Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic

Kristina Gensel

Sherman Oaks

Summary

Dynamic hospitality professional with 6+ years of progressive experience transforming client visions into extraordinary catering and event experiences across luxury Santa Monica and Los Angeles venues.

Passionate about creating memorable experiences that bring people together, combining creative problem-solving skills with business acumen to deliver exceptional ROI for properties and unforgettable moments for guests. Ready to leverage comprehensive catering sales expertise and genuine enthusiasm for hospitality excellence in driving continued success as a Catering Sales Manager.

Overview

7
7
years of professional experience

Work History

Event Sales Manager

Regent Santa Monica Beach
09.2024 - Current
  • Developed and executed comprehensive 30/60/90 day strategic sales plans to achieve monthly revenue targets, tracking key performance indicators including lead generation, conversion rates, and pipeline development to consistently exceed quarterly catering sales goals
  • Conducted proactive outside sales calls and relationship-building activities with corporate decision-makers and event coordinators throughout Greater Los Angeles market, resulting in expanded client base and increased market penetration
  • Orchestrated strategic site tours designed to showcase venue capabilities and create emotional connection with prospects, utilizing storytelling techniques, personalized presentations, and experiential elements to effectively convert inquiries into confirmed bookings
  • Analyzed market trends, competitor pricing, and seasonal demand patterns to develop dynamic pricing strategies and promotional packages that optimized revenue per event while maintaining competitive positioning in the luxury Santa Monica hospitality market
  • Collaborated with culinary team, operations staff, and event coordinators to create customized catering proposals and menu presentations that aligned with client requirements while maximizing food and beverage revenue opportunities
  • Maintained detailed CRM database tracking all prospect interactions, sales activities, and booking conversions to ensure consistent follow-up, identify upselling opportunities, and generate accurate sales forecasting reports for senior management
  • Participated in industry networking events, and professional associations to increase brand visibility, generate qualified leads, and stay current with luxury catering trends and competitive landscape developments

Meetings and Events Manager - Pre-Opening Team

Regent Santa Monica Beach
03.2023 - 09.2024
  • Orchestrated comprehensive catering sales and event planning for luxury hospitality property featuring 167 guest rooms and 20,000 square feet of versatile indoor/outdoor event venues, driving group revenue and conference bookings.
  • Collaborated cross-departmentally with culinary, operations, and service teams to translate client catering requirements into seamless execution, conducting detailed pre-event briefings and post-event debriefs to ensure client satisfaction and foster repeat business relationships.
  • Delivered exceptional client service through rapid response protocols, professional brand representation, and strategic problem-solving to overcome budget constraints and logistical complexities while maintaining luxury service standards.
  • Created and managed comprehensive event documentation including detailed catering proposals, Banquet Event Orders (BEOs), floor plans, and menu specifications, ensuring adherence to industry best practices and operational excellence.
  • Maximized revenue through strategic upselling of food and beverage packages, premium menu selections, enhanced service options, and venue rental opportunities, consistently exceeding minimum spending requirements.
  • Orchestrated comprehensive conference planning for luxury hospitality property featuring 167 guest rooms and 20,000 square feet of versatile indoor/outdoor event venues, driving group revenue and conference bookings.
  • ·Collaborated cross-departmentally with culinary, operations, and service teams to translate group client requirements into seamless execution, conducting detailed pre-event briefings and post-event debriefs to ensure client satisfaction and foster repeat business relationships.
  • Delivered exceptional client service through rapid response protocols, professional brand representation, and strategic problem-solving to overcome budget constraints and logistical complexities while maintaining luxury service standards.
  • Created and managed comprehensive event documentation including detailed catering proposals, Banquet Event Orders (BEOs), floor plans, and menu specifications, ensuring adherence to industry best practices and operational excellence.
  • Maximized revenue through strategic upselling of food and beverage packages, premium menu selections, enhanced service options, and venue rental opportunities, consistently exceeding minimum spending requirements.


