Carola Molinares-Risch

About Carola Molinares-Risch

I’ve spent over 25 years working in events, hospitality, and global client management…

Experience

1. Vice President, Global Accounts

   HPN Global

   May 2025 — Present · Pittsburgh, PA, US

   I live in Pittsburgh, PA with my husband, Frederick. I studied Business Administration with a focus on Hotels, Tourism, and International Relations at Universidad Externado de Colombia in Bogotá, Colombia.My business is focused on Latin America and the U.S. I’ve had the opportunity to live and work in places as diverse as Colombia, Colorado, Florida and Pennsylvania—all of which have shaped my approach to service and connection.I’ve spent more than 20 years helping people plan meetings and events across the US, Europe and Latin America - what I’ve learned is that great results start with real relationships. I take time to understand each client’s goals, culture, and needs to create experiences that are thoughtful, genuinely memorable and successful. I’ve worked on both the hospitality and client sides of the industry. In hospitality I worked for brands like Marriott, Hyatt, Hilton, Omni, and InterContinental. I’ve led event planning, venue sourcing, and service procurement for clients. In these roles, I’ve managed conferences for medical organizations, academic institutions, and global corporations, including international summits like the G20 in Pittsburgh.With family roots on Colombia’s Caribbean coast I have a passion for family and friends. That passion drives me to connect people to places and events. I bring heart and strategy to every event, wether it’s a major summit or a quiet retreat. I believe every gathering is an opportunity to make every person feel welcomed, seen and inspired. This is what you will experience when working with me.

Education

• Universidad Externado de Colombia

  Administrador de Empresas Turísticas y Hoteleras, Hospitality Administration/Management

  1993 — 1998

• Universidad Externado de Colombia

  Master of Business Administration - MBA, Administration, Business, International Relations

  1993 — 2000

Skills

• Sales
• Event Management
• Meeting Planning
• Contract Negotiation
• Hospitality
• Marketing Strategy
• Strategic Meetings Management
• Hotel Booking
• Pre-Opening
• Marketing
• Yield Management
• Strategic Planning
• Budgets
• Corporate Events
• New Business Development
• Revenue Forecasting
• Hospitality Industry
• Sales Management
• Sales Presentations
• Hospitality Management
• Front Office
• Public Relations
• Incentives
• Menu Development
• Negotiation
• Email Marketing
• Hotel Management
• Hotels
• Account Management
• Revenue Analysis
• Trade Shows
• Event Planning
• Convention Services
• Delphi
• Budgeting