For our latest 'Getting To Know' feature, we caught up with Ariel M. Weinshanker - After working in Sales for Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group and Starwood's Luxury Collection, Ariel opted to go independent to focus on developing a boutique hotel sourcing and technology consulting firm. 9 months into going out on her own, she was named one of the Top 30 Under 30 Travel Advisors by Travel Agent Central
Q: In a nutshell, tell us the about your services and the some of the industries you’ve freelanced for?
A: My work is incredibly relationship based and always catered to the unique needs of my individual clients. While I am always available to assist with Hotel Sourcing, Site Selection, Travel Concierge Services, Event Technology, Email Marketing and CRM set-up, I absolutely love when I get to be creative with clients when it comes to their Sales and Marketing efforts.
Q: How did you get started in the events industry?
A: My journey in Hospitality started in F&B as a hostess at a restaurant. That experience led to In-Room-Dining at the Estancia La Jolla Hotel and Spa which prepared me for the Front Office at the Historic Hotel Del Coronado. I worked for a handful of properties located in Southern California while earning my Bachelor’s in Hospitality Management and a minor in Marketing.
Q: Most memorable moment working as a freelancer?
A: Since launching my company in New York City during 2018, I have never worked so hard nor learned so much in such a short amount of time. I am constantly being exposed to memorable experiences, almost daily. Due to being in a city like New York and being so open to partnerships, I am constantly being asked to assist with unique offerings.
Q: Best location you’ve worked at?
A: I have had incredible experiences across the United States. Everything from welcoming World Leaders to Sunnylands in Rancho Mirage to working in Sales at a New York City Hotel and preparing my Operations team for the arrival of a well-known band member’s family during their New Year’s concert series at Rockefeller Center.
Q: If you could go back in time, what advice would you give yourself when you first started out in the events world?
A: Stay in touch with those in your network and constantly push yourself to meet new people. Being a hard worker and having a positive reputation is important but there is a lot of value to connecting with people beyond your specific industry and/or niche. And being so open to learning and trying new things.
How can other members of The Delegate Wranglers contact you?
Email: ariel@vosantmeetings.com
Website: VosantMeetings.com
Twitter: @VosantMeetings
Linked in: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arielmweinshanker/
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