GrupBlox, formerly trip(eaze) is a group hotel accommodations contracting platform, that streamlines the current, archaic contracting process from weeks to minutes. grupblox.comGrupBlox, has recently acquired Nine 17 Group, a manual 3rd party hotel contracting firm to offer a manual contracting services for areas where our digital foot print is less prevalent.The combination of both services, allows GrupBlox to expand our current offering to any type of group operator, both… Show more GrupBlox, formerly trip(eaze) is a group hotel accommodations contracting platform, that streamlines the current, archaic contracting process from weeks to minutes. grupblox.comGrupBlox, has recently acquired Nine 17 Group, a manual 3rd party hotel contracting firm to offer a manual contracting services for areas where our digital foot print is less prevalent.The combination of both services, allows GrupBlox to expand our current offering to any type of group operator, both international or domestic. Show less

Creating a digital solution to replace the archaic group hotel contracting model that we know today and enabling group operators the opportunity to contract group reservations directly online.

Responsibilities: • Negotiate $5M+ annually with a wide range of hoteliers, as a third party, to obtain the lowest possible rates and best terms to maximize profit for various brands.• Retained by various organizations to negotiate contracts and manage domestic and international on-shore events.• Negotiated multiple annual hotel buyout contracts with 35-40% savings.• Secured $25-50K in food & beverage savings for meetings by analyzing uncompetitive pricing, terms and… Show more Responsibilities: • Negotiate $5M+ annually with a wide range of hoteliers, as a third party, to obtain the lowest possible rates and best terms to maximize profit for various brands.• Retained by various organizations to negotiate contracts and manage domestic and international on-shore events.• Negotiated multiple annual hotel buyout contracts with 35-40% savings.• Secured $25-50K in food & beverage savings for meetings by analyzing uncompetitive pricing, terms and conditions of the agreement. • Review & identify trends/ issues (ADR, revenue parity & occupancy utilization) that may have an impact on the business operation, financial performance and the public image various domestic & international tour operators and corporate clients.• Well-versed in hospitality finance metrics, specifically hotel and food & beverage margins and pricing strategies.• Possess extensive knowledge of world geography and destinations, especially the Americas, to ensure efficient property selection.• Manage implemented processes for various domestic & international tour operators and corporate clients – including but not limited to geographic/demographic research, negotiating and contracting hotels and other services.• Foster positive relationships and trust with clients, properties and key business partners through spirit of partnership, demonstrated track record of visionary execution, strong on-time delivery, high quality & continuous innovation.• Monitor hotel suppliers progress and performance to ensure delivered services conform to the contracted requirements. • Identify and communicate opportunities and/or challenges to improve existing event or tour itineraries.• Understand brand building and how specific supplier selection translates into the image of the various brands and clients. Show less

• Negotiated $20M in hotel booking throughout the US & Canada annually.• Secured numerous property upgrades for less than or equal too the cost of current properties.• Created a multi-property agreement aligning MGM Grand and The Travel Corporations internal and external brands (6).• Held average rate increases between 3-4%, even in overly compressed markets (i.e. All of Western Canada, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Las Vegas, etc.)• Monitor suppliers progress and performance to… Show more • Negotiated $20M in hotel booking throughout the US & Canada annually.• Secured numerous property upgrades for less than or equal too the cost of current properties.• Created a multi-property agreement aligning MGM Grand and The Travel Corporations internal and external brands (6).• Held average rate increases between 3-4%, even in overly compressed markets (i.e. All of Western Canada, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Las Vegas, etc.)• Monitor suppliers progress and performance to ensure delivered services conform to the contracted requirements. • Research, implement & enforce changes as appropriate when suppliers’ performance is deficient. • Manage implemented processes for the region – including but not limited to date sequencing, negotiating and contracting hotels and other services.• Foster positive relationships and trust with in-house and outside clients and key business partners through spirit of partnership, demonstrated track record of visionary execution, strong on-time delivery, high quality & continuous innovation.• Review & identify trends/ issues (ADR, revenue parity & occupancy utilization) that may have an impact on the business operation, financial performance and the public image of the company.• Identify and communicate opportunities to improve existing itineraries and work closely with Product Development Team to implement changes.• Negotiate with a range of travel suppliers, but mainly hoteliers to obtain the lowest possible rates to maximize profit.• Take ownership of projects and processes to ensure the timely delivery of product lines.• Understand brand building and how specific supplier selection translates into the image of the various brands and clients.• Provide competitive analysis on pricing, itineraries and other beneficial information through Guests’ surveys. Show less

Leads mission of helping to conceptualize a lifestyle brand. Manages 35+ large scale destination events and travel experiences around the globe. Created a core group of 25-40 C-Level executives and entrepreneurs. o Performed extensive market research and analysis while using strategic negotiation tactics to reduce hotel rates by up to 40% in both domestic and international markets.o Increased revenue share on food & beverage contracts by up to 40% in various markets.o Identified… Show more Leads mission of helping to conceptualize a lifestyle brand. Manages 35+ large scale destination events and travel experiences around the globe. Created a core group of 25-40 C-Level executives and entrepreneurs. o Performed extensive market research and analysis while using strategic negotiation tactics to reduce hotel rates by up to 40% in both domestic and international markets.o Increased revenue share on food & beverage contracts by up to 40% in various markets.o Identified potential investors whose goals aligned with company structure; successfully raised $150K of seed capital with a 90% close rate.o Increased overall profit and maintained a consistent 25-35% mark-up on all AWOL projects through benchmarking industry leaders in both event and travel industries. o Developed a large loyal client following with a 50% retention rate by diversifying product offerings and creating an attractive community which allows business people of all levels to expand their network. Show less

Oversaw the management and strategic planning of a unique electronic music event on a Royal Caribbean cruise liner.o Negotiated below market rates on musical talent by utilizing knowledge of geographical routing, artist market rates, and musical agency ties. o Attracted large domestic and international crowds by procuring a diverse electronic music line up.o Enhanced exposure and expanded event reach by creating strategic partnerships, developing viral social media marketing… Show more Oversaw the management and strategic planning of a unique electronic music event on a Royal Caribbean cruise liner.o Negotiated below market rates on musical talent by utilizing knowledge of geographical routing, artist market rates, and musical agency ties. o Attracted large domestic and international crowds by procuring a diverse electronic music line up.o Enhanced exposure and expanded event reach by creating strategic partnerships, developing viral social media marketing campaigns, and executing national promotional events. Show less