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 bothsides of the sourcing process can work smarter.

Venue sales managers will learn how to optimize their Cventlistings, avoid common RFP mistakes, and build stronger planner relationships.

Meeting and event planners will walk away with practical tips for writing better RFPs, using underutilized filters, and improving response quality from venues.

We also explore what a great sourcing experience looks likefor 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 Talksbrings real conversations with industry leaders shaping the meetings and events world.

Learn more about the venues and platforms featured in this episode:
Explore Ruffin Event Center: www.ruffineventcenter.com
Discover Marriott Tulsa Southern Hills: marriott.com/tulse
Source and plan smarter with Cvent: cvent.com

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

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

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

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

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 legacy of Black Wall Street while creating powerful experiences for today’s culture seekers. It’s where hospitality meets heritage—and it belongs on every thoughtful traveler’s list.

🎧 Tune in to find out whyGreenwood Rising is more than a museum—it’s a movement.

👉 Learn more or support Greenwood Rising here:
🌐 www.greenwoodrising.org
✨ Explore exhibits, donate, or get involved today!#TulsaTravel #GreenwoodRising #BlackWallStreet#CulturalTourism #MeaningfulTravel #LobbyTalksPodcast #Hospitality

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 draw crowds, but there's more history, heart, and local flavor than you'd expect.

So whether you're just checking in or you've called Tulsa home for years, we’ll show you how to see the city through a different lens—one that proves these spots are far from tourist traps.

Come for the photo ops, stay for the stories. Tulsa’s waiting.

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 powerful community impact teams that uplift both hotel associates and the neighborhoods they serve.

From organizing food drives, collecting school supplies for local students, to bringing a little fun and team spirit to the workplace, this conversation offers practical insights for hotel general managers, HR directors, and hospitality leaders looking to strengthen their hotel's culture and community engagement.

Discover how creating an in-house CARE committee or employee-driven outreach group can boost staff morale, improve retention, and reinforce your hotel's reputation as a pillar in the local area. Whether you run a boutique property or a full-service flagship hotel, this episode is a roadmap to turning your team's passion into purpose, starting from the ground up.