Introducing Carnes Agency: Strategic Marketing, Branding & PR for Hospitality’s Most Ambitious
After nearly a decade working alongside America’s hotel owners and the businesses that power hospitality, former association executive Heather Carnes today announced the launch of Carnes Agency, a boutique consultancy offering marketing, PR, and branding services for hospitality’s most ambitious leaders and companies.
After nearly a decade working alongside America’s hotel owners, I witnessed firsthand the grit, resilience, and heart that fuel this industry,” said Heather Carnes, director of Carnes Agency.
“I learned their stories – stories of sacrifice, of perseverance, of the pursuit of the American Dream – and was deeply inspired by their entrepreneurial spirit that drives hospitality forward every day. Carnes Agency was created with that same spirit in mind: to serve, support, and strategically guide the businesses and leaders who make hospitality what it is.”
Carnes brings nearly 20 years of experience across public relations, executive communications, editorial, branding, and strategic marketing. Known for her strategic clarity and creative execution, she’s been a behind-the-scenes force behind national associations, legacy brands, and industry executives.
The agency is designed to serve the people and companies at the center of hospitality:
B2B Hospitality Brands – Ownership groups, investment firms, and the businesses serving the hotel space and powering the industry.
Entrepreneurs & Founders – Hospitality founders, visionaries, and leaders who want to show up better in the industry and build their digital footprint.
Hospitality Communities – Associations, collectives, and curated experiences and events rooted in connection and culture.
“I launched Carnes Agency because there is a clear need in hospitality for strategic, story-first support that helps the brands building the industry and the leaders shaping its future,” Carnes said. “When your vision is big, your voice, your brand, and your message should rise to meet it. That’s what we want to help happen.”
Carnes Agency offers high-touch, strategic services with a PR-first mindset:
Marketing – Campaigns and content that drive visibility and support growth.
Public Relations – Thought leadership, earned media, and storytelling that builds credibility and relevance.
Branding – Foundational strategy, messaging, and identity work that ensures consistency and confidence.
“In hospitality, we know that authenticity and trust are everything,” Carnes said. “With Carnes Agency, my mission is to help leaders and brands communicate their true value so they can connect more deeply with their communities and, ultimately, better shape the future of our industry.”
To Celebrate its Debut, Carnes Agency Announces the Launchpad Giveaway
As part of its official debut, Carnes Agency is launching the Launchpad Giveaway – a special opportunity to support the next generation of hospitality leaders. One early-stage or rebranding hospitality business will receive a complete branding package, including a brand strategy workshop, core messaging development, a visual identity suite, and brand collateral.
“Carnes Agency was born from a deep belief in the people behind hospitality,” Carnes added. “We wanted to launch in a meaningful way, and what a better way to do so than giving back right from the start.”
Applications are open through Monday, August 4, 2025, and are open to founders and businesses in the hospitality industry who demonstrate a clear and compelling need for branding support.
About Carnes Agency
Launched in Summer 2025, Carnes Agency is a boutique marketing, public relations, and branding consultancy built for hospitality’s most ambitious minds, missions, and moments. Founded by industry executive Heather Carnes, the agency serves B2B hospitality brands, ownership groups, founders, entrepreneurs, and mission-driven organizations, operating with a PR-first mindset and a deeply personalized approach. With nearly two decades of experience spanning executive communications, brand strategy, publishing, media, and association leadership, Carnes Agency offers high-touch, strategic support across marketing, earned media, thought leadership, storytelling, personal branding, and more. To learn more or inquire about services, visit www.carnesagency.com or contact info@carnesagency.com.
