The Inspiring Career Journey of Lee Anne Tilley: A Leader in Event Sales and Hospitality

In the fast-paced world of event sales and hospitality, few professionals have demonstrated the versatility, dedication, and leadership that Lee Anne Tilley has exemplified. Based in Houston, Texas, Lee Anne has carved a niche for herself as a dynamic force in the industry, rising to become the Director of Event Sales at Woody’s Brands, LLC. Her career journey reflects a wealth of experience across renowned hospitality brands, a strong educational foundation, and an unwavering commitment to excellence in event management and sales.

This article dives deep into the career and accomplishments of Lee Anne Tilley, highlighting her impact on the event sales industry, particularly within Houston and beyond.

Early Life and Education

Lee Anne Tilley’s professional success is deeply rooted in her solid educational background. She graduated from Louisiana State University (LSU) with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree, completing her studies between 1997 and 2001. LSU, known for its comprehensive business programs, equipped Lee Anne with the foundational knowledge and skills that would prove crucial in her career in sales and event management.

Her education equipped her with key competencies, including strategic planning, marketing, leadership, and effective communication — all essential for managing sales teams and executing high-profile events successfully. The knowledge gained at LSU helped Lee Anne cultivate a strong business acumen and a professional work ethic that has defined her approach to managing complex sales and event operations.

Career Progression: From Leasing to Event Sales Leadership

Lee Anne Tilley’s career trajectory showcases her adaptability and growth across various roles and industries, ultimately culminating in her expertise in event sales and hospitality management.

Early Career in Real Estate Leasing

Her professional journey began in the real estate sector, where she worked in roles such as Assistant Property Manager at McCord Development, Inc., and Leasing Director at PM Realty Group in Houston, Texas. During this period, Lee Anne was responsible for managing leases, negotiating contracts, and overseeing tenant relations. She demonstrated meticulous attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and excellent communication abilities — attributes that set the stage for her transition into sales and event management.

Her leasing roles required a deep understanding of client needs, contract management, and strategic relationship-building, all of which translated effectively when she later entered the events industry.

Transition to Event Sales and Hospitality

Lee Anne made a strategic shift to the hospitality and events sector, where she quickly established herself as a capable sales leader. Her tenure at Studio Movie Grill, a popular entertainment venue in Houston, was marked by her role as Sales Manager for Corporate and Private Events and later as National Sales Manager. Here, she gained invaluable experience in organizing corporate functions, private parties, fundraisers, and large-scale events, building a solid reputation for flawless event execution and customer engagement.

Following Studio Movie Grill, Lee Anne expanded her expertise further by serving as Event Sales Manager at IPIC Theaters, overseeing event sales across Houston, Dallas, and Austin. At IPIC, she managed complex event logistics, coordinated with multiple teams, and delivered high-quality experiences that balanced customer satisfaction with business goals.

From April 2019 to October 2021, Lee Anne honed her skills in event-based marketing, client retention, and sales presentations. She demonstrated proficiency in CRM software, video conferencing tools, and event management platforms — all of which are critical in today’s technology-driven sales environment.

Leadership at Dave & Buster’s and Woody’s Brands

Most recently, Lee Anne Tilley assumed the role of Special Events Sales Manager at Dave & Buster’s Inc., where she oversaw sales across multiple states, including Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, and Wisconsin. Her responsibilities encompassed developing new business opportunities, managing key accounts, and spearheading sales coaching efforts for her team. This role highlighted her ability to scale her leadership impact across a broader geographic region, driving revenue growth through strategic event sales management.

In September 2024, Lee Anne advanced to become the Director of Event Sales at Woody’s Brands, LLC, headquartered in Houston, Texas. In this senior leadership position, she oversees the entire sales department, manages event operations during the opening and ramp-up of new locations, and ensures consistent communication and training for her sales team. Woody’s Brands is recognized for its hospitality venues, including Little Woodrow’s Backyard Bar. Lee Anne’s leadership enables the company to deliver memorable experiences and expand its market presence.

