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Kelly Knowlen is the Vice President, Sales Engagement and Special Events at Hilton. She leads the execution and strategic priorities of Hilton Worldwide Sales customer and industry events, and Hilton’s internal conferences.
In 2025, Kelly co-created the World’s Most Welcoming Events initiative, a groundbreaking program that redefines live event experiences with research-backed strategies designed to meet the evolving needs of today’s attendees.
Before her current role, Kelly led the launch of Global Week of Sales and Ready to Rise, two global initiatives focused on increasing sales engagement across the business.
Kelly began her 32-year Hilton career as a sales manager, and was later promoted to Director of Sales and Marketing, then Regional Director of Sales and Marketing, and held roles for Hilton Corporate in sales operations, global engagement and events. A graduate of Florida State University, Kelly has been married for 35 years and is the mother of two adult children and two golden retrievers.
Date
Discover how executives like Amanda Armstrong and organizations like WHO are fostering empathetic, authentic work cultures that drive personal and organizational growth. Emerging data suggests this leadership approach is the key to engaging the modern workforce.
This session is approved for the following certifications.
* ICCA Skills Domain CICS/CICE: Module 5: Business and Market Planning, 0.5
Backed by groundbreaking research, the World’s Most Welcoming Events (WMWE) initiative reveals how evolving workplace dynamics and the need for greater preparation, lead time and work-life balance are reshaping expectations for in-person gatherings. Gain key attendee insights, new event opportunities and unique strategies to create inclusive, engaging experiences. Join to reimagine how to host a truly welcoming event.
Learning outcomes:
Personalize event engagement: Explore tactics to personalize engagement and encourage attendees to want to come to an event
Enhance attendee comfort and reduce event anxiety: Discover steps to minimize the most common discomforts
Influence future meeting behaviors: Gain actionable insights and new strategies to create a more productive and enjoyable experience at events
* CSEP Approved
