Welcome to another edition of Kickin' it with Kristen — your midweek motivation every Wednesday!

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💡Aha! Moment

I thought their lives were the ones changing. Turns out ours are too.

This weekend, we moved my in-laws into their new home, just two blocks from ours. It’s a move that’s been nine months in the making, filled with emotion, logistics, and love.

We did it as a team — my husband, my brother-in-law and sister-in-law, and me.

Exhausting? Absolutely.

Emotional? Without question.

Also filled with laughter, relief, and moments of connection, I’ll won't soon forget.

Now, as they head back home to Arizona… the reality is sinking in.

We’re not just supporting a big life transition. We’re living in it.

A typical Monday used to be work, meetings, and the usual routine.

Today, it’s an emergency Costco run for lost hearing aids for my father-in-law.

It’s scheduling a doctor appointment for my in-laws, running over to help them figure out the new TV, locating something in their new house, and working to figure out what this new normal looks like.

The stress is real. The gratitude is too. And somewhere in the middle… I’m reminded this is life.

Not paused. Not postponed. Just reshaped.

There were challenges behind the scenes, too, including family resistance that made the process heavier than it needed to be. But we kept going. And I’m proud of that.

To anyone else navigating caregiving, transitions, or family shifts — I see you.

It’s okay to feel everything at once.

It’s okay not to have it all figured out.

We’re all learning as we go. Together.

💬 If you’re finding yourself leading through life changes, let’s connect.
We can support each other over a virtual Diet Coke.​

One Thing to Know

🏨 Event Essentials - Snack Stations That Actually Work

Let’s be real — no one wants to hit that 3 p.m. wall in the middle of a great event. But sugar-packed snacks? They’re not the answer.

I’ve learned that energy doesn’t have to come in a shiny wrapper. It can come from thoughtful choices, like mixed nuts, fresh fruit skewers, or whole-grain crackers with hummus. These kinds of snacks don’t just look great; they help people feel good, stay focused, and enjoy the experience longer.

And the bonus? A colorful, intentional snack setup can spark connection. People gather. They chat. They linger.

So yes, healthy snacks are on trend — but more than that, they’re a quiet (and tasty) way to show people you’ve thought about their whole experience. And that matters.

🏰 a_far_off_place by Katy Lampe - While summer just started, fall is just around the corner and you know what that means!? Halloween!!

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If you're a fan of spine-chilling scare zones, haunted houses, and scary good treats, Halloween Horror Nights (HHN) is your ultimate fall destination. Held annually at Universal Studios in both Orlando and Hollywood, this special event features a spoktacular lineup of haunted houses themed around popular horror movies, TV shows, and original creations by Universal’s creative team. Expect to come face-to-face with legendary monsters, sinister slashers, and creatures you wish stayed in your nightmares.

What sets HHN apart is the cinematic quality of its sets, costumes, and effects. From detailed house designs to scare zones crawling with creatures, it’s an immersive horror experience that goes far beyond jump scares!

Whether you're a die-hard horror fan or just looking for a scream-filled night out, Halloween Horror Nights delivers unforgettable fear and fun. Just don’t go alone… 👻

🏫 Learned - Recently, I started asking a new question at the start of every planning conversation: “What does success look like to you?”

Simple, right? But it changes everything.

This one question unlocks clarity, alignment, and often, a lot of surprising insight. People define success differently — and unless we ask, we’re guessing. This small shift creates space for people to be heard, and more importantly, understood.

Whether I’m planning something at home, in a team setting, or with a client, I’ve seen this question spark better ideas, smoother plans, and way more buy-in.

It’s not just about being strategic — it’s about being human.

✔️ Accomplished - Held Boundaries and Still Showed Up for My Family

This past week was full-on: emotionally, physically, and mentally.

We moved my in-laws. Handled appointments. Managed a whole new routine.

I’d love to say I was calm and centered the whole time… but I wasn’t.

There were definitely moments of frustration — when things didn’t go smoothly, when emotions ran high, when I was just plain tired.

But here’s what I’m proud of:

• I didn’t try to do it all.
• I paused what needed pausing. Delegated what I could.
• I even took a break to watch my nephew’s baseball game — because joy matters too.

And when it counted most, I showed up — with presence, love, and (most of the time) patience.

Old me might’ve pushed through every task and run myself into the ground. This version of me knows that strength isn’t perfection — it’s being intentional with your energy.

And I’m calling that a win.

🤔Insight for the Week

❓Ask Kristen or Katy

Q: I'm planning an event and considering a site visit. The hotel looks great online. Do I really need to do a site visit and if so, what should I be looking for?”

A: My take? Always do a site visit! Even if the pictures are beautiful and the specs check out, nothing compares to feeling the space in person.

Here’s what I tell clients to look for:

• Flow: Can people move comfortably from session to session, or will they feel crowded or confused? Try walking it like a guest would.
• Lighting & Acoustics: Natural light is great, but how does it shift during the day? Are breakout rooms too echoey or hard to hear in?
• Staff Energy: Are they engaged, helpful, and present? Do they really listen when you ask questions?
• Common Areas: Ask to see everything, not just the event space. That includes the lobby, restaurants, gym, pool, and public lounges. Guests will spend more time in those spaces than you think, and they contribute to the overall experience.
• Sleeping Rooms: Don’t skip these. You want to know what your attendees will walk into at the end of the day. Is it clean, quiet, and comfortable?
• Signage, bathrooms, parking: These seem small, but they’re often what people remember (especially if they’re a hassle).

And here’s one of my favorite things to do:

🛋️ I sit in the lobby and just watch.

• How are guests greeted when they walk in?
• Is the check-in process smooth, or does it look chaotic?

That one observation tells you a lot about how your attendees will be treated.

With my clients, I always try to negotiate a complimentary night or two for a site visit. It's a small ask that can make a big difference.

Another benefit of working with a sourcing partner like me is that we may already have experience with the property or we just had a client there. That inside knowledge can save you time, money, and surprises.

🎯 If you're planning an event and want support navigating the process — from sourcing to strategy — let’s chat.​

💬 Let’s Connect! Whether you’re planning an event, looking for leadership coaching, or dreaming up your next adventure, let’s chat. Hit reply, or find Kristen on LinkedIn and Katy on Facebook/Instagram.

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