Stacy Shoemaker Rauen

Editor in Chief of Hospitality Design Magazine & Senior Vice President of Design Group

What’s your educational background and how and when did you join your company?

I went to Northwestern University and earned my bachelor's and master's in Magazine Journalism. I started with Hospitality Design magazine, March 11, 2002. I had applied for another job at the same company, and after that one wasn't the right fit, they kept my resume on file. Michael Adams, my former boss and the editor in chief, picked my resume out of a pile since we both went to Northwestern.

You are an avid speaker at industry events, Editor in Chief at Hospitality Design, Mom of 3 and SVP of the Design Group at Emerald, what are some key things you do tO keep yourself balanced?

Is there balance, hahaha. I am lucky to have an amazing family and friends, many in the industry, who I get to see on a regular basis, so work doesn't feel like work. I love traveling with my husband and three boys, as they are the perfect age. I also have an amazing trainer (who I work out on Zoom wherever I am) and run outside as much as I can. Working out can be meditation for me.

Is there a particular edition of Hospitality Design that had a significant impact in your career?

Oh, so many of them. My first as editor in chief, March/April 2014, which was such an honor and a privilege (and a lot of responsibility) to take the reins of a magazine I had loved and worked on and evolved for 12 years. Annual guest editor issues with the likes of Ian Schrager, Venus Williams, Kit Kemp of Firmdale Hotels, and Neil Jacobs of Six Senses, as it is always amazing and inspirational to collaborate with such visionaries. Some of the early issues in 2019, as we tweaked the magazine's look ever so slightly to be more streamline and allow the beautiful projects and products we showcase to be the spotlight. Our award-winning May 2020 issue as it was the first issue we fully produced at home after COVID shut the world down (thanks to my amazing team). I could go on…

How do you stay connected with your readers and help them feel engaged in what is happening?

We have active advisory boards, we are constantly reaching out about projects/ideas, and we host many events throughout the year (some bigger, some smaller) to get to know readers on a more personal level. My team and I are curious by nature, so we are always researching and asking questions to find what is new and next.

Favourite type of hotel and travel destination?

Anything on the beach.

What are your top three must-haves in a hotel?

Seems simple but good food, good lighting, and a good bed and shower. Well, I guess that's four.

On a scale from 1 to 10, how important are soft and luxurious sheets at home and in a hotel experience?

Is that a trick question? Definitely a 10.

Do you have any nighttime rituals after a long day to ensure a restful sleep?

I wish. I am just glad I get to go to bed after a long day of work and parenting.

What do you love most about hospitality?

The people. I truly don't think there is another industry with so many incredible people who truly love what they do.

How do you hope your work will impact the future of this industry?

I hope that what we do at Hospitality Design not only connects the industry, but also inspires, educates, and is a time capsule of sorts of where the industry has been and where it is headed. We want to introduce new ideas and innovation and ask the important questions to push the industry forward, as well as celebrate the great work that is happening now.