Her Story
About Kristen
Kristen Conn serves as the Assistant Director of Sales at the Boca Raton Marriott. She has spent about 10 years in hotel sales, beginning her career after earning a degree in hotel management with a concentration in weddings and events. Early roles included positions at a family-owned bed and breakfast in Spring Lake, New Jersey, followed by the Intercontinental Hotel in Miami, the Andaz Hyatt in Miami Beach, and the Hyatt Centric on Las Olas in Fort Lauderdale, where she handled weddings and social events. Seeking improved work-life balance, she now focuses exclusively on corporate sales and contracting at her current property. Conn attributes her success to her father, who spent nearly 40 years in hotel sales, and notes that she has never missed a quarterly goal in her career. She holds credentials as a Certified Tourism Ambassador for Palm Beach County and graduated from the Leadership Boca Class of 2025. Active in the community, she serves as president of the hotel's CARE Committee, supporting nonprofits including Boca Helping Hands, Spirit of Giving, Women in Distress, and In Jacob's Shoes, and participates in Boca Chamber events. Her expertise lies in building client relationships, networking, and leveraging industry knowledge to deliver professional service.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Kristen
01What do you attribute your success to?
My success comes from my dad who was in hotel sales for almost 40 years and always made his quarterly goals. I am following in his footsteps and he gives me the drive to be successful. My younger sister is also in hotel sales and we are both top sellers at our properties.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Continue going after your passion. You truly have to enjoy your job and look forward to going into the office every morning. Having excitement brings positivity which makes you want to continue to work hard and thrive.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Just keep going. Don't let anything defeat you. The answer is always no unless you ask. You gotta ask for the next position or salary increase. Never give up and if people say no eventually somebody will say yes. Don't be afraid to change or take the next step if you're not happy in your position.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenge is competition from Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and West Palm Beach hotels as well as surrounding properties. Most people look for the best rate but relationships, professionalism, knowledge, and confidence can make clients pay a little more for the service.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Staying true to myself and not changing my personality to fit a position or society. Respect for yourself and others is very important even if you don't always agree. Being appreciative for everything you have is key, looking back at how far you've come.
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