Laura Golen
Senior Group Sales Manager
The idea of space is one that Laura Golen has expanded upon for years with her thoughtful and contemplative work. Groups of 21 or more find community and meeting spaces because of her eye for programming and scheduling, and mastery within relational roles.
An experiential designer, Golen is known for “creating experiences” while being an expert in what makes the place run: lasting trusting relationships.
Her influences stem from global travel and great musicians from our time.
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Connect with Laura Beth Andrew
Director, Business & Leisure Travel
Beth has been considered a genius in the art of ensuring loyalty from frequent travelers and having them feel The Blackstone is their “home away from home” for years, through operating in the underground business and leisure travel scene.
The evolution of providing high end service to top tier guests has been credited to her, but really, the community created around the movement was a collaboration, something she is always reminding critics.
Look for more dramatic and innovative work to come in the next years while she finds new inspirations from discovering new cuisine and traveling the land.
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Connect with Beth Frances Kang
Group Housing Coordinator
Frances thrives in a fast-paced world of group housing, where precision and teamwork come together to create seamless guest experiences. Always sharp and focused, she takes pride in assisting guests with their unique needs while collaborating across departments to ensure every detail is executed flawlessly.
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Connect with Frances Gabriella Ciesla
Sales Manager
Gabriella brings energy and enthusiasm to every connection she makes, with a passion for building lasting relationships and crafting memorable group experiences. A proud Chicagoan and Baylor University graduate, Gabriella blends local insight with Southern hospitality to deliver service that's both thoughtful and dynamic.
Outside of work, she's always on the move - whether cheering on her favorite sports teams, catching live music, or exploring new destinations.
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Connect with Gabriella Luke Calahan
Sales Manager
Luke is dedicated to creating exceptional event experiences through a thoughtful, client-focused approach rooted in listening, collaboration, and attention to detail.
A graduate of Northern Illinois University with a degree in Marketing, he brings a strong hospitality background and a passion for helping clients bring their vision to life.
Beyond his professional role, Luke enjoys exploring Chicago’s vibrant music scene, staying active through biking and golf, traveling to new destinations, and cheering on the Chicago Bears each season.
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Connect with Luke Carly Kirschner
Senior Catering Sales Manager
A Chicago native, Kirschner is inspired by the history of the city. With the soul of an artist and the determination of an athlete, Carly relies on her critical eye and the relentless drive to weave her client's dream into the event of a lifetime.
Drawing on her experiences in travel, culture and the culinary world, Carly is a firm believer in the art of entertainment. From modern and elegant to the avant-garde, nothing is out of reach.
With an eye for design and a knack for planning, she is proof that social gatherings are a continuous movement of hospitality and celebration.
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Connect with Carly Julia Muhammad
Senior Conference Service Manager
Born and raised in Chicago, Julia Muhammad brings energy, creativity, and a detail-oriented approach to every event she manages. As a Senior Conference Service Manager, Julia enjoys turning complex plans into seamless experiences, ensuring clients and guests feel supported every step of the way. Her passion for both event management and artistic expression reflects her appreciation for thoughtful details, meaningful connections, and exceptional service.
Committed to continuous learning, community involvement, and personal growth, Julia believes that great hospitality is about creating memorable experiences and making people feel welcome.
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Connect with Julia Hannah Wilson
Catering Sales Manager
Hannah brings warmth, dedication, and a genuine passion for building connections everywhere she goes. With experience working across multiple properties, she brings a well-rounded perspective and a thoughtful approach to creating memorable experiences for every group she works with. As Catering Sales Manager, Hannah is excited to bring her relationship-driven approach to The Blackstone and help take its group experiences to new heights.
Outside of work, Hannah loves spending time in the kitchen, where she enjoys cooking and trying new recipes. She brings the drive to explore to everything she does.
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Connect with Hannah Anastacio Toscano
Conference Service Manager
With years of hospitality experience, Anastacio brings a wealth of knowledge and passion for creating exception guest experiences. His commitment to service and attention to detail help ensure every guest feels welcomed, valued, and well cared for.
Outside of work, he enjoys spending time along the lakefront with friends, trying out new restaurants, and staying active.
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Connect with Anastacio 
