Women’s History Month Spotlight: Julia Belz, Hospitality Operations Specialist

At Convene, our people make the difference. The committed employees who comprise our expert teams are our most valuable resource and at the core of everything we do. That’s why we never miss a chance to celebrate the individuals who go above and beyond every single day.

In honor of Women’s History Month, we are proud to spotlight Julia Belz. Julia has been with Convene since August 2022, and as a Hospitality Operations Specialist, it’s her responsibility to lead the way in ensuring each guest who walks through the door has an extraordinary experience. She’s one of the many women driving positive change and making an impact on meetings and events today.

We spoke with Julia about her personal journey through the industry, the mentor she found who inspires her most, and the advice she would give other women looking to get their foot in the door.

Tell us a little about your role, responsibility and what an average day looks like for you?

Hospitality Operations Specialist (or, “HOPS” for short) is one of the most unique roles here at Convene. My work varies day-to-day, based on our needs, but the majority of my responsibility lies in ensuring all aspects of the onsite operation are running smoothly. I’m our guest’s onsite point of contact, should they need anything during their time in our space. At the end of the day, I get the honor of being the face of Convene to our property’s guests and assisting with business as needed.

What is your industry experience and background? 

I discovered my passion for hospitality while working with Disney. There, I explored many roles and found my own magic in creating happiness and making memories for families and individuals. While developing my leadership and guest service skills alongside some of the top individuals in the business, I worked to earn my BS in Hospitality Management. Through both my studies and my lived experiences, I found my passion for people.

What drew you into the events/hospitality industry and what keeps you excited for work every day?

Hospitality runs through every aspect of work and life, and as many aspects of our world become more automated, hospitality grows in importance. Although it is not typically considered glamorous work, I was drawn to the industry because I love people. When I decided on this path, I knew it wouldn’t always be easy. I found that with a little extra care, I could break past the cold, transactional barrier that I had previously experienced in other service roles. A friendly smile can tear down even the highest of walls and I enjoy taking the time to understand my guests. I am often awarded the unique opportunity to speak with many of our attendees and members in a less formal setting, where I can learn small details about their families or passions outside of work. I look forward to those moments when we can connect person to person, seeing the individual behind the job title. Hospitality allows me to use those familiar connections to better care for my guests, providing white glove service and ensuring all aspects of the guest experience are top-tier.

How has working in an industry that is a large majority woman impacted your career?  

Being in an industry that is largely women, I feel empowered to continue to grow in my career. Previously, top-level hospitality roles for women were limited. In recent history, women began growing into executive leadership roles and showcasing our knowledge and strength not just as care providers, but as decision makers. I find inspiration working alongside so many strong women. 

Recently, I was matched with Lizzie [Suiter], our Head of Corporate Strategy for one-on-one learning and development. She is a great example of a woman in hospitality leadership that works to lift and empower others by helping women like me navigate their career. I am inspired to learn from such an insightful role model and grateful to have a support system that uplifts other women in hospitality.

Are there elements of the industry that you would like to see change or adapt? 

If I were to change one thing, it would be the belief that the guest is always right. That is not to say that they shouldn’t receive what they are looking for, but some decisions are best left up to the professionals. We’re here to provide the best experience for our guests -- let us make that happen for you!

Have there been any lessons or experiences that have served you well in your career?

Yes! The best advice I was ever given was to listen for understanding, not for comprehension. If something goes wrong, the guest will care less about what actually happened and more about how they felt when the situation was addressed. If you listen only to solve the problem, you miss out on the opportunity to hear how the guest is actually feeling, which can lead to further miscommunication. Sometimes, nothing can be done, but you’re able to turn the situation around by simply hearing them out.

What advice would you give to yourself (or other women) who are looking to get their foot in the door in the industry?

Don’t back down. As a young woman, I have fought to be taken seriously in my career for years. A room full of industry leaders (often men) making decisions can be intimidating, but your opinion is fresh and unique and it matters. You have to start somewhere, and for many that can be entry level work. While it isn’t always thrilling, I learned the most about caring for guests by interacting with them face-to-face daily. 

Any other closing notes or remarks?

Be proud to be yourself! Long gone are the days of fitting into the status quo; new opinions and out-of-the-box ideas are the future of business. I have learned so much by collaborating with my peers, many of whom come from drastically different backgrounds. We each bring a piece of insight to the table that is unique to our own lived experiences. By listening to one another, we are able to collaborate and find interesting solutions that are cohesive to our operation. Don’t be afraid to speak up and share your thoughts, a new perspective can be transformative to any idea.

Want to learn more about what it’s like working at Convene? Head over to our Careers Page.