Jill Anwaar, CMP
Jill Anwaar, CMP is an accomplished Executive Event Strategist with more than 25 years of experience in hospitality, business development, and customer experience. Based in Virginia Beach, Virginia, she currently serves as Experience Director for the Hampton Roads Regional Black Chamber of Commerce, where she leads the organization’s events strategy and member experience initiatives. Jill specializes in large-scale event and destination management, partnering with nonprofits and corporations to deliver high-profile galas, conferences, and major gatherings that build community, elevate brands, and drive strategic outcomes.
Jill’s career began in hotel operations while studying business administration, gaining early experience at a newly opened property and progressing into management roles with major hotel brands including Marriott, Sheraton, and Hilton. In 2010, she launched her own event-planning firm, named in honor of her late mother, marking a pivotal step in her entrepreneurial journey. She later worked with the City of San Jose’s destination management organization, supporting large-scale Silicon Valley events and serving on planning committees for Super Bowl-related programming, including participation on a halftime field team for a globally broadcast production.
A Certified Meeting Professional (CMP), Jill blends operational excellence with strategic vision and business development expertise to create experiences that inspire connection and measurable impact. Beyond corporate and nonprofit events, she develops etiquette and social grace training programs for adults, teens, and children, reflecting her commitment to leadership development and personal presence. Guided by a servant-leader philosophy knowing who you are, loving yourself, respecting others, and serving through hospitality Jill continues to shape transformative experiences and empower organizations and individuals through purposeful, polished, and people-centered event strategy.
• Certified Meeting Professional (CMP)
• Old Dominion University - Business Administration: Management Information Systems
• Hampton Roads Regional Black Chamber of Commerce
• San Francisco Bay Area Super Bowl 50 Host Committee
• Super Bowl LII Program
What do you attribute your success to?
She attributes her success to taking a leap of faith notably moving from Virginia to California—being curious, willing to try, and recognizing opportunities when they appear.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Have a heart of a servant: know who you are, love yourself, and respect others.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The industry faced a major challenge when COVID hit. Opportunities include large-scale/mega events, destination management roles, and expanding offerings such as turning etiquette training into an academy or franchise.