Kate Foster, CMP, CWC

Helping you develop the most successful sales team in the hospitality industry through training | coaching | secret shops

Raleigh, North Carolina, United States

About

Ever watched your sales team lose a booking and blame it on price? I've been there. After 25+ years in the industry, I know that's rarely the real issue. I help hotels, wedding venues, and catering companies turn their "lookers" into bookers without slashing price. Through Hospitality Marketing Solutions, I've worked with properties from boutique venues to landmark hotels, teaching sales teams the confidence and skills that actually drive revenue. My approach combines hands-on sales training, mystery shopping insights, and real-world coaching that works in today's market. No generic sales scripts or outdated techniques. Just proven strategies tailored specifically for hospitality professionals who want to elevate their performance. Whether you're struggling with conversion rates, training new team members, or competing against lower-priced venues, I can help. My clients consistently see increased booking confidence, higher conversion rates, and stronger revenue growth. Ready to stop losing bookings on price? Let's talk about what's really happening in your sales process and how to fix it. www.HospitalityMarketingSolutions.com

Experience

  • President at Hospitality Marketing Solutions
    Oct 2019 - Present · 6 yrs 10 mos

    After almost four decades empowering hospitality businesses to boost revenue, we at Hospitality Marketing Solutions (HMS) have the sales training formula dialed. Our secret? An obsession with results. We roll up our sleeves alongside your team to unlock sustainable sales growth. Through customized coaching, dynamic workshops, and unflinchingly honest secret shop evaluations, we equip your sales teams to convert more leads and nurture guest loyalty. The outcome? More booked nights, raving fans, and revenue in the bank. We’re hospitality insiders ourselves, which means we embed sales best practices tailored to this unique industry. Forget dry lectures or vague feedback. We offer clear, constructive advice so your team can immediately apply our revenue-accelerating strategies. Intrigued to see our 3-pillar methodology in action? Let’s grab a coffee and discuss how we can help you hit sales goals and shape a high-performing culture focused on lasting partnerships.

  • Shade Hotel (3 yrs 10 mos)
    • Regional Sales Director
      Feb 2017 - Oct 2019 · 2 yrs 9 mos

    • Regional Director of Sales
      Feb 2017 - Sep 2019 · 2 yrs 8 mos

    • Director of Sales
      Aug 2016 - Feb 2017 · 7 mos

  • The Portofino Hotel (5 yrs 1 mo)
    • Group Sales Manager
      Apr 2014 - Oct 2015 · 1 yr 7 mos

    • Corporate Catering Sales Manager
      Oct 2010 - Apr 2014 · 3 yrs 7 mos

      Corporate Catering Sales Manager for a 161-room boutique resort & marina. Achieved 115% of annual sales goal. Prospected clientele within a wide range of market segments. Client list includes Northrop Grumman, Boeing, Toyota, Sargent Aerospace, LA Police Academy, Mattel, Sanrio, The Rubicon Project, UCLA, Healthcare Partners, Davita, US Air Force, DirecTV & more. Responsible for the planning and actualization of corporate meetings, fundraisers, team building sessions, graduations, award dinners and receptions. Assist and support Director’s daily duties, including budget, forecasting, cost-analysis and pace reports.

  • Catering Sales Manager at The Mission Inn Hotel & Spa
    Oct 2009 - Oct 2010 · 1 yr 1 mo

    Event Sales Manager for a 239-room luxury hotel. Responsible for $1.3 million in catering & event revenue. Produced and managed 300+ events in a 12 month period. Participated in industry trade shows, hotel open houses, and FAM tours. Worked directly with negotiating exclusive vendor contracts.

  • Owner/Designer at Kate Foster Production, Ltd
    2001 - 2010 · 9 yrs

    Responsible for the growth and sales of a full-service Design and Production Company. Managed the full-scale production of corporate functions, social events and weddings. Developed and supervised the floral design division, including planning schedules and staff. Conceptualized and launched KFP web presence and marketing strategy, including press releases, numerous published magazine articles, newpaper features and other grassroots marketing campaigns. Oversaw that all event projects and achieved objectives within budgetary guidelines. Generated as much as $2.8million in annual sales.