December 2009 (Chicago, Illinois) � The Blackstone Hotel is pleased to announce the appointment of Ashley Sneddon as Director of Catering. A veteran of the city�s events scene who brings marketing savvy and Food & Beverage expertise to her new position, Sneddon is responsible for coordination and execution of all social events at the historic property, which has hosted the cream of society and the world�s elite � including a dozen U.S. Presidents � since opening in 1910.

�It�s always busy season in Chicago, and we�re delighted to have Ashley�s experienced hands running the hotel�s catering operations and creating unique, memorable events at The Blackstone,� said Robert Cartwright, General Manager of The Blackstone.

Some of Ashley�s catering career highlights:

�    Renaissance Certified as a Wedding Planner, Green Meeting Event Manager and Allergen 
�    Nominated by the Illinois Association of Hotels & Lodging for the �Star of the Year� Award for 2009
�    Appeared on WE Network reality show �Get Married� representing Renaissance Chicago O'Hare
�    Is a member of NACE (National Association of Catering Executives)

Sneddon joins The Blackstone from the Renaissance Chicago O�Hare Suites Hotel, where she spent the past two years as Director of Corporate & Social Events overseeing everything from large corporate functions to intimate weddings. Her range of experience as a wedding planner includes Pae Baek Ceremonies, Indian weddings and kosher weddings.  She also represented the hotel at bridal and trade shows and designed and implemented various marketing ads and strategies.

Previously, Sneddon was Sales & Event Manager at Mad River Bar & Grille in Chicago, Illinois from 2005-2007, and a Marketing Specialist at Live Marketing Chicago from 2002-2005.

Born and raised in Chicago, Sneddon earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business/Marketing from Lewis University in Romeoville, Illinois, graduating with honors. She currently resides in Chicago with her fiancé; her interests include charity runs, experiencing new restaurants & keeping up with new trends in catering.

The Blackstone
The Blackstone is located in the heart of Chicago�s arts and theater district and adjacent to Grant Park. The historic property, which has accommodated 12 U.S. presidents, is a Beaux-Arts architectural landmark offering 332 stylish rooms, among them the fabled Presidential Suite and legendary �Smoke-Filled Room�; the award-winning destination restaurant, Mercat a la Planxa, serving Catalan-inspired cuisine; an extensive collection of contemporary art by emerging artists; a 23rd floor Concierge Lounge with sweeping views of Lake Michigan; and 12,000 square feet of meeting space, including the lavishly restored Crystal Ballroom. Opened in 1910, closed in 1999, and reopened in 2008 following a $128 million showcase restoration by Sage Hospitality, The Blackstone�s décor is a dynamic mix of historic architecture and savvy design combined with luxury amenities and thoughtful guest services.  For reservations: 312-447-0955; www.theblackstonehotel.com.