Afleveringen
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What does the future of hotel marketing look like?
According to Scott Eddy, it starts with better stories.
In this episode of Lobby Talks, Scott joins us to discuss how hospitality is evolving beyond traditional marketing into a world powered by authentic content, personal branding, and meaningful storytelling. From highlighting hotel associates and local communities to creating content that reflects the real guest experience, Scott explains why the hotels that think like media companies will have the biggest competitive advantage.
We also explore the differences between independent hotels and global brands, why authenticity matters more than polished advertising, how operations influence marketing success, and what destinations like Tulsa can do to stand out in an increasingly competitive travel landscape.
Whether you're a hotel professional, tourism marketer, destination organization, meeting planner, or hospitality leader, this episode offers valuable insights into where the industry is headed—and how to stay ahead of it.
Guest: Scott Eddy
Topics: Hotel Marketing, Hospitality Marketing, Storytelling, Content Creation, Personal Branding, Tourism Marketing, Destination Marketing, Social Media, Hotel Branding, Hospitality Innovation.
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Critical Event Safety Advice From Law Enforcement You Can't Ignore
In this episode of Lobby Talks, Chief Engineer Tom Williamson of Marriott Tulsa Hotel Southern Hills joins Captain Aaron McNulty of the Jenks Police Department for a timely discussion on hotel safety, event preparedness, threat awareness, and the importance of strong partnerships between hospitality professionals and law enforcement.
From recognizing warning signs to creating safer experiences for guests and attendees, this conversation provides practical insights for anyone involved in meetings, events, or hospitality—and valuable advice that applies far beyond the industry.
Because safety isn't just a responsibility—it's everyone's business.
Disclaimer: The information shared in this episode is for general educational and informational purposes only. Safety procedures, emergency response protocols, and legal requirements vary by venue, organization, and jurisdiction. Listeners should follow applicable laws, local regulations, and their organization's policies, and consult qualified safety or legal professionals when developing or implementing event safety plans. The views expressed by the guest are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Lobby Talks, Marriott Tulsa Southern Hills, Ruffin Event Center, or their affiliated organizations. This episode is intended to promote awareness and preparedness and should not be considered a substitute for formal safety training or emergency management instruction.
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Zijn er afleveringen die ontbreken?
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Great hotels serve guests. Exceptional hotels serve communities.
In this episode of Lobby Talks, we welcome Julie Davis, CEO of YWCA Tulsa, to discuss how hotels, event venues, and hospitality professionals can make a meaningful impact in their communities.
Following the YWCA Tulsa Pinnacle Awards hosted at Marriott Tulsa Southern Hills, our team wanted to learn more about the organization's work and the challenges facing our community. Julie shares insights into YWCA Tulsa's mission, Safe Move Tulsa, homelessness, health equity, immigration services, workforce development, and ways local businesses can get involved.
This conversation is especially valuable for: • Hotel operators and hospitality leaders • Event planners and venue managers • Community-focused businesses • Tulsa residents interested in local impact • Anyone passionate about service and leadership
Topics include community partnerships, inclusive workplaces, supporting vulnerable populations, repurposing hotel resources for good, and using hospitality spaces to create positive change.
Learn more or get involved at ywcatulsa.org.
Lobby Talks is a hospitality and events podcast produced from Marriott Tulsa Southern Hills and the Ruffin Event Center, featuring conversations with industry leaders, community organizations, and innovators shaping Tulsa and the hospitality industry.
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People don't travel for attractions alone. They travel for experiences, connections, and stories.
In this episode of Lobby Talks, TV host, speaker, content creator, and global traveler Scott Eddy shares his perspective on what makes destinations stand out in a crowded travel landscape. Through the lens of his visit to Tulsa, we explore the difference between places people visit and places they remember.
Scott discusses the role of storytelling in tourism, how creators help shape destination perception, and why authenticity, culture, and human connection are often more impactful than any landmark or attraction. Drawing from years of traveling the world and working within the travel and hospitality industry, he offers valuable insights into how destinations can create meaningful connections with visitors and stand out by embracing what makes them unique.
