Lobby Talks

What makes Tulsa Oktoberfest more than just a festival? In this episode of Lobby Talks, we explore the traditions, entertainment, and people behind Zeeco Oktoberfest Tulsa. Kenny Ott of Das Glockenspiel joins us virtually to share how the group has brought German culture to the festival through music and performance for nearly two decades. We’re also joined by Ryan Howell, Games Master of Tulsa Ok...

What happens when hospitality professionals work together instead of navigating industry challenges alone? On this episode of Lobby Talks , host Ravi Sharma welcomes Trisha Kerkstra, Executive Director of the Metro Tulsa Hotel & Lodging Association, to discuss the importance of hospitality associations and their impact on the industry. From advocacy and workforce development to networking and...

Can you really lead a hotel from a distance? In hospitality, leadership can look very different depending on where you sit.   In this episode of Lobby Talks, we go behind the scenes with four hotel leaders working across finance, sales and marketing, human resources, and operations to explore what happens when leadership is physically close to the operation. How does being on property change the w...

This week on Lobby Talks, we’re joined by Keller Taylor, CVE! As Vice President of the BOK Center and Arvest Convention Center, Keller gives us an inside look at the business of events in Tulsa. We’re talking about what it takes to plan and execute events at two of Tulsa’s most recognizable venues, the challenges that come with large-scale events, and what makes the Tulsa market unique. Keller als...

Technology is changing not only how hotels operate, but how events are produced and how guests experience convenience. In Part 2 of Hotel Technology: The Future of Hospitality, Lobby Talks continues the conversation with two very different perspectives on innovation. 🎛️ Jim and Pedro from Inspire Event Solutions joins us to talk about the evolution of event technology, the AV trends planners are a...

Technology is changing hospitality, from AI-powered concierge robots that interact directly with guests to smart technology working behind the scenes to protect hotel rooms and improve operations. In Part 1 of our Hotel Technology: The Future of Hospitality conversation , Carly talks with two companies tackling very different challenges in the hotel industry. First, Sharon Yang, Chief Technology O...

What separates great travel content from content people instantly scroll past? In this episode of Lobby Talks, travel photographer Chris Warren Palmer and cinematic videographer Pedro (Peter Thomas) share the creative process behind producing compelling visual stories around the world. From working with minimal gear to managing demanding travel schedules and creating content that serves both artis...

This week, Lobby Talks leaves the studio and heads to the Ford Falcon Club of America National Meet in Tulsa, Oklahoma, as enthusiasts from across the country gather to celebrate the Route 66 Centennial. More than a classic car show, this event is a masterclass in destination experiences, attendee loyalty, and community building. Hear from members who have traveled together for decades, discover w...

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 ref...

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 enforc...

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&#39...

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...

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 explor...

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 ho...

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 experience...

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 pay...

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 hos...

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 emp...

🎧 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...

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...

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...

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...

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://l...

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 sh...

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 managemen...