MELISSA ABBE

linkedin.com/in/melissaabbe

melissa.abbe1@gmail.com

PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY
Senior global sports, entertainment and hospitality marketing manager with a dynamic leadership career and track record of
successfully delivering complex solutions to diverse marketing, sales, partnership, promotions and operations challenges for global
organizations in highly competitive markets and industries. Combine stellar financial management, event planning and activation,
executive communication skills with entrepreneurial spirit and style to seamlessly progress from vision and strategy to
implementation, problem-solving, and follow-through.
Professional strengths and abilities include:
Partnerships, Consumer Promotions and Client Relations - Branding & Integrated Marketing Event Planning & Logistics
Project Management - Strategic Business Planning & Development - Ticket Sales Forecasting, Analysis & Budgeting

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
WYNDHAM HOTEL GROUP Parsippany, NJ

2015 to present

The world's largest and most diverse hotel company with over 8,000 properties and 678,000 rooms in 72 countries with 15 highly recognizable
brands and hotel choices in every category from upper-upscale to economy including Wyndham Hotels and Resorts, Ramada Worldwide,
Howard Johnson, Days Inn and Super 8.
Senior Manager, Global Partnerships & Sponsorships
Support the growth of the revamped and revolutionary new Wyndham Rewards loyalty program and the Wyndham Hotel
brands by maximizing revenue via existing global partnerships as well as developing new programs that deliver against the
core strategic KPIs of driving brand awareness, hotel stays, new member acquisition and unique member benefits.
o Renegotiated six existing partnerships and signed five new partnerships in the first year in the position delivering a 15%
uplift in revenue, 35% increase in brand impressions and a 20% increase in new member acquistion.
o Contributed to Wyndham Rewards receipt of the 2016-17 US News and World Report award for # 1 Hotel Loyalty
Program.
Launched new Wyndham Rewards elite program with first of its kind member benefits aligned with new value proposition
that provides members with free and/or discounted local experiences in over 25 markets worldwide.
MERLIN ENTERTAINMENTS GROUP - New York, NY

2012 to 2015

The worlds second largest visitor attraction company featuring strong, internationally recognized brands including LEGOLAND Theme Parks and
Discovery Centers, Madame Tussauds, SEA LIFE Aquariums, The Dungeons and The Eye.
Partnership & Promotions Manager Midway Attractions, North America
LEGOLAND Discovery Center Brand Representative - North America
Recruited to join new national marketing team to seek, develop, plan and implement a comprehensive promotional plan for the
Midway USA attractions by targeting and soliciting national and regional promotional partners that gained brand exposure, increased
attendance and revenue and delivered against key Merlin Entertainments Group customer service KPIs.

Responsible for the ideation, creation and execution of alliances with likeminded brands across a wide range of industries
including, but not limited to, consumer products, financial services, quick and casual service restaurants and retail while
maintaining high standards for both internal brands as well as the LEGO brand. National strategic partnerships included The
Home Depot, VISA, PepsiCo, McDonalds, A + E Networks and Quaker and regionally with Subway, Dunkin Donuts,
McDonalds, Wendys, and IKEA yielding over $2.5 million in revenue.
Served as the central resource to the local marketing teams (across 22 existing attractions and new openings) by researching
and analyzing competitor activities to identify industry trends as well as leveraging national partnership relationships to
develop local programs to help deliver visitor volume and maximize EBITA. Ensured that synergies were realized and brand
guidelines were followed across all divisions and acted as the point of contact for discount programs, promotional materials
and best practices.

AU AG JEWELRY - New York, NY

2011 to 2012

Family owned and operated jewelry store specializing in the sale of unique contemporary to refined estate pieces in platinum, gold and silver
with diamonds and other precious gemstones.
Consultant
Designed and launched eBay storefront, including seasonal promotions, SEO and social media strategy. Sourced, negotiated and
purchased new merchandise from refiners and manufacturers delivering a 50% increase in profits during an uncertain economic time.

MELISSA ABBE

Page 2
(917) 841-3457

melissa.abbe1@gmail.com

MADISON SQUARE GARDEN - NEW YORK LIBERTY, New York, NY

1997 to 2011

Fully integrated sports, entertainment, and media corporation and founding Womens National Basketball Association franchise.
Hand-selected by General Manager to collaborate in successful ground-up launch and growth of flagship WNBA franchise. Rapid
promotion through a series of increasingly responsible marketing, partnerships, communications, ticket sales, operations, and event
planning roles. Motivated six Account Executives to create, promote, and sell new season, group, and individual ticket programs.
Invigorated program planning to deliver measurable improvements in revenue, attendance, and residual benefits. Collaborated with
multiple agencies to negotiate, design, and track integrated email, collateral and direct mail, social media, broadcast, mobile, and web
marketing messages.
Director, Integrated Marketing (2007 to 2011)
Manager, Marketing (2003 to 2007)

Grew revenue $2M+ by creating client-specific marketing programs resulting in one of only four marquee partnerships with
Foxwoods and strategic alliances with industry leaders like Coca-Cola, Delta, American Express, Duane Reade, and Foot
Locker and executed all deliverables (event presentation, logistics, hospitality, signage, sampling).
Coordinated, and executed high-profile events to drive brand recognition and awareness for the New York Liberty and
WNBA.
o Staged first-ever outdoor regular season professional basketball game at Arthur Ashe Stadium.
o Directed marketing, ticketing, budgets, schedules, partnerships, and operations for historic six games at Radio City
Music Hall.
o Orchestrated premier All-Star Game event four times in Madison Square Garden and Radio City Music Hall.
Generated league-best totals for new season ticket sales, average individual ticket sales per game, and season ticket retention
(more than 80%), as well as 130% increase in group ticket sales, all resulting in highest attendance in entire league.
Consistently delivered 10% average annual revenue increase while minimizing expenses through meticulous sales forecasting
and budget management across branding, partnerships, and operations functions.
Revamped team website and social media pages, driving traffic, engagement, and brand awareness to win top site ranking in
league.

Manager, Team Operations (2001-2003)

Coordinator, Team Operations (1999-2001)
Assistant, Team Operations (1997-1999)

Coordinated operations, ticketing (utilizing Ticketmaster and Archtics systems), billing, and scheduling for key events and
programs.
Fostered cross-functional collaboration across all departments in highly matrixed organization, including Facilities,
Merchandise, Food & Beverage, Box Office, Legal, Field Marketing & Fan Development, Research, Finance, Guest Relations,
VIP Services, MSG Network, MSG Interactive, and Cablevision.

NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION, New York, NY

1995 to 1997
One of four major North American professional sports leagues, with worldwide audience spanning across 215 countries.
Assistant, Team Operations
Cross-functional role aligning areas of team operations, consumer products, sponsorships, player personnel, community relations,
communications, and NBA entertainment/production departments to exceed organizational goals. Coordinated operations and
management of Womens Olympic Team program, maintaining strong, sustainable partnerships with USA Basketball, sponsors,
licensees, and outside promotions agency in anticipation of historic launch of new womens professional basketball league, the
WNBA.

EDUCATION
BBA, International Business - GEORGE WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY, Washington, DC

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND MEMBERSHIPS

Merlin Leadership Program, 2014
IEG Sponsorship Conference, 2013
SES Conference (SEO, SEM, Content, Social Media and Mobile Marketing), 2013
Offsite Management Development Seminars, Madison Square Garden, 2009, 2010