If you're passionate about hospitality, travel, tourism, destination marketing, or creating memorable guest experiences, this episode is packed with insights you won't want to miss.
Learn more about Scott Eddy and follow his travels at www.mrscotteddy.com or find him on virtually any social media platform.
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In this special Lobby Talks Podcast Content Lab session, Tulsa creators and local voices dive into conversations about food, travel, culture, live events, business, and the future of Tulsa.
From hidden coffee spots and unforgettable concerts to spontaneous travel stories and emerging tech trends, this episode captures authentic perspectives from people shaping Tulsa’s creative community.
We explore: • Tulsa food & beverage favorites • What makes events memorable • Experiencing culture beyond tourism • Travel styles and stories • Tech, hospitality, and business trends
If you love Tulsa, creativity, entrepreneurship, travel, or meaningful conversations, this episode is for you.
Follow Lobby Talks for more creator conversations and Tulsa Voices.
#TulsaPodcast #LobbyTalks #TulsaVoices #Travel #Culture #Business #Tech #Hospitality #FoodCulture
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In this episode of Lobby Talks, we put artificial intelligence to the test by letting it plan our Q1 Employee Appreciation Luncheon. From the theme to the activities, we explored a variety of AI tools to see which ones delivered the best ideas and how well they translated into a real event.
While AI handled the planning, our associates made it happen.
Tune in for behind-the-scenes insights on how the event came together, plus hear directly from our team as they share their thoughts on the experience. Could they tell AI was behind it? Did it feel any different? And most importantly, did it work?
It’s a candid conversation about innovation, teamwork, and what happens when technology meets hospitality.
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Step inside the world of global events with Melanie Bradshaw—now Senior Vice President of Marketing Operations, Global at SeneGence International. In this episode of Lobby Talks, we revisit our conversation to explore what it really takes to plan and execute large-scale events that leave a lasting impact.
From early-stage strategy to final execution, Melanie shares how SeneGence creates experiences that go beyond the typical conference—blending brand, community, and production at a high level. We talk about evolving attendee expectations, the role events play in driving growth, and what separates a good event from a truly memorable one. At the center of it all is the importance of fostering relationships—building meaningful connections between brands and audiences, strengthening partnerships behind the scenes, and creating a sense of community that extends well beyond the event itself.
With another successful SeneGence event just wrapped, this episode is a timely look at the strategy, coordination, creativity—and relationship-building—behind it all. Perfect for anyone in hospitality, marketing, or events—or anyone curious about how major experiences come to life.
The episode also highlights the heart behind SeneGence’s mission, including their work through the Make Sense Foundation, a charity dedicated to empowering women and children. Learn more at: https://makesensefoundation.org
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Tulsa is making headlines—and not just locally. We’re talking billions in new investment, global companies choosing Oklahoma, and a city quickly becoming the “Silicon Prairie.”
In this episode of Lobby Talks, we sit down with Mike Neal, President & CEO of the Tulsa Regional Chamber, to unpack how Tulsa is turning meetings into major deals—and why business leaders from around the world are paying attention.
From a record-breaking $7.3 billion in new capital investment through the Bridge to the Future 2030 initiative to major global wins like Google’s $9B expansion and international manufacturing facilities, this conversation reveals what’s really fueling Tulsa’s momentum.
We also go beyond the numbers—diving into Tulsa’s competitive edge, its partnerships with Tribal Nations, and the cultural “cool factor” that’s putting the city on the national stage.
Plus: Don’t miss our rapid-fire “Insider Tips from Mr. Tulsa” where Mike shares what truly blows away first-time visitors.
If you're a meeting planner, business leader, or simply curious about where the future of business is heading—this episode is for you.
