We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Anne Winters a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Anne, appreciate you joining us today. Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?

Our mission is to enhance unique hotel experiences by creating immersive moments for both travelers and locals.

In 2014, I had the incredible opportunity to work with Hilton Worldwide at their Amsterdam, Netherland property working in every facet of the hotel. While I was there, I was inspired to focus on experiential marketing strategies that went beyond traditional print advertising, allowing hotels to showcase their character through interactive and engaging experiences.

I believe hotel marketing should go beyond merely filling rooms; it should foster a community of travelers seeking an escape from their daily routines and who value authenticity and meaningful connections in every aspect of their travels. By designing unique brand events, curating authentic experiences, and creating exciting food and beverage programs that emphasize a hotel’s sustainability efforts and local culture, I aim to connect like-minded guests with properties that resonate with their values.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

With over 16 years of hospitality and marketing experience, I bring a wealth of expertise and strategic vision to the table. I play a pivotal role in fostering brand connections and driving impactful collaborations for my clients. I’m a firm believer that creating unique and buzz-worthy activations for your hotel and food and beverage establishments can organically generate revenue and visibility for your brand. I work closely with my clients to create hyperlocal experiences for their audiences and to secure partnerships with the disruptors in each market with the goal in mind – increasing overall revenue for my clients.
I’ve had the pleasure of working with some of the top brands in the world like Kendra Scott, Goop, W Hotels, Hilton Worldwide, Show Me Your Mumu, and Marriott International. I have become the go-to “magic maker” for lifestyle household names who are looking to make a splash with new audiences and brands who are seeking innovative strategies with a creative edge.

Can you tell us the story behind how you met your business partner?

In 2016, I had to undergo bunion surgery (yes, I was a 24-year-old needing bunion surgery), which unexpectedly sidelined me from physical activities for 6-8 months, I found myself reevaluating my career trajectory. With months ahead of recovery I shifted my focus to pursuing marketing roles. This decision led me to Women Entrepreneurs Inc., a female-founder organization, where I spearheaded operations, managed members, forged strategic partnerships, and executed impactful events for the company.

Over the years, my love for the hospitality industry never faded. Through my work with Women Entrepreneurs Inc. I was introduced to Bill Kaelin, owner of Bill Kaelin Marketing. This connection allowed me to seamlessly merge my skills in strategic partnerships and collaboration with my deep-rooted passion for the hospitality industry. After 5 years of being an integral part of scaling and growing the business across the country, I become Managing Partner at Bill Kaelin Marketing in January 2024. Today, I’m excited to partner with some of the leading lifestyle and hotel brands across the country alongside my business partner and dear friend, Bill Kaelin.

How do you keep your team’s morale high?

I come from the school of thought that true leadership means working for your team, not the other way around. I firmly believe that open, transparent communication and recognizing the accomplishments of your team can create an empowering environment where everyone succeeds. After all, when leaders shine a spotlight on their team’s wins, it not only boosts morale amongst the team but also encourages a culture of collaboration and motivation. I also urge my team to take time off whenever they need it, without imposing strict parameters on their time away or when they must be ‘on the clock.’ I’m all about flexibility. This encourages a culture of trust and respect, allowing individuals to recharge and return with renewed energy and focus.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.billkaelin.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/billkaelinmktg/