Meet Mariles Krok, CMP, CMM, CTA, CATP | Vice President, Meeting & Partnership Sales for Visit Anaheim

We had the good fortune of connecting with Mariles Krok, CMP, CMM, CTA, CATP and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Mariles, as a parent, what have you done for you children that you feel has had the most significant impact?
As a parent, I think that the most important thing that I’ve done in terms of having a profound impact on my children is that I have always led by example. I have always worked hard to be able to provide for my children and now that they are adults, they both have this same work ethic that has proven successful for each of them, in their respective careers. There was never anything that I expected out of them, that I couldn’t achieve myself. They are my reason and my why.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My career has spanned a quarter of a century and I started off with humble beginnings. I started in the Hospitality Industry as a front desk associate that also happened to drive the airport shuttle, as the hotel I worked for was close to LAX. My hotel guests started asking me about meeting space, discounted rates and fortunately, my General Manager created a Sales Coordinator position for me. From here, I went from selling one limited service hotel, to 6 hotels in the LAX/Beach Cities area, then 911 happened. I ended up in a reactive sales position, selling 23 hotels from Pasadena to Long Beach. All the while my goal was to get closer to working from home as I had young children. I was then promoted to a Senior Sales Manager position at a full service hotel, then was offered a position for a similar role, right around the corner from where I lived! My role expanded to selling all 4 hotels in the area. The company I worked for then restructured, and I was able to grow into a position that sold 3,200 hotels world wide, with a focus in the Beach Cities/LAX area. All the while, I had friends that worked for the Los Angeles Convention & Visitors Bureau, which was where I wanted to progress into, selling a destination. It was a dream come true as I am a Los Angeles native. Once there, I aspired to grow in leadership, and pursued a position with Anaheim & Orange County, which is where I am today. I am so blessed and thankful for the wonderful opportunities and relationships that I’ve made along the way. In fact, my daughter followed in my footsteps and was able to work her way up within this global hotel company! Unfortunately, was put on furlough during the pandemic, but has since worked her way into a wonderful tech company and is thriving. To tie this all up in a bow, my advice to anyone wanting to grow in the Hospitality, Meetings, Tourism, & Conventions industry, I would recommend putting yourself out there, cross train and learn as much as possible, work hard, as it all pays off and comes to fruition.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Hmm, in Los Angeles, I would definitely do the ferris wheel in Santa Monica at the pier, shopping on 3rd StreetPromenade, eat on Abbott Kinney. Take in the Getty Center and the Villas. Definitely spend some time at the beach, weather permitting. Locally, I love Hermosa Beach! See a band play at St. Rocke. Hit the bars at Hermosa Beach Pier. Dinner or Happy Hour at Nelson’s at Terranea. Hike Abalone Cove. Walk the strand from Hermosa Beach Pier to Manhattan Beach Pier. Dinner at Little Sister in Manhattan Beach or MB Post. Ok, now in Orange County…Disneyland & California Adventure for sure, Downtown Disney too! Huntington Beach Pier is a must! Shop at Pacific City. Drinks at the Treehouse Bar at Pasea Hotel. Whale watching in Dana Point. Feast your eyes on a musical at the Segerstrom Center for Performing Arts! Eat at the Anaheim Packing House and do the beer trail! Experience the Disneyland Fireworks from the JW Marriott rooftop bar or the Westin rooftop. Tiki Bar cocktails at Strong Water or Trader Sam’s. Duffy boats in Newport Beach.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My family. More specifically, my grandparents, my mom and my children. My grandpa migrated here from the Philippines to give his family a better life. My mom was a single mom that worked hard to make sure that I had everything I could ever want or need. My work ethic comes from my mom and grandpa. And my children are the reason I work so hard, I want to lead by example and make them proud.

Instagram: @m.k_o.c

Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/marileskrok

Twitter: @MarilesKrok