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.

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 explore how the unique Tulsa Ambassador Program, offered by Tulsa Regional Tourism, empowers frontline hotel staff with insider knowledge to elevate the guest experience. Thanks to this free certification, our team members are now more equipped than ever to be true ambassadors ofTulsa, offering authentic recommendations and a warm welcome to every traveler.

Whether you're planning a visit or just want to learn more about what makes Tulsa tick, this episode is your guide to experiencing the city like a local.

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 the story of how their professional relationship began—and how it has evolved into a true partnership rooted in trust, collaboration, and open communication. Their strong connection has inspired the hotel’s team to go above and beyond, delivering “unreasonable hospitality” through hyper-customized touches, surprise moments, and seamless alignment between venue and event goals. From personalized detailsto intuitive service, their relationship led to an unforgettable experience and a partnership for the future.

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

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 opening our doors—literally and figuratively—to local leaders, community partners, our clients, and changemakers who are shaping Tulsa into a place people don’t just visit, but choose to stay, build, and grow.🎧 Get a sneak peek now, and join us next week as we launch a season full of open doors, open minds, and real Tulsa conversations.#lobbytalks #season2

From surprise VIP visits to sudden emergencies, this episode of Lobby Talks reveals how hotel teams manage crisis situations while keeping every guest from celebrities to families safe and cared for. Real stories, smart strategies, and lessons from the front lines of hospitality.#CrisisManagement #VIPExperience #HotelSafety #HospitalityPodcast #LobbyTalks #HotelOperations