Dawna Calderon: A Trailblazer in Hospitality Sales and Leadership
In luxury hospitality, few names resonate with as much authority and expertise as Dawna Calderon. With a career spanning over two decades in the hospitality industry, Dawna Calderon has established herself as a leader in sales, business development, and group management, particularly in high-end hotel brands. Calderon’s experience at top-tier hotels like The Post Oak Hotel at Uptown Houston, San Luis Resort, and Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts has solidified her reputation as a trailblazer in hotel sales and client management. In this article, we’ll explore her journey, her contributions to the hospitality industry, and the skills that have set her apart.
Early Career and Education
The Foundation of Success: Stephen F. Austin State University
Dawna Calderon’s academic background laid the groundwork for her future career in hospitality. She graduated from Stephen F. Austin State University with a Hospitality Administration/Management degree. Her time at the university honed her management, marketing, and customer service skills, all of which became integral to her later professional achievements. Calderon was also actively involved in various extracurricular activities and societies, including Alpha Chi Omega, where she built a network to support her early career efforts.
Early Professional Experiences: DoubleTree and Walt Disney World
Dawna Calderon’s first significant step into the hospitality industry was at DoubleTree by Hilton as an Executive Meeting Manager and Group Sales Manager from 2001 to 2003. Here, she developed her initial expertise in lead generation, customer retention, and relationship building, skills that she would carry throughout her career. This early role also gave her insight into hotel management’s intricacies, from organizing large-scale events to negotiating group sales contracts.
Another pivotal early experience was her internship as a Hospitality Hostess at Walt Disney World. This opportunity exposed Calderon to one of the world’s most renowned brands, where she developed her customer relations and service delivery skills at the highest standard. These experiences formed a strong foundation that paved the way for her future leadership roles.
Professional Journey: Climbing the Ladder in Luxury Hospitality
Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts: A Defining Period
One of Dawna Calderon’s most notable career phases was at Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, where she held multiple positions, including Corporate Sales Manager and Group Sales Manager, from 2003 to 2012. This period was transformative for Calderon, as she worked with one of the most prestigious hotel brands globally. In these roles, she was responsible for business-to-business (B2B) sales, lead qualification, and outside sales, mainly focusing on corporate travel and large group bookings. Her ability to foster long-term relationships with clients and deliver exceptional sales performance was a testament to her expertise.
The skills she acquired during this time, such as negotiation, lead generation, and relationship building, became integral to her success. Calderon’s work at Four Seasons allowed her to develop a deep understanding of the luxury market, where attention to detail and personalized service are paramount.
Director of Sales & Marketing at The Sam Houston Hotel
In 2012, Calderon became the Director of Sales and Marketing at The Sam Houston Hotel, a position that further expanded her leadership skills. Here, she managed both the sales and marketing departments, a dual role that required a deep understanding of how to align marketing strategies with sales goals. Her expertise in cold calling, business development, and external relationships allowed her to lead the hotel’s sales team to new heights, driving customer acquisition and retention.
Resort Sales Manager at San Luis Resort
From 2017 to 2019, Calderon served as the Resort Sales Manager at San Luis Resort, Spa, and Conference Center, overseeing sales for a 32-acre luxury property that included The San Luis Hotel, The Hilton Galveston Island, and The Galveston Island Convention Center. In this role, Calderon demonstrated her ability to handle large-scale projects and manage multiple properties while focusing on delivering high-end experiences for guests. Her success in this role was driven by her expertise in sales and marketing and her strong understanding of the luxury hospitality market.
Current Role: The Post Oak Hotel at Uptown Houston
Associate Director of Group Sales: Leading in Luxury
Since August 2019, Dawna Calderon has been part of The Post Oak Hotel at Uptown Houston, initially as the Regional Sales Manager and, as of October 2023, the Associate Director of Group Sales. The Post Oak Hotel is Houston’s only Forbes Five-Star and AAA Five-Diamond destination, known for its elegant accommodations, conference space, and Texas’ only Forbes 5-Star spa. Calderon is pivotal in driving group sales and managing high-profile client relationships.
In this capacity, Calderon oversees group bookings for events, corporate meetings, and luxury stays, ensuring that every client’s needs are met with the highest standards. Her skills in sales strategy, lead qualification, and business-to-business sales are crucial to maintaining the hotel’s reputation as a premier destination for leisure and business travelers.
Skills and Expertise
Sales and Marketing
Throughout her career, Calderon has demonstrated exceptional sales and marketing skills, focusing on generating leads, qualifying prospects, and building long-term client relationships. Her expertise spans multiple areas, including cold calling, customer retention, and outside sales, making her a versatile leader in the hospitality industry. Calderon’s ability to negotiate contracts, manage B2B relationships, and drive business development initiatives has contributed to her success at every career stage.
Leadership and Team Management
Calderon’s leadership skills have been honed through her various sales management roles. She is proven to lead large teams, align marketing strategies with sales goals, and foster a collaborative work environment. Her time at San Luis Resort and The Post Oak Hotel has shown her capacity to manage large-scale operations while focusing on client satisfaction and service delivery.
Business Development and Client Relationships
One of Calderon’s greatest strengths is her building and maintaining strong client relationships. Her expertise in business development has allowed her to drive sales growth in every organization she has been a part of, from securing new business at Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts to leading group sales at The Post Oak Hotel. Calderon’s deep understanding of client needs and her ability to deliver tailored solutions have made her a trusted partner to her clients.
Conclusion: A Visionary in Hospitality Sales
Dawna Calderon’s career is a testament to her dedication, expertise, and leadership in the luxury hospitality industry. From her early days at Walt Disney World to her current role as Associate Director of Group Sales at The Post Oak Hotel in Uptown Houston, Calderon has consistently demonstrated her ability to drive sales, manage large teams, and deliver exceptional service. Her lead generation, relationship-building, and business development skills have made her a leader in her field, and her work continues to shape the future of luxury hospitality.
As Calderon’s career progresses, she will continue to be a driving force in the industry, bringing innovation, leadership, and success to every project she undertakes.
