Holly Kest
VP Global Accounts, Team Director
10 Lincoln Place, Box 212
Madison, NJ 07940
Direct: 908-674-5222
Holly Kest
VP Global Accounts, Team Director
Turning challenges into opportunities—that’s what I do best.
Throughout my career, I have consistently delivered value by leveraging my expertise in the hospitality industry, listening intently and then setting my tenacious focus to making it happen. With over 25 years in hotel group sales, site selection, contract negotiation, and cost savings, I’ve negotiated over $45 million in hotel group room revenue in the last 14 years with ConferenceDirect, achieving tangible and intangible savings of up to 40% per event. Prior to my time with ConferenceDirect, I was a successful Hotel Group Sales Senior Account Executive with Marriott International, so I understand both sides of the business and can effectively add value in negotiations.
Connecting the dots- Communicate, Connect & Close
I’m here to connect the dots between your meeting vision, the right resources, and the ideal contract. I understand that it’s not just about finding a venue or cutting costs; it’s about anticipating your needs and solving pain points before they even appear. I’m committed to building strong partnerships and delivering exceptional results. I aim for each event to be aligned with your vision, so you can focus on success without the worry. By understanding your unique goals, I can provide tailored solutions that exceed expectations. Let’s work together to elevate your next event.
Recent Notable achievements include:
- $1.4 million in cost savings for a global franchise organization for one year across two programs; achieved through meticulous strategic research and sourcing that combined programs, resulting in a streamlined budget and enhanced value.
- $8 million in liability savings & $1.6 million in tangible cost savings secured for a Global software company’s annual user conference, utilizing my negotiation skills to leverage the client’s changing needs and maximize offerings from hotels over span of four years, thereby enhancing the overall attendee experience, securing optimal dates, rates and best-suited options to achieve company goals.
- 21% savings to total spend for full year 2023 Cost Savings Report to Global Corporation by pro-actively seeking best suited venues and negotiating win-win scenarios for hotels, vendors and client needs.
- $90,000 in time savings for a client in 2023, equivalent to one full-time employee for the year. This was accomplished through my strategic approach to project management and contract preparation, enabling the client to redeploy resources effectively and focus on core business initiatives.
Why consider a partnership?
With a wealth of experience, and extensive relationships, I become a trusted extension of your team—a dedicated professional who not only delivers exceptional results but also strategically champions your success. What sets me apart is my proactive approach, ensuring that I address potential challenges before they arise. Imagine having an expert dedicated to maximizing your event’s impact, optimizing your budget, and negotiating the best terms on your behalf.
By leveraging a network that books over a billion dollars in room revenue globally each year, you gain access to unparalleled buying power, industry insights, and a community of peers ready to collaborate and innovate. Let’s work together to create not just events, but memorable experiences that resonate with your audience. Reach out today for a conversation that could redefine your meeting experiences.
“My job is to help you find the best-suited venues, hotels, meeting space, and hospitality services available… while negotiating on your behalf for the most favorable terms possible. Your success is my business, and I am here to serve you.”
I look forward to discussing your next meeting or event.
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