🔑 In This Episode:
The strategy behind Tulsa’s $7.3B investment surge
How global companies are choosing Northeast Oklahoma
Why Tulsa is attracting top tech talent
The role of culture, storytelling, and “cool factor” in economic growth
Insider tips to elevate your next visit or event in Tulsa
📍 Learn more:
Tulsa Regional Chamber → https://tulsachamber.com
🎧 Listen & Subscribe:
If you’re enjoying Lobby Talks, make sure to subscribe on YouTube and your favorite podcast platform so you never miss a conversation shaping business, culture, and what’s next.
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In this special episode of Lobby Talks, we take you behind the scenes of the meetings and events you experience every day.
At Marriott Tulsa Southern Hills & Ruffin Event Center, the team delivering your conferences, weddings, and corporate events comes from cultures and countries around the world. Different languages, traditions, and perspectives all working together to create exceptional hospitality.
You’ll hear from hotel leaders and frontline associates as they share real moments where culture, connection, and service came together to shape a guest’s experience.
For meeting planners, event professionals, and hospitality leaders, this episode highlights something often overlooked in the industry: the people and global perspectives that power great events.
Next time you attend an event, remember—the experience is shaped by a team that represents the world behind your event.
Want to be part of the team? Connect with Lee Taylor, Director of Human Resources @ Marriott Tulsa Hotel Southern Hills & Ruffin Event Center Direct line: 918-523-3503 Email: [email protected] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lee-taylor-59001229/
Have a hospitality or event story to share? Connect with us on LinkedIn or follow along on social media.
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Hiring great people is only the beginning in hospitality. Keeping them and helping them grow is the real challenge.
In this episode of Lobby Talks, Rachell talks with Nicki, who leads internal training efforts, and Tami, a leadership coach who partners with the team to support development and growth.
They discuss how training and coaching work together to build stronger hospitality teams, help employees discover leadership potential, and create a culture where people want to stay.
The conversation explores building confidence in new team members, helping employees grow beyond their current roles, coaching emerging leaders through challenges, and why investing in development can transform jobs into meaningful long term careers.
They also share powerful Turning Point moments when someone moves from simply doing the job to stepping fully into their potential.
This episode was recorded with the teams at Marriott Tulsa Hotel Southern Hills and Ruffin Event Center.
Want to learn more about coaching leaders and developing stronger teams? Connect with Tami Marie and book a strategy call.
LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/tami-marie/
Website https://tamimariecoaching.com/
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🎧 Spotify Description
We’re taking Lobby Talks on location — straight from the lobby of Marriott Tulsa Southern Hills.
In this episode, we’re joined by Tulse, our concierge robot who helps guests find their way, supports events at Ruffin Event Center, and shares the best of Tulsa with visitors.
You’ll hear how Tulse assists attendees, recommends local restaurants, and brings a new layer of innovation to hospitality — made possible through collaboration with IntBot. Then we wrap things up with a playful Thumbs-Up Challenge covering guest experience, event flow, and why robots and humans make a great team.
From wayfinding to wow moments, this episode is all about how technology and hospitality come together to create memorable stays.
Subscribe to Lobby Talks for more conversations from inside hotels, event spaces, and the people (and robots!) shaping guest experiences. Thanks for listening — we’ll see you in the lobby.
To learn more about AI robots and explore how they can elevate the hospitality experience, visit: https://www.intbot.ai/
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In this episode of Lobby Talks, we take you behind the scenes for a real look at hospitality in action.
Meet some of the newest faces on our team and hear from the people who keep everything running smoothly long before guests arrive. From collaboration across departments to solving unexpected challenges, this conversation highlights how preparation, teamwork, and adaptability shape every guest stay and event experience.
Our team shares what it’s like working behind the scenes, the skills that matter most in hospitality, and how wearing many hats is just part of the job. Whether you’re an event professional, planner, or simply curious about what happens beyond the front desk, this episode offers insight into the people and processes that bring experiences to life.
