LeLani Duckwitz, CMP, CTA

Experience

• 

  First Congregational Church of Long Beach

  Apr 2002 - now

  Wedding Coordinator (Part-time)

  Received recognition letters of gratitude from multiple clients for providing excellent service during facilitation of wedding rehearsal and ceremony.

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  Long Beach Petroleum Club

  Jul 2002 - Jul 2005

  Catering Sales Manager

  Private social club with 10,000 sq. ft. of function space; Established steady client base by attending networking events to generate business. Consulted with dessert companies to create a wow factor for client by providing a custom dessert for largest revenue generating VIP event. Obtained liquor license monthly to ensure ABC compliance with alcoholic beverage sales.

• 

  Radisson

  Jul 2005 - Apr 2007

  Social Catering Manager

  368 rooms and 20,000 sq. ft. of space; Managed the sales of catering services to the social market utilizing function space effectively to maximize revenues. Calculated mathematical computations and exercised analytical skills to accurately determine and communicate financial, forecasting and space utilization calculations. Developed milestone timeline for client to help keep on track in the planning process which led to successful execution and prompt payment of the event..

• 

  Hilton Anaheim

  Apr 2007 - Oct 2009

  1,572 rooms, 100,000 sq. ft. of flexible function space; Successfully planned and executed full service meetings, conventions and events generally covering more than 300 room nights for the 2nd largest hotel in Southern California. Awarded President's Recognition for Catering Excellence. Exceeded sales goals by 181% for the 3rd trimester of 2008 despite economic downturn. Utilized expertise in food & beverage menu development and pricing to maximize revenue through effective negotiation of prices and services. Forecasted proposed revenues based on group history, guest counts, and average checks resulting in forecast accuracy within 3%.

  • Senior Event Manager

    Jan 2009 - Oct 2009

  • Senior Catering Manager

    Apr 2007 - Oct 2009
• 

  DoubleTree by Hilton

  Nov 2009 - Jan 2010

  Taskforce Senior Catering Manager

  Recommended for this temporary, special, short-term assignment for the purpose of assessing and assisting the department for the current state. Successfully obtained participation from all cross functional departments by proposing operational plan for operational efficiency and company standard compliance.

• 

  Hyatt Hotels Corporation

  Feb 2010 - Oct 2012

  Planned and executed large market conventions with client meeting planners. Handled multiple customer and operational demands with a high degree of professionalism, operating often with time sensitive deadlines. Managed all aspects of events for this 4-star hotel including both social and corporate with a diverse clientele. Responded to requests for proposals and contracts quickly to increase sales earning power and productivity. Awarded "Catering & Convention Services Team of the Year" for Hyatt Hotels.

  • Convention Services Manager

    Oct 2011 - Oct 2012

  • Senior Catering Manager

    Feb 2010 - Oct 2011
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  Pacific Hospitality Group

  Sept 2019 - now

  Catering & Conference Services Manager