseeing the introduction of new services.

York, United Kingdom

- To be responsible for the development and management of the conference team to optimise the potential for income generation at the best margins feasible.- To innovate and drive the development and marketing of offerings in order to optimise the use of facilities and services.- To work with service providers, including Catering and Bars, Security and Portering, Sports and Recreation, and Retail to develop work practices and service levels appropriate to new initiatives.- Through support for the Operations Manager ensure a standardised delivery of confirmed bookings and ensuing successful event and ensure all health and safety matters are adhered to in line with University guidelines and procedures.- To guide marketing and sales activities through support for the Marketing Team and Sales Manager for existing and new business, seeking new markets in both the local, regional and national arenas and traditional and non-traditional market segments.- To develop networks through which to promote the potential and profile of York Conferences as a major UK venue.- To plan and deliver organic growth as the University develops further, contributing to planned developments to highlight commercial opportunity at marginal cost.- To prepare the section’s annual budget and business plan in support of the current planned business and subsequently to oversee the creation and implementation of the sales strategy, policies, protocols, service levels and standard operating procedures.- To continually develop relationships with the University community turning mutual understanding to commercial advantage for the benefit of all.- Increase the position and profile of York Conferences as a major UK venue for all activities and services.- To implement and monitor the financial performance of the section and to maintain costs as stated in the budgeted targets.- To lead and motivate the members of the conference team through the recognised management capabilities.

Leeds, United Kingdom

- project managed conferences, events, functions & summer schools with an income of over £1.2 million- managed the College’s Reception team to ensure delivery of excellent customer service & high staff morale- co-ordinated use of facilities to ensure income generation maximised- conducted presentations & facility show-rounds with prospective clients - liaised between event organisers & support departments both prior to & during the event to ensure high standards of quality throughout- provided one point of contact for clients from initial enquiry through to raising invoices & final payments- performed marketing activities promoting the College’s wide range of residential, catering, meeting & sporting facilities to internal & external clients including attendance at conferences, regional meetings, trade shows & exhibitions- promoted & administrated the bed & breakfast provision during student vacations- ensured efficient & effective provision of the College’s reception & switchboard facilities- recruited & trained students to work as vacation-time Conference Assistants - sourced, purchased & sold College memorabilia

- organised conference & workshop activities- responsible for tracking budgets, invoice payment & petty cash - provided efficient & comprehensive enquiry service- collated information for regional & national audit reports- developed & maintained effective administration & office systems

London, United Kingdom

- co-ordinated every aspect involved in the detailed organisation of training courses, seminars, workshops & meetings- scheduled the year’s programme of events & assisted with the evaluation & strategic planning of the Unit- devised & presented courses, including production of handouts, literature & visual aids- co-ordinated & supervised work placement students- designed, produced & circulated the Staff Development & Training brochure & additional publicity material including information leaflets & newsletters- arranged locations, catering, audio-visual equipment for courses & seminars & participated in role playing exercises- resolved queries from members of staff at all levels within the university

London, United Kingdom

- key member of team involved in the day to day running of the examinations with specific responsibility for special arrangement students- contributed to the administration, preparation & running of the graduation ceremonies- recruited, briefed & time tabled examination invigilators- administrated & distributed student grants & loans- provided an enquiry service to students, staff & general public by face to face, telephone & written communication- accurately maintained & updated student record system

Master Of Science (Msc), European Conference Management

British Sign Language Stage 2

British Sign Language Stage 1

Rsa, Customer Service Nvq Level 3

Rsa, Higher Diploma In Administrative Procedures Nvq Level 4

Bachelor Of Arts (Ba), Structural Textile Design

National Diploma, Foundation Education In Art & Design

3 A Levels & 9 O Levels