Experiential Marketing Leader | Partnerships & Hospitality | Driving Impactful Brand Experiences

Kate Michels Schmitz

ABOUT

Kate Schmitz is a dynamic experiential marketing leader with over 15 years of experience guiding global brands through large-scale activations, integrated campaigns, and high-touch client partnerships. She has built a reputation as a trusted partner to clients across industries including hospitality, financial services, travel, luxury, and consumer goods, consistently delivering results through strategic storytelling, operational excellence, and innovative brand experiences.

At 160over90, Kate leads multimillion-dollar accounts for marquee clients such as Anheuser-Busch, Breeders’ Cup, Chase Sapphire, and Campari. She has overseen everything from eight-figure Super Bowl hospitality programs to 55+ annual culinary experiences across global markets, consistently driving revenue growth and client ROI. Her ability to unite cross-functional teams—spanning creative, production, PR, and brand strategy has positioned her as both a visionary strategist and a decisive leader.

Passionate about the intersection of brand, culture, and experience, Kate brings a unique blend of creativity and business acumen. Whether developing long-term partnership strategies, managing high-stakes event portfolios, or steering global activations, she thrives at turning ambitious ideas into impactful realities. Her work not only elevates brands but also fosters meaningful connections between companies and their audiences

AREAS of EXPERTISE

Experiential & Event Marketing

  • Lead small and large-scale activations within sports, culinary, travel, luxury, entertainment (Super Bowl hospitality, PGA Tour events, and global brand showcases)

  • Design and deliver immersive guest experiences that connect audiences to brands in meaningful ways.

  • Manage all aspects of event development including production, logistics, and execution for high-profile, multi-day programs.

Client Leadership

  • Serve as a trusted advisor to clients across financial, travel, culinary, luxury, and consumer sectors.

  • Lead multimillion-dollar accounts with a focus on fiscal accountability and growth.

  • Strengthen client loyalty by consistently delivering strategic vision and flawless execution.

Partnership Strategy & Brand Integration

  • Identifying and cultivating strategic partnerships with chefs, athletes, talent, and cultural influencers to amplify brand impact

  • Designing multi-channel activations (experiential, digital, PR, and social) that align with partner assets and audience reach

  • Developing go-to-market strategies and new product launches rooted in partnership storytelling

  • Creating lifestyle and culinary programs that connect brands with passionate communities through authentic collaborations

Cross-Functional Team Leadership

  • Build and lead high-performing account teams across creative, production, PR, and brand functions.

  • Foster collaboration across agencies and stakeholders for seamless program delivery.

  • Mentor and develop emerging talent, ensuring future-ready leadership pipelines.

Business Growth & Operations

  • Drive consistent revenue growth through delivering high-quality account support and leadership

  • Oversee multimillion budgets with precision, accountability, and ROI focus.

  • Optimize operational processes to scale activations efficiently while maintaining excellence.

Partnership Development & Strategy

  • Identify and cultivate partnerships with chefs, athletes, talent, and cultural influencers to expand brand reach and authenticity.

  • Build long-term collaborations that drive measurable ROI through sponsorships, activations, and lifestyle integrations.

  • Negotiate and align partnerships with overarching brand strategy, ensuring cultural relevance and audience impact.

RESUME

Download my résumé for a comprehensive overview of my leadership, experience, and impact. 

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CLIENTS

previous & current

Visa

Marriott

Chase Sapphire / Infatuation

Campari America

Anheuser-Busch

Breeders’ Cup

International Tennis Hall of Fame

Texas Tech University

PARTNERS

previous & current

Sports

  • PGA Tour

  • PGA of America - PGA Championship, Ryder Cup

  • NFL/Superbowl LX

  • NYRR/NYC Marathon

  • NASCAR

Hospitality

  • Thomas Keller Restaurant Group

  • The Alinea Group

  • Frasca Restaurant Group

  • Flour+Water Hospitality

  • Singlethread

  • Hot Luck Food Festival