Lobby Talks – Details, episodes & analysis

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.

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.

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

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&ltsid=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