Welcome to another edition of Kickin' it with Kristen — your midweek motivation every Wednesday!
Don't put off your potential — try coaching and book a complimentary Coaching Session today! #leadership #personaldevelopment #learning
💡Aha! Moment
I usually talk about coaching and leadership, but today I’m sharing a different side of what I do — my work as an independent licensee with HelmsBriscoe. My clients lovingly call me The Hotel Whisperer, and honestly, I love that title! Helping clients find the perfect hotel for their events brings me so much joy — and getting to connect with other HelmsBriscoe associates and hotel partners is one of my favorite parts of the job.
Recently, I had the pleasure of heading to Nashville for a regional meeting, where we learned, laughed, and explored all that Music City has to offer. Part of our time included touring eight incredible properties, and I’m excited to share some highlights:
🏨 Grand Hyatt Nashville – Absolutely gorgeous! I was impressed by their thoughtfully designed meeting spaces, featuring fun, collaborative areas that make it easy for teams to connect. A fantastic choice for conferences and events.
☀️ Conrad Nashville – This property is stunning, with a light, airy feel that’s perfect for incentive groups or mid-sized gatherings. It's sophisticated yet welcoming — a wonderful blend of style and comfort.
🎯 Loews Vanderbilt Hotel – A solid choice for events near Vanderbilt University. Their warm, inviting atmosphere makes this property a great option for groups looking to stay close to campus or the West End.
🍪 Renaissance Nashville Hotel – It’s all about location, location, location! Situated right in the heart of downtown, this hotel offers fantastic meeting spaces and — I have to say — the best cookies ever! When we visited, the hotel was buzzing with energy, as they were hosting six of the ten SEC teams — quite the lively scene!
🎸 The Bobby Hotel – A charming boutique hotel full of personality. With its eclectic décor and rooftop music venue, this property offers a fun, artsy vibe — ideal for social events or intimate gatherings.
🍴 Omni Nashville Hotel – This property seamlessly blends Southern hospitality with modern elegance. It's directly connected to the Country Music Hall of Fame, which makes it an excellent choice for groups looking to combine meetings with memorable Nashville experiences.
💎 The Joseph, a Luxury Collection Hotel – High-end and oh-so-sophisticated! This stunning property would be perfect for incentive trips, executive retreats, or any group looking for a truly luxurious experience.
Of course, my biggest Aha! Moment came when I realized that the Holiday Inn & Suites Downtown Nashville — where we stayed — is a true hidden gem. As part of IHG’s Pivotal Meetings collection, this property impressed me with its inviting meeting spaces, fantastic staff, and overall exceptional experience. It’s proof that you shouldn’t write off a property based on outdated perceptions — sometimes the most surprising gems turn out to be unforgettable.
One more takeaway from the trip: We were also reminded of HelmsBriscoe’s Incident Response Team. If you — or someone you know — is responsible for securing hotel space for disaster response teams or employees during emergencies, HelmsBriscoe can help at no cost. It’s a service we’re incredibly proud to provide, allowing teams to focus on what matters most during critical situations.
So here’s my challenge to you:
✨ Don’t write off a hotel based on old perceptions — you might be missing a hidden gem.
✨ And if you’re spending time on tasks outside your core business, ask yourself — Who else can help me with this? Sometimes the best solution is just a phone call away — and in the case of HelmsBriscoe, it may even be free.
If you’d like to hear more about my Nashville experience or how HelmsBriscoe can support your event or emergency response needs, let’s connect!
One Thing to Know
🏨 Event Essentials - If you're planning a conference, team retreat, wedding, or large gathering in the next couple of years, here’s the reality: start early and stay flexible.
The market for booking groups of 100+ people is challenging right now. Hotels are still facing supply constraints, with fewer properties offering the space and room blocks needed. On top of that, popular destinations are booking out 12-24 months in advance — especially in major convention cities like New York, Miami, Las Vegas, and Orlando.
But here's the good news: there are ways to work around these challenges. Consider exploring secondary markets — smaller cities that may have more availability and better pricing. Or aim for shoulder seasons (off-peak travel times) when hotels are more likely to offer flexibility.
And remember, with rising costs and stricter cancellation policies, negotiating well in advance can give you a stronger position.
Bottom line? The earlier you start, the better your chances of locking in the right space, at the right price, for your big event. If you’re gearing up to book a large group gathering, now’s the time to get the ball rolling! ➡️ Set up a time with me today, and let's get started!
🏰 a_far_off_place - Are you packed and ready to jet off after May 7th, 2025?! If you're flying domestic in the U.S., make sure your ID is as REAL as your wanderlust, because that's the ticket to board those flights come 5/7!
In a flashback to 2005, Congress waved its magic wand and conjured up the REAL ID Act, following the 9/11 Commission's advice to create some ID rules! This act rolled out a security checklist for state-issued driver's licenses and ID cards, saying, "No can do!" to federal agencies that want to accept IDs from states not playing by the new rules. It's a whole new world of ID security, folks!
To determine the specific documentation needed to acquire a REAL ID, visit your state's driver's licensing agency website.
For more information, visit About REAL ID | Homeland Security
🏫 Learned - As my book release day gets closer, I’ve been exploring ways to share my message and connect with new audiences. Enter Podmatch.com — a platform that’s basically Match.com for podcast guests and hosts. Who knew?! It’s designed to pair people looking for podcast guests with those eager to share their expertise. Pretty clever, right?
I’ve been amazed at how quickly I've matched with podcast hosts who are interested in my story and insights. It’s exciting to see so many opportunities to engage in meaningful conversations, and it’s reminded me just how powerful storytelling can be. If you're looking to grow your reach or find inspiring guests for your own podcast, Podmatch might be worth checking out!
✔️ Accomplished - My website redesign is officially done — or at least as “done” as any website ever is. (Kind of like that Brady Bunch song… “It’s time to change…”)
Websites are living, breathing things — constantly evolving with new ideas, resources, and insights. But for now, I’m thrilled with how it’s come together. It reflects my coaching work, my upcoming book, and the passion I have for helping leaders thrive.
Curious? Take a look: www.KristenChimack.com. I’d love to hear what you think!
🤔Insight for the Week
You don’t have to be great to start, but you have to start to be great. ~ Zig Ziglar
❓Ask Kristen or Katy
Q: What are the top three things I should consider when selecting a venue for my upcoming conference?
A: Selecting the right venue can make or break your event, so here are three key things to keep top of mind:
- Location, Location, Location! Think convenience first. A venue close to major transportation hubs—like airports and public transit—makes it easier for your attendees to arrive stress-free. The easier it is to get there, the better your turnout will be!
- Capacity and Amenities Be sure the venue can comfortably accommodate your expected crowd. But don’t stop there — check for essential amenities like breakout rooms, quality AV equipment, and yes, enough restrooms. Trust me, these little details make a big difference when you’re trying to keep things running smoothly.
- Atmosphere and Ambiance The vibe matters! Choose a venue that aligns with your event's tone and objectives. Whether you’re going for professional, creative, or casual, the right setting can enhance engagement and leave a memorable impression.
And here’s a bonus tip: Don’t go it alone! As a HelmsBriscoe independent licensee, I have access to industry insights and connections that can help you navigate tricky details and find the perfect fit.
Do you have a question about leadership, events, or travel? Reply and ask—we’d love to feature your question in a future edition!
💬 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/Facebook and Katy on Facebook/Instagram.
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