About

Photo credit: Rita Chen

Hi! I’m Rita.

Strategic advisor, curious thinker, and passionate advocate for marketing that moves people.

After 20+ years building and leading brands in tourism, hospitality, and entertainment—from global icons like DreamWorks to Chicago favorites like City Winery—I realized the work I loved most wasn’t just about campaigns. It was about clarity. Momentum. Helping people and teams move from complexity to confidence.

That’s what led me here: to launch Rita Chen Consulting, a WBENC-certified, women-owned business rooted in partnership, purpose, and thoughtful strategy. Today, I partner with growth-minded teams to co-create marketing strategies that inspire, align, and drive results—with empathy, curiosity, and plenty of structure along the way.

I thrive in the messy middle: helping clients uncover what matters, connect the dots, and find the smartest way forward.

The Explorer in Me

When I’m not advising clients or digging into audience insights, you’ll find me hiking (Scotland, 6 days!), exploring Chicago by foot and bike along its two major waterways—Lake Michigan and the Chicago River—or cooking gluten/dairy/grain-free meals (@TritaEats).

And yes—I once helped pull off a surprise Prince concert (RIP) that sold out in 33 minutes.

If you're looking for a grounded, strategic partner who brings both insight and heart to the work—we might be a good fit. I’d love to hear more about what you’re building.

Let’s Connect

Testimonials

  • "Rita was a valuable addition to our team at BarkleyOKRP. She integrated seamlessly into the agency during a time of need and supported us on two key projects for a tourism client: audience segmentation and international marketing. She was able to work in the strategy and account sides within the agency. Her calm and measured presence on the team was appreciated. It was a joy partnering with her and we highly recommend her for your marketing needs."

    Nick Paul
    President, BarkleyOKRP
    Former Client of Rita Chen Consulting

  • "Rita is a trusted marketing partner to Chicago's First Lady Cruises. She has expertly identified and secured key partnerships that connect us to the vibrant happenings in Chicago. Beyond supporting our leisure tour product, Rita has also secured valuable advertising opportunities with leading meeting and event planner organizations to promote our private events and charter business. This year, her efforts have been crucial as we focus on IPW, which will be held in Chicago in 2025. We appreciate Rita's resourcefulness, transparency, and deep knowledge of the tourism and hospitality industry. "

    Brie Agra
    President, Chicago’s First Lady Cruises
    Client of Rita Chen Consulting

  • “Rita was instrumental in Chicago's remarkable achievement of being named the Best Big City in the U.S. by Condé Nast Traveler readers for seven consecutive years (2017–2023). She revitalized a previously narrow and limited brand into an award-winning image-rich brand with sophistication and variety but more importantly, strategically targeted. This resulted in record occupancy and average daily rate performance. Rita's leadership and mentorship cultivated a talented team, and she managed complex city and state politics with grace. These experiences have enriched her wisdom and paved the way for her entrepreneurial journey, where she now helps transform organizations with her passion for marketing grounded in research and engagement.”

    David Whitaker
    President & CEO, Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau
    Managed Rita at Choose Chicago 2016 - 2021

  • “Rita Chen is a consummate marketer. Strategy and planning are particular strengths. Rita is an agile marketer as well. She has been able to transfer her skills into a variety of arenas with great success. Rita is equally adept at getting things done and with great attention to detail. She embraces technology and leverages it to provide greater impact which is so critical to being a modern marketer. Rita is creative, resourceful and not afraid of the un-navigated.”

    Adrienne Nazon
    Vice President External Relations and Communications, University of Illinois System
    Managed Rita at University of Chicago Booth School of Business 2010 - 2012