Lonestar State Roadshow: walk away with a new headshot!

We are pleased to be offering complimentary headshots at all four of our stops on the Lonestar State Showcase thanks to photographer Kelli Price.

Here are a few tips to help you come prepared to look fabulous:

Know the “why.”  Why do you need a headshot? Who is your audience? What do you want your photo to say?

Headshot or branding shots? Know the difference. Whereas the goal of a headshot session is one fabulous shot (maybe two), a branding session typically results in a collection of images in a variety of environments. For example, a chef might be shown for making magic in the kitchen, but also in jeans and T-shirt, strolling the farmers market seeking out his bounty. If you are a hotelier maybe that is a money shot within the hotel or resort you represent but also participating in an activity that is fitting of the lifestyle of your destination. If you are a meeting or event professional, maybe it’s an exciting venue or event set up with additional shots of the behind the scenes or day to day operations or how you spend your (limited) down time. If you’ve got your own business and/or website, a personal branding session may be the way to go.

Put your best face forward. Clothes, hair, makeup: They all matter. General rule of thumb? Wear what you feel and look great in. Avoid white, loud colors and busy patterns; you want the focus to be on your face. Ladies may want to bump up your makeup routine a bit, especially the eyes and lips, but a natural look is best.

Trust the process (and your photographer).  While no one is 100% relaxed during a photo shoot, trusting your photographer sure helps. Try to have a little fun (you will with Kelli!). For women, lean forward, lean on something, angle your head for a better jaw line. For the men, lean forward, hand in pocket. Your photographer will help you find the right angle for you, you know the one…no, not that one, the good one. Then exhale….and smile. And walk away with a fabulous headshot you’ll be proud of.

Kelli’s Five Ways to make your Headshot Standout from the Crowd

  1. Color – the first thing that comes to mind is color! Color POPS!
  2. Style – Look professional but with a little extra va-voom. Don’t be afraid to show off your personality
  3. Confidence – You are leader, a Boss Babe, CEO, fresh college graduate….whatever you call yourself, make sure you show it with confidence
  4. Genuine smiles – Unless you are a rockstar, I promise you most people are a little uncomfortable in front of the camera. Pick a photographer that you are comfortable with and drink a glass of wine during the session if you need to. They make pretty props anyways!
  5. Sunglasses – See #2

If you are not registered already, what are you waiting for? To register (its free for event professionals!) go to our website at www.retreatsresources.com

April 1 – Fort Worth
April 2 – Dallas
April 3 – Houston
April 4 – Austin

See you soon, Texas!

Lone Star State Roadshow Spotlight: Austin Proper Hotel

Last but not least, Austin! Finally we are at the end of our Lonestar State Roadshow, only we invite you to the Austin Proper Hotel where it feels like you are coming home….someone’s super chic Austin home, that is. The details are inviting, yet luxurious, like the place you would want to have late night vibes after seeing a show in Austin’s thriving nearby downtown live music scene with all of your friends.

With 238 rooms and suites, a focus on wellness with a dedicated spa and fitness center, as well as four unique options for food and drink, including the bright mix and match of Peacock, the funky atmosphere of The Quill, the fashionable ambiance at Goldie’s, and the local flavors of La Piscina.

Come join us on Thursday, April 4th at Austin Proper Hotel in Marabou East Ballroom from 12:00 pm – 1:30 pm for our Destination Showcase, followed by a luncheon from 12:00 pm – 1:30 pm at La Piscina Restaurant and see for yourself this gem of a hotel in downtown Austin.

We will also be offering complimentary headshots by the fabulous Kelli Price Photography for all in attendance — we will share some tips for getting the most out of your headshot before the event, but we have full confidence Kelli will lead you in the right direction.

Registration is open now on our website and our events are free for meeting and event professionals to attend – www.retreatsresources.com

We look forward to welcoming you to Austin Proper Hotel and the final stop on the Lonestar State Roadshow!

Lone Star State Roadshow Stop #2 – Perry’s Steakhouse at Domain NORTHSIDE, Austin

Hey, Austin! Our second stop on our 2023 Lone Star State Roadshow brings us to…. Perry’s Steakhouse in Austin!

Hello, happy hour, long Friday lunches, private business dinners, and celebratory parties at Perry’s Domain NORTHSIDE. It is here you can experience award-winning steaks, mouth-watering tableside presentations, the famous pork chop, flaming desserts and an expansive wine list. At Bar 79 you can sip refreshing cocktails and enjoy the expansive patio.

Come join us in Austin on Wednesday, April 26 from 10 am – 12 pm for our Luxury Destination Showcase followed by a Luncheon from 12 pm – 1:30 pm. We look forward to welcoming you to Austin and the second stop on the 2023 Lone Star Roadshow!

Visit our website at www.retreatsresources for registration details!

Venue Spotlight: Stop #3 on the Texas Roadshow – Wax Myrtle’s, Austin

Retreats Resources brings the Roadshow to you, but did you know we select the host venues with an experience in mind for every Meeting Planner and Event Specialist who attends. Let’s start with a little background on our third stop on the Texas Roadshow: Wax Myrtle’s in Austin

Wax Myrtle’s, named after the southern shrub and located in the Thompson Hotels brand luxury contemporary Thompson Austin in the heart of downtown, wants guests to feel at home while dining there, with food inspired by memories made over meals with friends. (awwww! We love that feeling!)

Hundreds of plants are used in the décor of the dining space, including a living green wall, and creates spaces for small groups to gather throughout the venue and pays tribute to the diverse plant life in Texas.

Adjacent to the main indoor outdoor space is the Bayberry Room, a private event space with full bar, stage and private dining area.

Fun Fact: Inside the Thompson Austin you will find 6300 square feet of carefully designed meeting and event space. Also carefully named are the five names behind the special event spaces which are named Kelly, Red River, Singer, Newton and Bass….all famous outlaws around Texas in the early 1800s into the 1900s. Notorious for stealing gold, silver and precious stones, they allegedly buried more than $340 million worth of hidden treasure around Texas which has yet to be found. The city of Austin is often considered the outlaw of Texas so the names are only fitting to capture Austin’s rebellious spirit.

Come join us in Austin and see for yourself, from 4:00 pm – 7:30 pm for our luxury destination showcase followed by cocktail reception, and maybe carve out some time to search for that long lost treasure.
We look forward to welcoming you to Wax Myrtle’s and Austin on May 12th and the third stop on the Texas Roadshow!