ORLANDO, Fla. – September 4, 2013?- Renee MacDonald has been named Hilton Orlando’s director of events and catering, according to Doug Gehret, the hotel’s general manager. MacDonald will lead the catering and event operations for the 1,417-room Hilton Orlando, which since opening in 2009, has three times been the winner of Hilton Worldwide’s corporate “Connie Award,” Hilton Worldwide’s highest honor.
MacDonald brings 20 years of catering and events leadership and skills. Most recently, she was the director of group events at Waldorf Astoria Orlando and Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek leading a team of 17 catering and events professionals.
Her experience also encompasses tenure at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort as senior catering sales manager.
Throughout her career she has been active in local professional affiliations. Most recently she was the vice president of the Orlando Chapter of the National Association of Catering Executives (NACE).
Renee graduated from Valencia Community College, is a Certified Meeting Planner through CIC and is a certified Sommelier.
“Renee’s depth of experience in the group market and relationships built over years in the hotel industry will serve us well as we promote the benefits of Hilton Orlando’s 225,000 square feet of beautiful, modern and flexible function space – including our new outdoor venue The Promenade which opens later this year,” said Gehret.