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

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💡Aha! Moment

Ever been ambushed by frustration right when it matters most?

Picture this: You're onsite for a client program.
The general session is about to start.
The AV check was flawless yesterday, but today, the mic won’t connect.

That flash of irritation? Instant.
The urge to blame the AV tech or panic about how the client will react? Very real.
But instead, you pause and ask:
​“What do I need right now to not feel this way?”

That question?
It seems small, but it’s a game changer.

Because in that pause, you shift.
From reacting to responding.
From chaos to clarity.

Maybe what you need is to calmly pull in your hotel partner.
Maybe it’s stepping outside for a breath to reset.
Maybe it’s reminding yourself that you’ve solved harder problems before.

This is one of the most powerful tools I coach clients to use:
​Turning frustration into curiosity.

Because here’s the thing. Frustration usually points to an unmet need.
And when you get in the habit of checking in with yourself—especially under pressure—you build real agency.

It doesn’t just help you troubleshoot a mic failure.
It makes you a calmer leader, a better communicator, and a more grounded partner.

So the next time something goes sideways, try this:
​“What do I need right now to not feel this way?”

It might just be the most productive question you ask all day.

One Thing to Know

🏨 Event Essentials - Making Sustainability Work for Your Event (Without Losing Your Mind)

Let’s be real—planning a green event can feel like a lot. Compost bins, carbon footprints, and trying to find locally-sourced hors d'oeuvres that actually taste good? It’s enough to make your head spin.

But here's the truth: sustainability doesn’t have to be all-or-nothing. It's about making thoughtful choices where they count.

Start with the venue. Is it energy-efficient? Do they recycle, compost, or use water-saving systems? Bonus points if they’ve got green certifications—that's usually a sign they walk the walk.

Then think digital. Swap printed programs for apps or QR codes. Use digital signage instead of banners that end up in the trash. It’s cleaner, easier, and honestly, it feels a bit more modern.

Catering? Local and seasonal is the name of the game. Not only does it cut down on your carbon footprint, but you’re also supporting local businesses—which your attendees will love.

And those leftovers? Don’t let them go to waste. Partner with a food rescue organization and turn extra trays into meals for someone who needs it.

Sustainable planning doesn’t mean sacrificing experience. It just means planning with intention. And the best part? Your attendees will notice—and they’ll remember.

🏰 a_far_off_place by Katy Lampe -

🏫 Learned - Did you know that if you're called for Federal Jury Duty—at least here in Illinois—you serve for an entire month?

Yep. Just a few weeks ago, I served county jury duty for a week. Thought I was in the clear.

Then... surprise! A shiny new envelope arrived in my mailbox:
​United States District Court Summons for Jury Service.​
Reporting period? The entire month of August.

So here we go again.

This week, I’m reaching out to August clients and rescheduling what I can, just in case things get hectic. If I get called in—or end up on a federal jury—I want to make sure I’m showing up fully where I need to, without letting anything fall through the cracks.

What I’ve learned: Flexibility isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s a leadership skill. Life doesn’t always follow our calendar invites, but how we respond? That’s where the real impact happens.

So if you’ve got jury duty, a sick kid, or just a life curveball on your plate—I see you. You’re not alone.

And yes, I’ll keep you posted if I end up in court... again. 😉

✔️ Accomplished - Accomplished: Helped a Client Reframe Their Event Goals—Without Blowing the Budget

One of my favorite parts of what I do is helping clients see what’s possible when constraints start closing in.

Recently, I worked with a client who was navigating shrinking budgets and rising expectations for their next event. Sound familiar?

Instead of defaulting to cutting corners, we got creative.
✔️ We re-evaluated their “must-haves” vs. “nice-to-haves.”
✔️ We prioritized attendee experience over excess.
✔️ And we sourced a hotel partner that was not only budget-aligned, but also flexible, collaborative, and excited to make the event shine.

The end result?

A program that’s more focused, more intentional, and more aligned with their goals than the original plan ever was.

Accomplishment? Turning pressure into possibility—without compromising what matters.

🤔Insight for the Week

❓Ask Kristen

Q: What’s the best way to manage food & beverage minimums without blowing the budget?

A: Ah yes, the F&B minimum—where creativity meets constraint. It’s one of the most common puzzles I help clients solve, and the good news is: it is doable. You don’t need to sacrifice experience to stay on budget—you just need a smart, intentional plan.

Here’s what I recommend:

1. Start with the guest list. Get your numbers as accurate as possible. This helps you plan confidently and avoid over-ordering just to meet the minimum.
2. Be strategic with your menu. Think about the flow of the day. Do you really need breakfast, mid-morning snack, lunch, afternoon snack, reception, and dinner? Sometimes it’s smarter (and more appreciated!) to let participants grab breakfast on their own, or go heavier on snacks and skip a full lunch. Less food, less waste—and often a better experience. Local, seasonal ingredients also tend to be more budget-friendly and more memorable. Win-win.
3. Meet with the chef. Seriously. Share your budget and ask them to help you get creative. Chefs are problem-solvers. They may suggest cost-effective options that still feel elevated, like passed apps instead of plated courses, or local specialties that are affordable and high-impact.
4. Leverage your partners. Working with someone like me through HelmsBriscoe? Great. Let’s also loop in the local Convention & Visitors Bureau. They’re often eager to support groups with added value—like discounted services, welcome amenities, or marketing support—that can stretch your budget even further.
5. Watch consumption in real time. If bottled water is sitting untouched, switch to water stations or pitchers. You can meet hydration needs without spending hundreds on branded plastic bottles. I’ve seen groups save thousands with this one small shift.
6. Keep your internal team aligned. Make sure everyone working on the event (and the leaders involved) understands your budget goals. No surprise upgrades, no rogue coffee orders. I once had an executive request “just a few almonds” for a snack. The bill? $75.

It’s the little things that sneak up on you, so keep the communication clear from the start.

Bottom line: With the right planning and a little creativity, you can hit your minimum without overspending—and still deliver an event that feels thoughtful, generous, and on-brand.

Got more questions like this? Send them my way! I love helping planners think smarter, spend wiser, and build events that don’t just meet the mark—they make a lasting impact.

💬 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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