Katie Paschall
Director of Sales and Partnerships | Visit Delco
Briefly describe your job and responsibilities.
Selling the county to clients that host meetings, tournaments, events etc.
What does a “typical” day at work look like for you?
A lot of the day is reaching out to hotel partners to find out what we can do to help and bring business to the area. In the office, we also talk a lot regarding ideas and things we can try. Travel is also part of my job so I can sell the area to clients.
What was your first job in the hospitality industry?
Front desk agent at the Best Western Widener University.
When did you know this industry was right for you?
I like to say the industry found me in college. I was struggling with what I wanted to do forever, and I found hospitality management.
Briefly describe your career path and how you got to where you are today.
Since college graduation, I have been in hotel sales. Started with a sales assistance, to a SMERF sales manager, to working in the city and converting a hotel from one brand to another. Ended my hotel career opening the Hilton Garden Inn Newtown Square. After 8 years at the HGI, I started with Visit Delco, the Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) for Delaware County, PA.
What is your favorite part of your job?
Selling over 40 hotels and the area rather than selling just one property.
What is the most challenging part of your job?
Having people understand what the CVB in Delco actually does.
What advice would you give to students interested in your profession?
To listen to veterans in the field, they will provide the best advice and solutions. Realize you will need to try a lot of different positions before you find the right fit.
What achievement are you most proud of?
Professionally: Opening a brand new hotel.
Personally: My 2 children.
What do you like to do outside of work?
I like to spend time with my family, decorating the house, trying new wineries, vacationing at the beach. My daughter is a dancer, so I spend most of my time at the dance studio or at a show.
What is your favorite food to make or eat?
I like to make all types of food, especially appetizers.
What’s at the top of your bucket list?
To take the kids to Europe.