Follow Lobby Talks for more behind-the-scenes stories from hospitality and events.
https://www.instagram.com/thelobbytalks/
https://www.facebook.com/p/Lobby-Talks-61576670436579/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-lobby-talks-podcast
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Hospitality isn’t a job—it’s a lifelong commitment to people.
In this episode of Lobby Talks, we’re joined by Amar Pandey, a retired hotel owner and hospitality leader whose career spans over 40 years across Marriott and Hilton hotels, family-run restaurants, and countless professionals he’s mentored into leadership and ownership roles.
From immigrating to the U.S. and transitioning from software engineering into hospitality, to owning and operating major hotel brands, Amar shares what it really takes to succeed in this industry for the long haul.
We cover:
· What defines great hospitality beyond brand standards
· How hotel leaders can better support meeting and event planners
· Why mentorship and attitude matter more than titles
· The future of hospitality in a technology-driven world
If you’re a hotel professional, meeting planner, event strategist, or hospitality leader, this conversation is full of timeless lessons you can apply today.
Listen now and meet us in the lobby.
Want more conversations like this?
Follow Lobby Talks on LinkedIn at the-lobby-talks-podcast for weekly insights from hospitality leaders, event professionals, and the people shaping the future of our industry. -
How do venues get discovered on Cvent—and how can meeting planners book better, faster, and with more confidence?
In this episode of Lobby Talks, we’re joined by Oliver Corser, Account Manager at Cvent, for a behind-the-scenes look at how the platform connects meeting planners with venues around the world. We break down what actually impacts visibility, rankings, and response rates—and how both sides of the sourcing process can work smarter.
Venue sales managers will learn how to optimize their Cvent listings, avoid common RFP mistakes, and build stronger planner relationships.
Meeting and event planners will walk away with practicaltips for writing better RFPs, using underutilized filters, and improving response quality from venues.
We also explore what a great sourcing experience lookslike for both planners and venues, how Cvent is evolving with the future of meetings, and wrap with a fun “Dream Event, No Limits” segment.
If you work in event planning, venue sales, hotel sales,or hospitality, this episode is a must-listen.
🎙️ Lobby Talks brings real conversations with industry leaders shaping the meetings and events world.
Learn more about the venues and platforms featured inthis episode:
Explore Ruffin Event Center: www.ruffineventcenter.com
Discover Marriott Tulsa Southern Hills: marriott.com/tulse
Source and plan smarter with Cvent: cvent.com
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Happy New Year from Lobby Talks.
Season 3 is officially underway, and we’re taking a short pause this week before continuing with more conversations for hospitality, meetings, and events professionals.
New Season 3 episodes coming soon. Until then, thank you for listening and being part of the Lobby Talks community.
👉 Follow Lobby Talks and explore all episodes, clips, and socials here:
https://linktr.ee/Thelobbytalks?utm_source=linktree_profile_share<sid=ff29637e-ee1d-40dc-8bc0-89734e4d2e08
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Tulsa is having a moment—and it’s just getting started.
In this episode of Lobby Talks, Rachell LeLeux, Director of Sales & Marketing at Marriott Tulsa Southern Hills & Ruffin Event Center, sit down with Sarah Inboden, Vice President of Experience & Events at Tulsa Regional Tourism, to explore why Tulsa is becoming a top destination for tourism, meetings, and major events.
Sarah shares how collaboration across the city, standout hospitality, and landmark moments like hosting the PGA have helped elevate Tulsa’s national profile. We also dig into the economic ripple effect of tourism and why creating comfort is at the heart of true hospitality.
Plus, don’t miss our “This or That: Tulsa Edition” for insider picks on must-see local experiences.
🎙️ Lobby Talks — conversations at the intersection of hospitality, events, and place.
👉 Discover what makes Tulsa unforgettable at VisitTulsa.com
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In this episode of Lobby Talks, host Ravi Sharma, General Manager at Marriott Tulsa Southern Hills, sits down with Austin Connors, General Manager of the Arvest Convention Center, for a deep dive into what it really takes to operate at the intersection of hospitality, events, and citywide tourism.
