Leadership announcements tell you what’s changing. But they don’t always tell you much about the person behind the title.
As Marti Winer prepares to step into the role of Chief Executive Officer of Hosts Global on September 1, 2026, there’s plenty to say about her more than two decades of experience across hospitality, destination management, experiential marketing and live events.
But a résumé only tells part of the story.
To understand what Marti brings to this next chapter of Hosts Global, it helps to talk about the things that matter most to her: people, relationships, creativity, service and an industry built around something increasingly valuable—the power of being together.
So, we sat down with Marti to talk about what she’s looking forward to, what she believes makes Hosts different and what planners and partners can expect next.
Marti, first things first: What are you most excited about as you step into this new role?
Marti Winer: As I step into this role, I’m most excited to grow my service to our industry, our members, our customers and our employees. I love this industry and the impact that we have through delivering live experiences. Every opportunity that I have to continue to learn from others, share my experiences and help to advance our industry is significant to me and appreciated.
You’ve spent more than two decades in hospitality, destination management, experiential marketing and live events. What is it about this industry that has kept you here?
Marti: There are a lot of aspects of this industry that have kept me engaged throughout my career.
The first is the impact that we have—the ability to evoke visceral responses from people having a shared live experience is unbeatable.
The second is the people engaged in this industry. It is incredibly human-centric, with amazing individuals that I am so honored to call friends and colleagues around the world.
The last aspect is that it is a tough, but rewarding career. Every deadline met, challenge conquered and collaboration that succeeds is a reminder to all of us that not everyone can do what we do. I was hooked from the start and have enjoyed knowing no two days will ever be the same, but they will all be exciting.
You’ve talked about Hosts being uniquely positioned for the future. What makes this organization so special?
Marti: Hosts Global is uniquely positioned for the future for several reasons.
The first is our long history and passion for what we do. At our core, we understand what it is to show up for people who need you and make their experiences brilliant.
The second is that between our owned offices and the incredible Hosts Global Alliance, we are everywhere you might need us.
The third is that our business model and keen eye on industry trends allow us to be nimble, be part of creative solutions, try new things and, most importantly, say “yes.”
Our established history and flexibility in how we can operate make us distinctive.
When you think about the people of Hosts—both our team members and our global Alliance—what makes you proud?
Marti: I am most proud of how our team members and Global Alliance members show up and care for one another.
The true culture at Hosts Global is demonstrated through every interaction, and that ethos translates to how we treat all of our partners. I’d also be remiss if I didn’t add how proud I am of the incredible talent that is ever-present throughout our team and Global Alliance.
Our clients know Hosts for creating experiences people remember. What do you want them to know about what comes next?
Marti: I would love for our clients to know that our service model, our creativity and our dedication to flawless execution are the foundation of what we do, and that will not change.
We are excited to continue to build on that foundation, bring new ideas and solutions, and continue to innovate in a way that helps our clients be successful every step of the way.
We want to be a partner with a seat at your table from the start so we can help at every step along the way.
For planners, that point matters. The best destination and event partners don’t simply arrive when it’s time to execute. They’re there early enough to ask the right questions, anticipate challenges, find possibilities and help turn a big idea into an experience that works—from the first conversation through the final guest departure.
That’s the role Hosts Global intends to keep playing, wherever the next program takes you.
Kurt Paben helped build an incredible foundation for Hosts. What have you learned from working alongside him?
Marti: Kurt has been an incredible partner and friend as we have worked through this transition.
He has taught me what a Hosts Global leader looks like and how to contribute to the legacy of this amazing company. He has been a kind and compassionate ear, a sounding board for ideas and an extra set of hands when asked.
I am so appreciative of the relationship we have developed and wish him all the best in this next phase.
What can the Hosts team expect from you as a leader?
Marti: The Hosts team can expect honesty, transparency and a ton of questions.
I really like to ask questions and am genuinely interested in the answers and continuing to learn. They can also expect respect for the roles they play in the company, but also in their lives. I strive to ensure they can be there to support friends and family the way they support one another at work.
Lastly, they can expect me to learn what matters to them and to support their passions so they are able to grow with our company.
What’s one thing you hope never changes about Hosts, no matter how much we grow?
Marti: The compassion and caring that team members and Global Alliance members demonstrate in every interaction.
Finish this sentence: The future of live events is…
Marti: NOW.
Two letters? No. Three words? Also no. But one very Marti answer—and one that captures something important about this moment in our industry.
The future of live events isn’t something planners are waiting for. It’s being shaped right now, in the choices we make about how people gather, connect, experience a destination and remember how an event made them feel.
Now for the Quick-Fire Round
An experience you wish you could have again for the first time:
Sunset on the beach with my husband.
Your favorite part of being onsite:
The camaraderie.
One thing we’ll always find in your event bag:
Hand sanitizer.
Window or aisle:
Window.
Early call time or late-night load-out:
Early call time…and I show up smiling.
One destination you could return to again and again:
Tuscany.
The best piece of leadership advice you’ve ever received:
You are never finished learning.
One word you hope people use to describe the next chapter of Hosts:
Innovative.
One Last Question: What would you like to say to the Hosts Global community as we begin this next chapter together?
Marti: I would love to say thank you as we begin this next chapter.
Thank you for your trust, your partnership and your willingness to go on this journey together. I am excited about what lies ahead and all that we will be able to accomplish together.
The Next Chapter Starts Now
On September 1, 2026, Marti Winer will become Chief Executive Officer of Hosts Global, while Kurt Paben transitions to Vice Chair and works alongside Marti through the planned leadership transition.
There will be new ideas. New opportunities. New destinations and experiences still waiting to be imagined.
But the foundation remains the same: talented people who care deeply about the work, a global network grounded in local expertise, and a commitment to being the partner planners can count on when the stakes are high and the experience has to be exceptional.
And if Marti’s answer about the future tells us anything, Hosts Global isn’t waiting around to see what comes next.
We’re ready to help create it.
Planning what’s next for your meetings or events? Connect with Hosts Global and bring our destination experts to the table from the very beginning.