Michaela SmithMs. Smith started her career with the InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) as the Director of Convention Sales in 2007 at the Crowne Plaza Bratislava, Slovakia. During her tenure, the hotel has achieved numerous awards, including the “Best Hotel in Slovakia” in 2008 and the “Best Business Hotel in Slovakia” in two consecutive years 2007 and 2008. In 2009, Ms. Smith took a new venture on her career path by joining the Crowne Plaza Dubai, a 5-star property with 568 rooms, 15 conference rooms, 1 grand ballroom with the capacity up to 1,800 pax together with 12 food & beverage outlets. Ms. Smith quickly developed herself and enjoyed a swift rise through the Crowne Plaza ranks to become the Director of Sales and Marketing at Crowne Plaza Dubai. Working closely with the entire United Arab Emirates sister properties, she aligned and launched new strategies to present not only the Crowne Plaza Dubai but other hotels in the family during the overseas Sales Calls and Exhibitions. Her bold strategic decisions brought the results when the Crown Plaza Dubai is ahead of budget in rooms by almost 3 million USD yield-to-dates.