Simon Benevides, Chba Email & Phone Number

Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Leading the company’s hospitality sales and reservations team in executing group sales strategies for nine food and beverage properties and six event venues nationwide.Develop and create sales strategies for 5 sales and reservations team members to execute for driving revenue into the 15 properties in the form of cover fees, venue rental fees, and food and beverage services. Manage the efficiency in utilizing CRM technologies to streamline processes in a fast-paced, high volume environment. Create and analyze ad campaigns designed to increase group business targeting off-peak hours of operation. Implemented a targeted referral program for Event Planners and Hotel Concierges. Review all food and beverage menu offerings and conceptualize menu formats for group business with a focus on enticing upsells to boost sales. Evaluate performance of employees and provide feedback as needed. Assist in cold call outreach for MRG's proprietary ticketing platform AdmitOne. Represent The MRG Group at numerous trade shows and networking opportunities yearly. Manage the reservations platform for all hospitality properties finding efficiencies to maximize advance bookings, to secure non-refundable cover fees and upsells prior to arrival. Key Accomplishments:· Developed Sales & Operations Standard Operating Procedures which have led to more concise communications and efficient operations. · Part of the strategy development and opening team of two new venues. Namely one specifically conceptualized for corporate and social events in a catering style environment - slate. Event Space· Aiding in the COVID-19 recovery effort by managing the sales team in inbound (avg. 150-200 leads per week) and outbound sales.· Leading a team in managing 90+ events a month for several months a year. Executing over $2.5m a year in revenue including the highest revenue in a month for group sales in company history at $420K (2022).

Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Ensure delivery of five-star customer service to existing and potential customers. Oversaw marketing and events from strategy development to execution. Directed junior team members to ensure campaigns were executed on time and on budget. Manage a team to produce successful virtual event programs (live and prerecorded). Worked with established brands, top financial services, high net-worth, non-profit organizations, arts, and lifestyle sector clients (RBC, Burgundy Asset Management, Art Toronto, YWCA Toronto). Key Accomplishments:• Produced, from strategy development to event execution, 3 large scale virtual events with guest attendance of 200-1000 guests and budgets ranging from $50,000-$800,000.00.• Presented on, and negotiated an event contract with an $800,000 budget, largest in company history.• Successfully conceptualized, procured, and shipped over 500 custom gift packages for guests across North America

Toronto, Canada Area

Develop and execute catering sales strategies to meet and exceed sales targets by continuously exploring new business opportunities in corporate sector primarily focusing on Financial, Legal, and Real Estate Industries. Ensure delivery of top-notch customer service by persuasively and consultatively interacting with existing and potential customers. Evaluate performance of employees and provide feedback to Events Management Executive. Analyze the success of all bookings by comparing forecasted revenue with actual revenue. Collaborate with Executive Chef in the development of delicious menu appropriate for clientele. Exceptional efficiency in utilizing CRM technologies to streamline processes in a fast-paced environment. Maintain communication for real-time updates with all departments in hotel. Applied robust approaches and prepared plans to drive more revenue from meeting room rental service, food, and beverages. Organized and led training sessions for new hires to align skillsets with organizational goals and objectivesKey Achievements:• Utilized in-depth market knowledge and developed effective sales strategies.➢ Exceeded sales target by 20% and up to 200k (2019)• Distinguished for performance excellence and a part of the Forbes Five Star Award-winning team.• Efficiently managed catering events in hotel by overseeing operations execution and completion is in accordance with BEO’s requirements and attend to last-minute requests for changes/additional requirements.

Shangri-La Hotel, Toronto,On

Managed day-to-day operations to achieve business goals and objectives through effective people management, consultative selling, proactive client relationship management, and flawless event execution. Managed day-to-day operations to achieve business goals and objectives through effective people management, consultative selling, proactive client relationship management, and flawless event execution. Administered tasks such as payroll, procurement, hiring, and training. Led numerous teams of 3-10 members. Forecasted weekly revenue, labor, and equipment utilization.Key Achievements:• Promoted from Sales Trainee to Director, Event Technology, Hotel Service based on exceptional performance throughout the service.• Attained Average Cheque Growth of 6-7% year over year and exceeded sales targets 18% or approximately $180K (2018).• Maintained 95% Guest Satisfaction Score by providing best in class customer services• Administered the selling process of Audio Visual for a global luxury hotel property with annual revenue of $1 million+.• Achieved status of Regional PSAV Service Excellence Coach.• Awarded Employee of the Month for April 2016.

Toronto, Canada Area

Park Hyatt, Toronto

Westin Harbour Castle, Toronto

Toronto, Canada Area

1. Checks in/out guest in an efficient and friendly manner, using guest name whenever possible. 2. Maintains a balanced bank assigned by the hotel. Makes change, cashes checks, exchanges foreign currency. Reconciles all transactions at the close of each shift. 3. Handles all guest interactions with the highest level of hospitality and professionalism, 4. Accommodate special requests whenever possible; resolves customer complaints; 5. Utilize a variety of computer systems to check guests in and out, run daily reports and select and block rooms for arriving guests. 6. Works harmoniously and professionally with co-workers and supervisors.7. Accepts reservations, changes and cancellations in the absence of Reservations Department Staff. Can answer guest calls and direct them appropriately in the absence of a Communications Operator. NON-ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:1. Assists with responsibilities in the areas of the Concierge, Bell Staff, Business Center, and lobby coverage.2. Provides basic trouble-shooting support for in-room services such as Internet, TV movies, games, and Web service.3. Works closely with Bell Staff to ensure smooth handling of guest luggage, deliveries and special requests.

Toronto, Canada Area

Providing five-star, five-diamond service is a quality to take away from this position, working within a team to deliver such service was essential.

Guelph, On

Overseeing and working with council members to organize and promote activities and events that will enhance our students’ university experience.

Greater New York City Area

Working in the New York office, I helped with sales calls, promotional material, and represented Bermuda in a variety of mediums.

Toronto, Canada Area

Spending one month in housekeeping and one month in front office, I gained first hand luxury hotel operations experience.

Tucker'S Town, Bermuda

Although my main focus was Guest Relations at the Beach Club, I spent many hours as a Guest Relations Assistant in the Front Office. My skills with working well and efficiently under pressure were often tested.

Bachelor Of Commerce (B.Com.) Honours, Tourism Management

Activities and Societies: Vice President for Hospitality, Food & Tourism Management Student Association 2014/2015 Director of Tourism.

Certificate, The Fundamentals Of Revenue Management

Certified In Hospitality Business Acumen (Chba)