Lobby Talks

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...

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:...

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 epis...

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 la...

Lobby Talks: Tulsa’s Cultural Moment – Part 1 "Greenwood Rising: Hosting History with Heart" In Part 1 of our 3-part cultural series, Carly sits down with Chris Rogers , Operations Manager at Greenwood Rising , to explore what it means to host guests in a space rooted in heavy history. From emotional storytelling to empathetic exhibit design,Chris shares how Greenwood Rising honors the l...

Think you’ve got Tulsa figured out? Not so fast. In this episode of Lobby Talks , our plugged-in hotel hosts are here to give you the inside story on the city's most talked-about spots, and why they deserve the hype. We’re taking you beyond the surface of iconic locations like The Outsiders House Museum , the Tulsa Giants , and other top tourist stops that are anything but cliché. Sure, they d...

In this inspiring episode of Lobby Talks , we explore how hospitality can go beyond guest check-ins and ballroom events to make a lasting impact both internally and within the local community. Host Donna Moore , Chairperson of the CARE Committee at Marriott Tulsa Southern Hills , sits down with Ravi Sharma , General Manager of the property, to discuss how hotels, regardless of size, can build powe...

In this episode of Lobby Talks, we’re shining a spotlight onthe heart of hospitality: our local experts. Join us as we sit down with members of the hospitality team at Marriott Tulsa Southern Hills, who double as passionate local guides. They’re sharing their favorite fun experiences and must-see spots around Tulsa, from can’t-miss restaurants to outdoor adventures and local events. We also explor...

In this relationship-driven episode of Lobby Talks, weexplore how deep partnerships and trust are the secret ingredients to crafting unforgettable, one-of-a-kind event experiences. Joining us are two industry powerhouses: Melanie Bradshaw, VP of Global Events at SeneGence, and Rachell LeLeux, Director of Sales & Marketing at Marriott Tulsa Southern Hills. Together, Melanie and Rachell share th...

We’re hitting pause this week between seasons, but don’t worry—we’ll be back next week with the official launch of Lobby Talks Season 2. And trust us, it’s worth the wait. This season, we’re bringing hospitality back to the heart of every conversation. Rooted in the idea that the best connections start in the lobby, we’re creating space for meaningful dialogue with the Tulsa community. We’re openi...