Rhonda Whyte Email & Phone Number

Washington Dc-Baltimore Area

College Park, Md

Responsible for the operations, overall success and a $1M annual revenue goal of the Samuel Riggs IV Conference Center, the Director leads a team of 4-6 staff to execute over 400 events annually. Maximizing utilization and revenue of the Center, managing expenses, ensuring smooth operations and maintaining good working relationships with internal and external stakeholders. Develops and executes the Alumni Center sales plan and strategy to meet or exceed facility’s revenue goals. Identifies and anticipates market trends and volatility. Recommends alternative options & solutions to improve sales. Represents the Riggs Alumni Center with prospective customers to provide necessary information on the facilities and services and to determine levels of interest. Participates in related industry conferences and networking opportunities on a local and regional level; responds to RFP’s and develops a network of potential clients and colleagues in the conference industry and community to enhance the presence of the Riggs Alumni Center as a conference, meeting and special event venue.

Washington D.C. Metro Area

• Responsible for the management and oversite of (5) Junior and (7) Senior Level Event Managers and (1) Coordinator daily activity. • To include assigning future Priority 1-4 events, meeting regularly with show management and coordination of room and exhibit hall leased space. Oversee execution of over 700 events within 2.3M square feet of meeting space.• Develops and implements operational policies, systems and procedures related to event operations to include, catering, electrical, production services, telecommunications, promote efficiency and quality service.

Annapolis, Md

• Implemented catering program and developed systems for social enterprise catering company • Oversaw all catering operations, from menu development to execution of events ranging from drop off services to plated dinners up to 150 PP• Developed budgets, created marketing strategies and plans for a new business

Various

Independant Consultant with The CALPRO, I have assisted in various areas to include conference management, food and beverage mangement, special events,and weddings. I have highlighted a few events below:•Food and Beverage Manager- Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Founders’ Weekend •Food and Beverage Manager- Presidential Inauguration Commander in Chief Ball •Conference Manager- American Israel Political Action Committee•Conference Manager- ESRI•Conference Manager-Food Safety Summit•Special Events Manager, Carnegie Library- Events DC

Planned and developed event BEOs, group resumes, and agendas according to client requirements.•Oversaw contracted room blocks to include cutoffs, attrition, etc.•Hosted Planning Meetings, Site Inspections, and Pre-Convention Meetings•Managed the planning, execution and supervision of all events to include sales, negotiations and conflict resolution.•Created external communications to include contract addendums, introductory letters and appropriate property information•Responsible for achieving 500K annual goal by outside solicitation and incoming inquires

* Supervise the daily activities of 10 salaried employees and varied volunteers and support staff to plan, scope, and format all catering operations, events and functions. * Hire and train sales and catering staff in retail and catering operation procedures to ensure efficient service * Promote conference, convention and trades show services by performing tasks such as meeting with professional and trade associations, and producing brochures and other publications.* Prepare forecast and developed budgets to exceed 7.5M * Liaison between Convention Center Board Members and tourism services * Coordinate all contracted catering services for casual and formal events and VIP presidential receptions.

Supervised and trained five sales associates in marketing techniques and strategies to negotiate business contracts with potential customers seeking catering services and usage of the facility. * Arranged catering services for banquets, business meetings, exhibit halls, and convention rooms for groups ranging up to 35,000 people.* Coordinated and arranged the catering services for two Inaugural Balls and six ball rooms for 50,000 attendees and 135 ancillary services.* Developed, assessed, and revised menus based on cost, usefulness, availability of products, and at the request and to the satisfaction of customers based on their objectives and requirements.* Managed revenue streams (retail, catering and culinary), resulting in a 16M annual budget.

Coordinated services for events, such as accommodation and transportation for participants, facilities, catering, signage, displays, special needs requirements, printing and event security.* Promoted conference, convention and trade show services by maintaining meeting website and content, producing brochures and other publications.* Conferred with staff at chosen event sites to coordinate logistics, plan menus, discuss serving arrangements and related details for group meetings, seminars and conventions.* Consulted with customers to determine objectives and requirements for events such as meetings, conferences, and convention activities and agendas.* Reviewed event bills and cost estimates for accuracy, and approved payment of invoices. * Conducted post-event evaluations to determine how future events could be improved and resources expanded.

Washington D.C. Metro Area

the Deaf and Hard of Hearing; Presided over continuing education, space management, children's program and on-site organization of biennial convention, leadership retreats, special events, and program development for the deaf and hard of hearing. * Developed budget, authorized expenditures, and maintained financial records. * Met with sponsors and organizing committees to plan scope and format of events, establish curriculums, and review administrative procedures and event progress.* Oversaw ADA related activities to include CART, interpreters, and assistant listening devices.* Evaluated the registration system and its operations. * Answered customer questions and resolved customer complaints.

* Supervised pre and onsite registration process * Organized and monitored registration of participants and event activities to ensure the quality and timeliness of service to registrants. * Selected featured speakers and event topics, arranged lodgings, made special accommodations and logistical arrangements. * Arranged and ensured the availability of transportation, vendor displays, promotional materials, and audio-visual equipment for teleconferences, presentations, and other event needs.

Ms, Managerial Technology

Bs, Hospitality Sales And Meeting Management

Activities and Societies: DECA