Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Websites
Certification
Why Im A Perfect Fit For La28
Timeline
Generic

Barbara Matlen

Global Accommodations & Mega Event Operations Leader
Huntington Beach,CA

Summary

Strategic leader with 15+ years of Olympic and major event experience in accommodations, ticketing, contract negotiations, and large-scale logistics. As EVP of Cartan Global, managed accommodations and hospitality for multiple Olympic Games (Sochi 2014, Rio 2016, PyeongChang 2018, Tokyo 2020) and FIFA events, working closely with NOCs, federations, media, and commercial partners. Currently leading West Coast accommodations for FIFA World Cup 2026, overseeing 75,000+ rooms across multiple host cities. Deeply connected in the Los Angeles market, with extensive hotel relationships from FIFA Club World Cup 2025 and World Cup 2026 contracting. Fluent in English, Spanish, Portuguese, and Italian, with a proven track record of delivering world-class lodging solutions for global sporting events.

Overview

12
12
years of professional experience
2
2
Certifications
4
4
Languages

Work History

Regional Lead Accommodations, West Coast

FIFA Club World Cup 2025 & FIFA World Cup 2026
Los Angeles , CA
03.2024 - Current
  • Overseeing a multimillion-dollar accommodations portfolio across 16 FIFA host cities, managing hotel sourcing, contract execution, and inventory.
  • Managing large-scale housing logistics for National Teams, VIPs, media, commercial affiliates, and workforce personnel.
  • Negotiating high-profile hotel contracts, ensuring compliance with service agreements and securing premium accommodations.
  • Executing large-scale room block management, overseeing reservations, rooming lists, and last-minute modifications.
  • Aligning accommodations with event operations, integrating logistics with transportation, security, and VIP protocols.
  • Building strategic partnerships with hotel executives, tourism boards, and stakeholders to maximize value and service.
  • Developing policies and contingency plans to handle cancellations, emergency housing, and logistical challenges.
  • Leading a cross-functional team, managing reservation specialists and hotel liaisons for seamless execution.
  • Conducting site visits and hotel assessments to ensure quality, service levels, and logistical efficiency.
  • Driving innovation in accommodations technology, implementing FIFA’s booking and inventory tracking system.

Accommodations Contractor

FIFA World Cup 2026
12.2021 - 03.2024
  • Secured 45,000+ hotel rooms across major cities
  • Led high-stakes contract negotiations with over 250 hotels and tourism partners
  • Conducted site inspections and managed stakeholder relationships

Executive Vice President

Cartan Global
08.2018 - 12.2021
  • Company Overview: Authorized Olympic Ticket Reseller
  • Led accommodations, ticketing, and hospitality programs for Sochi 2014, Rio 2016, PyeongChang 2018, and Tokyo 2020
  • Managed high-value relationships with 50+ National Olympic Committees (NOCs), Presidents, and General Secretaries
  • Negotiated large-scale hotel contracts and coordinated Olympic accommodations logistics
  • Led a team of 75+ employees, ensuring seamless event execution
  • Authorized Olympic Ticket Reseller

Director of Operations

Cartan Global
05.2015 - 08.2018
  • Developed operational strategies for Olympic accommodations
  • Integrated housing logistics with transportation, security, and venue operations

Senior Account Manager

CONCACAF Travel Service Office
07.2013 - 12.2015
  • Oversaw Gold Cup accommodations for 900+ stakeholders
  • Secured high-volume hotel room blocks for international events

Education

Bachelor of Science - International Business

California State University, Long Beach
Long Beach, CA

Skills

  • Olympic & FIFA Accommodations Management

  • Stakeholder & VIP Relations

  • Contract Negotiation & Budget Oversight

  • Event Logistics & Large-Scale Operations

  • Technology & Data Analysis

  • Multilingual Communication

  • Operations management

  • Staff training and development

  • Cross-functional team coordination

Certification

Cvent Supplier Network & Event Management Certification

Why Im A Perfect Fit For La28

  • Olympic Experience – 15+ years managing Olympic accommodations, ticketing, and stakeholder relations for over 50 National Olympic Committees.
  • Deep Knowledge of Olympic Accommodations – Expertise in athlete housing, delegations, and workforce logistics.
  • High-Level Stakeholder Management – Negotiated with hospitality leaders, NOCs, and Olympic organizing committees.
  • Large-Scale Accommodations Planning – Managed 50,000+ room nights for Olympic, FIFA, and global sporting events.
  • Commitment to LA28’s Values – Passionate about co-creation, inclusion, and innovative solutions for event accommodations.
  • Deep Expertise in the Los Angeles Market – Since 2021, I have been contracting accommodations for FIFA World Cup 2026 and FIFA Club World Cup 2025, engaging with nearly every hotel property in Los Angeles and Orange County. My strong relationships with hotel executives, sales teams, and local tourism boards provide LA28 with a unique advantage in securing premium accommodations efficiently.

Timeline

Regional Lead Accommodations, West Coast

FIFA Club World Cup 2025 & FIFA World Cup 2026
03.2024 - Current

Accommodations Contractor

FIFA World Cup 2026
12.2021 - 03.2024

Executive Vice President

Cartan Global
08.2018 - 12.2021

Director of Operations

Cartan Global
05.2015 - 08.2018

Senior Account Manager

CONCACAF Travel Service Office
07.2013 - 12.2015
Cvent Supplier Network & Event Management Certification
Salesforce Administrator Certification

Bachelor of Science - International Business

California State University, Long Beach
Barbara MatlenGlobal Accommodations & Mega Event Operations Leader