Convention Services Manager

Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel
06.2022 - 06.2023
  • Oversaw planning and execution of group business and conferences at a luxury hotel with 347 rooms and 30,000 square feet of flexible indoor and outdoor meeting space.
  • Effectively communicated client objectives to all operating departments, facilitated pre- and post-conference meetings, internal overviews, and client interactions to ensure successful programs and generate repeat business.
  • Maintained the highest level of customer service, including immediate response time, professional representation of the Brand and its services, and adeptly resolving budget and logistical challenges.
  • Developed and disseminated all communications related to planning and executing group programs, including group conference resumes, Banquet Event Orders, and working function space diagrams in accordance with industry standards.
  • Played a pivotal role in upselling Food & Beverage minimums, rental fees, and significantly contributed to exceeding our Q4 Sales Budget by over $169,000.

Food & Beverage Coordinator

Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows
08.2021 - 06.2022
  • Spearheaded private dining sales and event coordination for FIG Restaurant’s exclusive catering facilities, managing comprehensive inquiry-to-booking process and driving premium dining experiences for discerning clientele.
  • Established and maintained key client relationships as primary sales contact for individual, corporate, and group accounts seeking upscale private dining experiences, consistently converting prospects into confirmed bookings through consultative selling approach.
  • Leveraged exceptional organizational skills, meticulous event planning expertise, and strategic negotiation tactics to exceed client expectations while maximizing revenue opportunities and ensuring flawless event execution.
  • Successfully planned and executed intimate catering events for 9-25 guests, specializing in high-touch, personalized service delivery that commanded premium pricing and generated strong referral business.
  • Provided executive support to culinary leadership team including Executive Chef and Director of Food & Beverage, managing complex scheduling, facilitating menu development meetings, and coordinating catering operations to ensure seamless service delivery.
  • Generated $100,000+ in private dining revenue within seven months through proactive sales efforts, menu upselling, and strategic account development, demonstrating strong ROI and business development capabilities.

Reservation Sales

Clifton’s Republic
03.2018 - 03.2020
  • Managed exclusive reservation sales and client coordination for two high-capacity Downtown Los Angeles venues, specializing in intimate dining and private event bookings for groups up to 25 guests through multi-channel lead generation including phone, email, and digital inquiries.
  • Fostered collaborative relationships with culinary teams, service staff, and venue management across both properties to ensure seamless event execution and elevated guest experiences that drove repeat bookings and referral business.
  • Streamlined reservation management and administrative processes using SevenRooms platform expertise, maintaining accurate client databases, tracking booking patterns, and optimizing venue capacity to maximize revenue potential.
  • Conducted comprehensive venue tours and sales presentations for prospective clients, showcasing Clifton’s Republic’s unique historical significance and distinctive event capabilities to convert inquiries into confirmed bookings.
  • Maintained exceptional professional standards and brand representation while engaging with clients, vendors, and internal stakeholders, consistently delivering personalized service that reinforced venue reputation and supported sales objectives.

Education

B.S. - Mass Communications, Public Relations and Advertising Concentrations

Towson University
Baltimore, Maryland
01.2014

Skills

  • Customer Engagement
  • Revenue Generation
  • Event Execution
  • Luxury Brand Representation
  • Cross-Functional Collaboration
  • Pre-Opening Operations
  • Problem Solving Abilities
  • Teamwork and Collaboration
  • Client Relationship Management

Timeline

Event Sales Manager

Regent Santa Monica Beach
09.2024 - Current

Meetings and Events Manager - Pre-Opening Team

Regent Santa Monica Beach
03.2023 - 09.2024

Convention Services Manager

Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel
06.2022 - 06.2023

Food & Beverage Coordinator

Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows
08.2021 - 06.2022

Reservation Sales

Clifton’s Republic
03.2018 - 03.2020

B.S. - Mass Communications, Public Relations and Advertising Concentrations

Towson University

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Kristina Gensel