Crystal Hamilton is the founder and CEO of Knowbie, a digital platform revolutionizing how hospitality and retail liquor professionals learn about beverages and service. With over 20 years of hands-on experience in the restaurant industry—working nearly every role from server to Sommelier—she understands the challenges of high staff turnover, inconsistent training, and the confidence gap that holds staff back from delivering great service and driving sales.

Crystal created Knowbie to solve these challenges with a gamified, tech-forward approach that makes learning engaging, accessible, and instantly applicable. The platform equips front-line teams with the knowledge and confidence they need to succeed, while helping businesses boost profitability and improve customer experiences.

Under her leadership, Knowbie has gained traction across North America, securing partnerships with top brands and associations, including a cross-Pacific collaboration with Barossa Australia. A sought-after speaker, Crystal regularly shares insights at hospitality conferences, helping businesses understand how modern training solutions can transform staff performance and retention. She is also a board member of the Foundation for The Society of Hospitality and Food Service Management, furthering her mission to empower the people behind the industry.

Crystal’s passion for hospitality education is rooted in her own journey—having built a successful career without a traditional degree, she knows firsthand the power of knowledge and confidence in shaping professional growth. Through Knowbie, she’s not just changing how teams learn—she’s reshaping the future of hospitality and retail training.