Key Skills and Expertise

Throughout her career, Lee Anne Tilley has developed a diverse skill set that enables her to excel in event sales and hospitality management:

• Event-Based Marketing: Crafting targeted strategies to promote venues and events, driving customer engagement and attendance.
• Sales Presentations: Delivering compelling pitches to prospective clients, emphasizing value and ROI.
• Customer Insight: Understanding client needs and preferences to tailor event offerings and ensure satisfaction.
• Team Leadership and Coaching: Training and motivating sales teams to achieve targets and maintain high performance.
• CRM and Event Management Software: Utilizing technology to streamline sales processes, track leads, and manage event details efficiently.
• Communication and Relationship Development: Building and maintaining strong relationships with clients, vendors, and internal stakeholders.
• Flawless Execution: Managing onsite event coordination to ensure smooth operations and positive guest experiences.
• Multi-Unit Management: Handling sales across multiple venues or geographic regions with consistent standards.
• Problem Solving and Guest Recovery: Addressing issues proactively to preserve client relationships and brand reputation.

These competencies have enabled Lee Anne to successfully manage a diverse portfolio of events, ranging from small private gatherings to large corporate functions and public promotions.

Lee Anne Tilley in Houston, TX: Impact on the Local Events Industry

Houston is a vibrant and diverse city with a booming hospitality and entertainment sector. Lee Anne’s long-standing presence in the Houston market positions her as a key contributor to the city’s event landscape.

Her roles at Studio Movie Grill, IPIC Theaters, and Woody’s Brands all intersect with Houston’s dynamic social and business community. She has played a pivotal role in shaping how venues in Houston approach event sales, emphasizing customer-centric strategies, innovation in event design, and leveraging technology to enhance client interactions.

Lee Anne’s deep understanding of Houston’s market nuances, client demographics, and competitive landscape enables her to tailor event experiences that resonate with local audiences, fostering loyalty and driving business growth.

Experiences Highlight: Key Roles and Responsibilities

Director of Event Sales, Woody’s Brands, LLC (Sep 2024 – Present)

• Leading sales strategies for multiple hospitality venues.
• Managing new location openings and event ramp-up processes.
• Overseeing sales team communication and training initiatives.

Special Events Sales Manager, Dave & Buster’s Inc. (Nov 2021 – Sep 2024)

• Managing sales operations across multiple Midwestern states.
• Developing new business pipelines and nurturing client relationships.
• Providing sales coaching and performance management.

Event Sales Manager, IPIC Theaters (Apr 2019 – Oct 2021)

• Coordinating event sales for locations in Houston, Dallas, and Austin.
• Overseeing event logistics and client service delivery.
• Utilizing CRM systems for sales tracking and reporting.

Sales Manager – Corporate and Private Events, Studio Movie Grill (May 2018 – Jan 2019)

• Organizing corporate events, fundraisers, and private parties.
• Collaborating with marketing and operations teams for seamless event execution.

Education: Building a Foundation for Success

Lee Anne’s educational journey at Louisiana State University played a pivotal role in preparing her for the complexities of business and sales leadership. Earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Business from LSU, she developed critical analytical, financial, and interpersonal skills. The university’s robust business curriculum exposed her to real-world case studies, group projects, and networking opportunities, all of which contributed to her professional development.

Her education complemented her practical work experiences, enabling her to navigate the evolving challenges of the sales and events industries with confidence and expertise.

The Road Ahead: Continued Growth and Leadership

With her impressive track record and diverse skill set, Lee Anne Tilley is poised for continued success in the hospitality and event sales arena. Her ability to manage multi-state sales operations, lead diverse teams, and consistently deliver outstanding event experiences positions her as a valuable asset to any organization.

Her journey underscores the importance of combining formal education, diverse professional experiences, and ongoing skill development to excel in today’s competitive business environment.

Also Read: Matt Furlong, The Visionary Leader Behind GameStop’s Transformation

Conclusion

Lee Anne Tilley stands as a prime example of leadership, resilience, and expertise in the event sales and hospitality sectors. From her early days managing leasing properties in Houston to leading event sales across multiple states and now directing sales for Woody’s Brands, her career embodies growth, adaptability, and a passion for delivering excellence.

For anyone aspiring to build a successful career in event management or sales, Lee Anne’s professional journey offers valuable lessons in dedication, strategic thinking, and customer-focused leadership. Her story continues to inspire many within Houston, Texas, and beyond.