Event Magic and Community Building - Meg Gutowski - Defining Hospitality - Episode # 189

Is there power behind organized chaos? 

Today, Dan Ryan engages with Meg Gutowski, Vice President of the Independent Lodging Congress (ILC). They discuss the essence of hospitality, the role of ILC in fostering connections among industry professionals, and the unique blend of events hosted by ILC that emphasize genuine human interactions over transactional relationships. Meg shares insights from her extensive experience in the hospitality industry, including planning initiatives, organizing events, and the importance of creating meaningful experiences for attendees. They also delve into personal anecdotes and the intricacies of balancing organized chaos in event planning. The episode emphasizes the transformative power of hospitality and the vital role of independent lodging in the industry.

Takeaways: 

• Emphasize the mission of hospitality to care for people on their journeys. This core purpose should guide all actions and decisions.
• Strive to create experiences that blend the unexpected with fulfilling guest expectations, making their stays magical but ensuring they feel taken care of.
• Use unique and less formalized settings, like walk-and-talks, immersive experiences, and local tours, to encourage organic interactions and deeper connections among attendees.
• Building authentic relationships is crucial. In the hospitality industry, human connection and genuine interactions can set your business apart.
• Engage with local businesses and community members to enhance the collective experience for visitors.
• Choose venues and spaces that are comfortable and stimulating for guests, considering their comfort during events and interactions.

Quote of the Show:

“ Trying to figure out the right combination so that it feels very magical, but also you feel like you're taken care of. That's how hospitality has been running through my brain.” - Meg Gutowski

Links:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meg-gutowski-09b33972/ 
• Website: https://ilcongress.com/ 

Shout Outs:

• 0:48 - Corinthian Yacht Club https://www.corinthianyc.org/ 
• 1:47 - Bashar Wali https://www.linkedin.com/in/basharwali/ 
• 5:45 - Andrew Benioff https://www.linkedin.com/in/llenrockgroupbenioff/ 
• 7:18 - Cavallo Point Lodge https://www.cavallopoint.com/ 
• 16:50 - Elyse Kirby https://www.linkedin.com/in/jelysekirby/ 
• 17:25 - Sage Hotels https://sagehospitalitygroup.com/ 
• 21:57 - Marquise Stilwell https://www.linkedin.com/in/quise/ 
• 24:01 - Morris Adjmi Architects https://ma.com/ 
• 24:05 - MethodCo https://www.methodco.com/ 
• 25:07 - Alexis Lanman https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexis-lanman-b0b39487/ 
• 25:08 - Jen Parks https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniferfigariparks/ 
• 32:35 - Highgate https://www.highgate.com/ 
• 38:38 - Paul Tamburello https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-tamburello-80638512/ 
• 39:16 - Little Man Ice Cream https://www.littlemanicecream.com/ 
• 46:27 - Amy Michaelson Kelly https://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-michaelson-kelly-a547a717/ 
• 46:30 - Lark https://www.larkhotels.com/ 
• 46:41 - Shelton Steele https://www.linkedin.com/in/shelton-steele-39521566/ 
• 46:42 - Wrong Way Campground https://www.wrongwaycampground.com/ 

🏨✨ Defining Hospitality is Sponsored by Berman Falk https://www.bermanfalk.com/ - Check out their impact page! 🌍🌱 https://www.bermanfalk.com/impact/ 

Ways to Tune In: 

• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0A2XOJvb6mGqEPYJ5bilPX
• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/defining-hospitality-podcast/id1573596386
• Google Podcasts: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZGVmaW5pbmdob3NwaXRhbGl0eS5saXZlL2ZlZWQueG1s
• Amazon Music: ​​https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/8c904932-90fa-41c3-813e-1cb8f3c42419
• Transistor: https://www.defininghospitality.live/