Heather Miller has been a positive presence in the Hospitality Industry for 10+ years. With a flair for creativity and innovation she has a proven track record in service while working in fast paced environments.

After graduating with a Bachelors in Hospitality Management from the University of Central Florida, Heather has worked on all sides of event management throughout her career. Her experience at Marriott International gave her valuable lessons on venue operations that have translated well into her roles at Play with a Purpose.

Her passion for flawless customer service is apparent when she creates custom interactive experiences and charity give-back events for groups ranging in size from 10-3,000 participants all over the world. At her core she believes the entire process should be a joy for both the planner and the guests!

RESUME

Professional Experience

Play with a Purpose

Director of Sales

2019 - Present

Directed a complete company pivot during the 2020 hospitality shutdown. Innovated new virtual events, actively solicited all new markets, and earned the company it’s most profitable year in 30 years of operation. Surpassed total sales goals of 2.4 Million, earning 3.7 million dollars. Recruited, hired, trained, and managed sales team. Actively solicitated fortune 500 clients and successfully nurtured new business. Developed the annual sales budget, marketing plans, departmental goals and individual goals.

Sales Manager

2016 - 2019

Managed 65% of company’s annual sales from prospecting through completion. Spearheaded the procurement, development, and implementation of Salesforce (CRM) for the entire organization. Established the company's complex pricing platform and continually updated it based on market changes. Trained coordinators and interns on how to create proposals, utilize salesforce, and nurture customer relationships. Created and implemented company policies and procedures

Additional Details:

Operated a flexible schedule which consists of 25% travel while maintaining deadlines and client relationships
Actively engaged in industry educational workshops and networking with chapters of ILEA, MPI, NACE and IMEX

Events and Marketing Manager

2014 - 2016

Facilitated the creative direction and fulfilment of over 100 high-level interactive events that aligned with business objectives of corporate groups. Negotiated and upheld contract terms with event venues, vendors and suppliers while streamlining processes. Continuously sought ways to minimize costs while keeping the integrity of the events.

Additional Details:

Spearheaded the implementation of an app-based platform operated at over 50 events
Managed a flexible schedule while role demanded 45% travel for events
Facilitated as Master of Ceremonies at events, communicating objectives to groups of 10 to 200
Executed multiple events concurrently with lead times ranging from one week to six months
Developed and managed social media marketing, including Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter
Wrote copy for website, blog posts, social media content, and email campaigns

Gaylord Palms Resort and Convention Center

Conference Coordinator

2013 - 2014

Managed the execution of over thirty corporate conferences as the main contact and advocate for corporate meeting planners while executing multi-million-dollar programs in 400,000 square feet of space
Maintained program knowledge by attending planning meetings, conference calls, reviewing group resumes and banquet event orders (BEO’s) prior to group arrival
Verified on-site delivery of hotel products and services according to conference group plans resulting in a positive meeting experience
Attended planning visits, welcome receptions, tie-down meetings, any internal meetings related to security, event operations, parking or production
Advised clients on current status of events and functions, including items pending and action items. Coordinated any changes necessary

Catering Administrative Assistant

2011 - 2013

Developed and followed-up with sales for large group affiliates of $5,000 to $75,000 per client; negotiated catering/meeting needs, events logistics, and effectively communicated event and group rooms details to the hotel's operations departments
Provided support to two Senior Catering Managers with combined sales of over $25 million per year
Compiled and distributed hotel operations reports to various departments on a daily and weekly basis
Recognized as a top performer, became a Certified Star Trainer and trained multiple new employees during their onboarding with the company

Industry Speaking Engagements

IMEX Smart Monday, Speaker (CEU Sessions)
October 2015, October 2016, October 2017, October 2018
CSR Share Day, Host
January 2015
MPI SEC, Speaker (CEU Sessions)
August 2014, July 2018
Florida Connect Conference, Speaker
November 2018

Skills

Salesforce Administrator
Adobe Illustrator
Adobe InDesign
Microsoft Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
Canva
C.I.T.Y
Expensify
CPR Certified
Adult Learning Strategy