Welcome to another edition of Kickin’ it with Kristen — where real life, real business, and real event strategy meet.

If you’ve got an event coming up and want to talk through hotels, dates, or destinations in a no-pressure way, let’s grab a Virtual Diet Coke and brainstorm.

💭 What’s Been On My Mind Lately

Do you ever lose motivation, not because you’re tired, but because you’re angry?

If you’ve noticed I’ve been quiet for a couple of weeks, that’s part of it. My motivation didn’t disappear. It got blocked.

I’ve had a lot of family things happening (more on that next week), but what really stopped me in my tracks was something that happened at work.

Most of the time, honestly about 95%, my hotel sourcing work goes beautifully. Clients are collaborative, grateful, and relieved to have someone in their corner navigating contracts and negotiations.

But then there’s the other 5%.

A client reached out asking for help with an event. Within days, I had great hotel options. Shortly after that, I negotiated a strong contract with better terms than they’d achieved on their own the year before. They were excited. Thankful. Ready to move forward.

And then… silence.

Follow-ups. They are having a meeting “next week.”

More silence.

Finally, I shared that the hotel was receiving other interest. “We’re ready to move forward,” they said.

I requested the contract.

And then came the email that made my stomach drop:

I was stunned.

And if I’m being honest — I was angry.

Angry because the work was already done. Angry because the concern wasn’t based in facts. Angry because they were about to benefit from everything I had negotiated… and walk away leaving me with nothing to show for the work.

I called the hotel to let them know what happened, and they were just as surprised. They even reached out to the client themselves, confirming the stronger contract and assuring them the relationship wouldn’t be impacted.

The answer was still no.

So I sat there thinking: Did I do something wrong? Why ask for help if you won’t trust the process? How do you stay motivated when your work is valued… but not honored?

Their final note?

And all I could think was… what???

That moment didn’t just slow me down. It took the wind out of my motivation.

So here’s how I’m working through it:

• I’m reminding myself that one decision doesn’t erase years of trust and results
• I’m allowing myself to feel the frustration instead of rushing past it
• And I’m getting clearer about boundaries for my energy, my time, and my work

Motivation doesn’t disappear. Sometimes it just waits for us to name what’s really blocking it.

Want to learn more about what I do behind the scenes? Visit my website and grab The Hotel Whisperer Confidential Guide:10 Wild Event Lessons You Don’t Want to Learn the Hard Way — real stories, real mistakes, and the things no one tells you until it’s too late. Real stories. Real mistakes. And the things no one tells you until it’s too late.

🏨 The Hotel Whisperer Tip

Once negotiations are complete and a hotel is selected, it’s important to move promptly into contract or clearly communicate timing. Delays create confusion, risk availability, and — as I learned — can sometimes lead to last-minute pivots.

On my end, I’m also getting clearer about when to:

• Pause negotiations until intent is confirmed
• Set expectations around next steps and timing
• Protect the work already completed for all parties involved

Clarity upfront protects relationships, time, and trust — on every side of the table

🏰 a_far_off_place by Katy Lampe​

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If any part of this resonated with you, I’d love to hear. You can reply, comment, or send a DM. Hit reply, or find Kristen on LinkedIn and Katy on Facebook/Instagram.

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