Both leaders share their passion for service, the fast-paced world of event and hotel management, and how they’ve built a powerful partnership—even when some might view their roles as competitive.
Whether you’re a hotel professional, event planner, destination marketer, CVB partner, convention center operator, or tourism pro, this episode is packed with insights on collaboration, leadership, and navigating constant change.
Chapters:
1:00 — Raised in the Biz: Austin’s Second-Generation Convention Center Story
3:00 — When the World Stopped: How the Pandemic Reshaped Events
5:00 — Why Tulsa? Austin’s Journey to Leading the Arvest Convention Center
10:00 — No Off Days: Managing Major Transitions When Events Never Pause
13:00 — Power in Partnership: How MTH&LA Connects Tulsa’s Hospitality Pros
16:40 — Behind the Curtain: Why Events Are One Big Production
20:00 — Citywide Wins: How Massive Events Demand Massive Collaboration
25:00 — New Frontiers: Hybrid Meetings, Tech Shifts & the Rise of AI
27:00 — Better Together: The Tourism Partnerships Elevating Tulsa
29:00 — Bridging the Gap: Connecting City Stakeholders and the VenueConnect with the Marriott Tulsa Southern Hills or the Arvest Convention Center to explore how their teams can support your next meeting, conference, or citywide event (links below). https://www.arvestconventioncenter.comhttps://www.marriott.com/tulse -
New to the hospitality industry or growing your event planning career? This episode of Lobby Talks is made for you.
🎙 Hosted by Rachell, Director of Sales & Marketing for Marriott Tulsa Southern Hills & Ruffin Event Center, and featuring our amazing events team, we share real talk and proven strategies for creating memorable experiences, from setup to standing ovation.
What you’ll learn:
✔️ Essential event planning tips for beginners
✔️ How to grow your hospitality career
✔️ Behind-the-scenes secrets
✔️ Ways to stand out in event coordination and guest services🎧 Listen now and follow Lobby Talks for weekly episodes designed to help you thrive in the events and hospitality world.
#EventCareers #HospitalityJobs #YoungHospitalityPros #LobbyTalksPodcast #HospitalityGrowth #EventSetupTips
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In this final episode of our Cultural Series, we dive into the roots and evolution of Tokyo, OK, Oklahoma's Largest Anime, Japanese and Pop Culture Convention.
Zac Murphy joins Carly to explore how the Oklahoma Society 4 Culture Appreciation bridges global traditions with local energy.
From fan culture to serious discussions on AI in art and the importance of safe, inclusive events, this episode highlights how Tulsa is becoming a home for culture from across the globe.
Timestamps:5:50 – The origin of Tokyo, OK
7:00 – Samurai & James Bond: Surprising Cultural Connections
13:00 – Culture as an educational experience
15:26 – Welcoming Spirit at Marriott Tulsa Southern Hills & Ruffin Event Center
19:00 – Creating safe event environments
21:30 – AI’s role in future art
24:24 – Becoming custodians of culture
33:00 – Zac’s rapid-fire favorites
40:00 – Why event spaces should feel like culture, not just walls
🔗 Learn More About OS4CA:https://www.oklahomaculture.org/ 🔗Follow Lobby Talks:https://www.instagram.com/thelobbytalks/ -
In this episode, Carly sits down with Meg Gould, who leads Tulsa’s Film, Music, Arts, and Culture (FMAC) Office, to explore how Tulsa is becoming a magnet for creative talent and global attention.
They unpack the city’s rise in the film industry, collaborations with the Cherokee Film Office, local arts support, and the crucial role of Tulsa’s unique hospitality in creating a thriving cultural landscape.
🔗 Resources & Links:
https://www.visittulsa.com/film-music/
https://www.instagram.com/thelobbytalks
#TulsaFilm #TulsaArt #TulsaMusic #LobbyTalksPodcast
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