Women’s History Month Spotlight: Julie Coker

March 12, 2025

Julie Coker, CEO and President of NYC Tourism + Conventions, shares the keys to her success.

Julie Coker, known for her decades of leadership in the travel and hospitality industry, took the helm of NYC Tourism + Conventions in December, 2024. Coker began her hospitality career at Hyatt, where she rose through the ranks in a variety of positions for 21 years, and subsequently served as the President and CEO of the Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau and President and CEO of the San Diego Tourism Authority. Prevue recently caught up with her to discuss the inside story of her remarkable career.

Prevue: What inspired you to pursue a career in the hospitality industry?
Coker: Fortunately for me, I have a mother whose philosophy is ‘find your passion, do what you enjoy, and you will never work a day of your life.’ It was a part-time job in high school, at a local restaurant in Wilmington Delaware, that got me into this career. That job is how I found my passion. I love the service industry, and I love the opportunity to market and sell destinations as I’ve done for the last 14 years.

Prevue: What were the biggest challenges building your career, especially in an industry where men dominated in top positions?
Coker: Until recently, there were few women leaders in the hospitality industry. When I worked at Hyatt, there were few female general managers, and a lot of women leaders were in second and third-tier positions in destination management companies for cities. I had trouble finding female role models—I needed men as well as women leaders to be sponsors of my career. Now, there are many more women leaders in first-tier positions.

Honestly, I don’t feel like being a female leader has ever held me back. Sometimes it would take a little convincing, or putting a little spin on the resume. To me, a no is just a delayed yes. Women have been doing this for years. It’s just our story– particularly for African American women—to see opportunity instead of obstacles.

Prevue: Who were your most influential role models?
Coker: Two come to mind from my 21 years with Hyatt Hotels. One is Jerry Simmons, the general manager when we opened Hyatt McCormick Place Chicago. I was inspired by his vision and his commitment to the local community. He drilled us on ‘culture’ before it became a thing and wanted to make sure that residents from the neighborhood saw themselves at the hotel. We developed partnerships. This became a model for Hyatt and a model for me when I became a GM. Another Hyatt role model was Gail Smith-Howard, GM at Hyatt Regency Baltimore and Hyatt Regency Washington. Anytime I was in a room with her, she knew all her staff by name, and she was very transparent meeting with customers and clients. She taught me how to create a partnership with customers and come out with a win by compromising on each side. In the DMC space, Jack Ferguson, CEO of the Philadelphia CVB, taught me that it takes the ‘collective we’ in a destination to deliver on our promises.

Prevue: What is your advice to women looking to build a career in the hospitality industry?
Coker: First and foremost, networking is essential. I am a huge believer in, and proponent of, mentoring—personal as well as professional. Have a few mentors that you use for different things, and do not waste their time. Come prepared with what you need and what you expect from them. You have to understand your worth, know what you bring to the table, and know how to articulate your strengths.

Prevue: Describe the keys to your success in three words.
Coker: Consistency, determination, commitment.

Prevue: What is your message to meeting and event planners about bringing groups to NYC?
Coker: I think it continues to surprise planners how much their attendees can really immerse themselves in the cultural aspects of NYC, from world-class museums to dazzling theater to the vibrant culinary scene—all easily assessable for group itineraries. Because we are such a fast-paced city, there is also a huge focus on sustainability and wellness, with wellness experiences to weave into meetings and green initiatives that attendees can be part of. The global inspiration and iconic businesses in our five boroughs is unmatched and we can connect planners to all these communities. In terms of what’s new, we’re proud of Ellis, the first AI chat platform created specifically for meeting and event professionals. Ellis is an easy-to-navigate tool covering all five boroughs that can help planners find everything from a future soccer stadium for 25,000 to a small conference space for 25. And there are many new venues coming online, including the reopening of the iconic Waldorf Astoria this year. It’s going to be magnificent.