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: Thompson Houston

Hey there, H-town! We are heading your way next. We hope you are fixin’ to come out and see us on Wednesday, April 3rd. We think we have quite the venue to show you!

Considered Houston’s new “living room”, the long-awaited, über-chic Thompson opened its doors in February of this year. Gorgeous and futuristic glass-and-steel façade with curved lines, overlooks Buffalo Bayou Park on Allen Parkway, close to downtown.

The Thompson group is known for incorporating elements from the city into the design. Thompson Houston’s stunning lobby in the sky, on the seventh floor, was designed in a mid-century style. And guest rooms were created with a Texas oil baron’s home in mind.

The 36-story mixed-use building that houses Houston’s first Thompson hotel also includes residences, which have access to all the amenities of the hotel.

Come join us on Wednesday, April 3rd at Thompson Houston in the Vesper Pre-function area from 4:00 pm – 5:30 pm for our Destination Showcase, followed by a reception from 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm in Sol 7 Lawn.

Complimentary headshots by Kelli Price Photography will be available, too—so come looking fabulous for that if you choose! We will share tips before you arrive! The talented Kelli will help guide you to looking your best, though.

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 the Thompson Houston and the third stop on the Lonestar State Roadshow!

Lone Star State Roadshow Stop #3 – State of Grace, Houston

Helllllooo, Houston! Our third and final stop on our 2023 Lone Star State Roadshow brings us to the hip, retro-inspired State of Grace in Houston!

Welcome to Texas in another time. Elegant lighting illuminates the leather, brick and wood textures in this place of business and banter. State of Grace is a place to make memories while eating good food. It is a homage to the power of recollection, drawn from memory and given a proper frame.

State of Grace is inspired by the scenic Hill Country with a heavy Gulf Coast influence fusing Texas smoke with Asian touches, along with nods to classic Tex-Mex dishes. Located in the River Oaks neighborhood of Houston, this energetic restaurant offers a menu of bold Southern dishes using locally sourced products, including an expansive cold bar and oyster program drawing from the Texas Gulf.

Come join us in Houston on Thursday, April 27 from 10 am – 12 pm for our Luxury Destination Showcase followed by a Luncheon from 12 pm – 2:00 pm. We look forward to welcoming you to Houston and the final stop on the 2023 Lone Star Roadshow!

Visit our website at www.retreatsresources for registration details!

 

 

Venue Spotlight: Stop #2 on the Texas Roadshow – Craft F&B, Houston

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 second stop on the Texas Roadshow: Craft F&B, Houston

Craft F&B, located in the Five Star luxury Post Oak Hotel at Uptown Houston, called the new ‘it address’ in Space City by Forbes, serves up elevated comfort food with a side of southern hospitality.

Situated in a soaring tower, the 250-room Post Oak Hotel at Uptown Houston dramatically raises the standard in luxury hospitality. Owned by Houston billionaire hospitality business mogul Tilman Fertitta, and opening in March 2018, the Post Oak is the first vertical, mixed-use project in Houston, blending sophisticated guestrooms and suites, office space, residential, high-end retail, and casual and fine dining all in one tower.


Come join us in Houston and see for yourself, from 4:00 pm – 7:30 pm for our luxury destination showcase followed by cocktail reception and casual, family style dinner at Craft F&B.

We look forward to welcoming you to Craft F&B and Houston on May 11th and the second stop on the Texas Roadshow!