Abbie Horton
Melton Mowbray,Leicestershire
Summary
I am an adaptable and results driven professional who thrives in fast paced environments and consistently meets tight deadlines. I am experienced in cross departmental collaboration and also independent working. My passion is to always deliver outstanding customer service and to exceed my clients expectations through a high standard, tailor made approach.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
2016
2016
years of post-secondary education
Work history
Senior Global Sourcing Specialist
veSpace
Swindon, Wiltshire
2022.10 - Current
- Managing client enquiries from initial enquiry through to completion of booking.
- Maintaining venue knowledge by attending site visits, FAM trips, product knowledge sessions, researching and keeping up to date with trends in the industry.
- Negotiating the best rates and contract terms on behalf of the client.
- Creating bespoke proposals for clients that are tailored to their brief and venue preferences.
- Ensuring client SLA's and deadlines are always met.
- Maintaining close relationships with clients with regular contact via email, teams meetings, telephone calls and WhatsApp to discuss ongoing or upcoming bookings.
- Holding quarterly reviews with clients to discuss their commercials and MI.
- Holding bi-monthly calls with clients to present new venue openings or venues in a specific location of their choosing.
- Competent with contract and invoice checking.
- Competent with using Gratis and Cvent booking tools.
Wedding & Events Sales Coordinator
Coton House Farm Wedding & Events Limited
Whittington, Staffordshire
2021.05 - 2022.08
- Conducting meetings and show rounds in order to sell the venue and its facilities to prospective clients.
- Maintaining consistent contact with clients from booking stage up until their final meeting.
- Preparing accurate event files including event itinerary, table plan, relevant insurance documents, food and beverage pre-orders.
- Ensuring all of the customers requirements and expectations are clearly communicated to the operational teams for service delivery.
- Completing post event follow-ups, share, communicate and act upon relevant customer feedback.
- Preparing invoices and managing the online payment system.
- Creating and scheduling content for all of Coton House Farm's social media platforms.
- Managing Coton House Farm's profile on other online channels including Hitched and Bridebook.
- Replying to enquiries and following up on potential sales leads.
- Planning and executing promotional events, including open days and menu tasting evenings to showcase the venue and increase sales.
Conference & Events Manager
The George Hotel
Lichfield, Staffordshire
2015.09 - 2021.05
- Coordinated all details and activities for Weddings, Celebrations, Funerals, Conferences and Special Events.
- Liaised with clients to determine event requirements, outlining package options to meet needs and exceed expectations.
- Fulfilled contractual obligations, including communications, supplier coordination, schedule creation, budget administration as well as rehearsal and day of event coordination within agreed timeframes.
- Assessed event success and uncovered room for improvement through client feedback.
- Liaised with advertising and marketing colleagues to promote special events on our website and social media pages, as well as numerous other outlets.
- Attended monthly sales meetings with management from all departments of the hotel in order to formulate new event ideas, upselling strategies and sales initiatives.
- Promoted from Coordinator to Event Manager within two years.
- Oversaw all event bookings at our sister hotel The Cathedral from December 2016 until present.
Fundraising & Events Intern
Leukaemia Care
Worcester, Worcestershire
2013.09 - 2014.07
- An understanding of consumer engagement with social media platforms through creating content for Twitter and Facebook.
- An understanding of SEO through researching and writing frequent blog posts.
- Proficient writing skills through creating literature for both patients and fundraisers.
- Effective team working skills acquired through working on campaigns with peers as well as senior members of staff.
- Organisational skills attained through planning and attending events for new and existing fundraisers.
- Good professional etiquette through representing the charity at various events, including, The London Marathon.
Education
BA (Hons) - Public Relations
Bournemouth University
A-Levels - Psychology, Sociology, English Literature
The Arthur Terry School
Sutton Coldfield, BirminghamSkills
- Client relations
- Venue knowledge
- Venue sourcing
- Budget management
- Event planning
- Time management
- Contract negotiation
- Attention to detail
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Senior Global Sourcing Specialist
veSpace
2022.10 - Current
Wedding & Events Sales Coordinator
Coton House Farm Wedding & Events Limited
2021.05 - 2022.08
Conference & Events Manager
The George Hotel
2015.09 - 2021.05
Fundraising & Events Intern
Leukaemia Care
2013.09 - 2014.07
A-Levels - Psychology, Sociology, English Literature
The Arthur Terry School
BA (Hons) - Public Relations
Bournemouth University