Kimberly Marlin Bean
KBT Creative Support Services
Event Strategist
Brentwood, Tenn.
kbtcreativesupport@comcast.net
Types of meetings and events: Corporate executive retreats, incentive trips, insurance, education, financial, mental health leadership meetings and conferences, global sales summits
Average number of attendees: 10-1,000, depending on the type of event
Describe your current position.
I provide full-service event management from beginning to end, tirelessly working for the best possible client and vendor outcomes. My role involves researching, visiting, and sourcing locations, venues, resorts, and hotels for clients; organizing, planning, managing, and serving as the liaison for conferences, meetings, summits, corporate retreats, and events; and gifting.
How did you get started in the meetings and events industry, and how did your experience lead to your current position?
As a young child, I learned genuine hospitality watching my parents as they entertained friends and family—not on a grand scale, but with thoughtful touches, kindness, and genuine concern for each person who entered our home. Years later, in my first corporate job in public relations/advertising, I oversaw luncheons for potential clients and eventually planned a large event in Nashville, Tenn., for 1,000 attendees. It scared me to death, but a seed was planted, and my confidence grew.
After taking a break from my career to care for our growing family, I volunteered with the ladies’ association at Lipscomb University, planning events to raise funds for student scholarships. I also began working part-time in my extended family’s gift shop, which included traveling to Atlanta and New York gift markets. Those trips planted the love of travel in me.
With the 2008 recession, the gift shop closed, and I began working at Nashville Public Education Foundation (NPEF). Once my employer discovered my experience in planning events, she immediately requested I work on the foundation’s annual gala. It was an incredible opportunity and allowed me to build contacts at the mayor’s office, Country Music Association, Metro Nashville School Board of Education, and other local nonprofits, as Nashville was just emerging as the “it” city.
Two years after joining NPEF, I branched out on my own and signed up for a Meeting & Event Planning Executive Education course at Belmont University. This proved a huge step, as I met and got my foot in the door of some of Nashville’s best event planners.
Since January 2011, my event business has grown and evolved. It all began from watching my sweet mother and father entertain guests as I was growing up and, later, volunteering at my alma mater.
What skills do you think are essential for planning successful meetings and events?
Successful meetings are so much more than business transactions. They require transparent relationships, a genuine concern for clients and vendors, an eye for detail, organization and lists within lists, respect for budgets, and a zeal to make each conference, meeting, and event the best.
What is your philosophy or approach to challenges and unexpected issues?
It is important to be transparent with clients and willing to take responsibility for oversights or mistakes. Be resourceful, offer suggestions and alternatives, and build relationships with trusted vendors. Follow the “Golden Rule,” treating everyone with respect and kindness, no matter the situation.
How do you keep up with industry trends, changes, and cutting-edge developments?
I attend travel industry conferences offered by respected thought leaders in the MICE industry, meet with sales directors at venues, hotels, and resorts around the world, and tour locations personally so I can convey to my clients with confidence and assurances for successful events. I also explore creative ideas for gifting and event design to keep things fresh.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
The wonderful people I meet inspire me every day. I love what I do!
How would you describe your most significant professional success?
A few years ago, a new client wanted to host an executive conference in downtown Nashville, with a private opening dinner for 40 guests on the stage of Ryman Auditorium. As a native of Tennessee, I was both thrilled and nervous about the opportunity to plan an event at such a renowned venue. The event included bringing in giant crystal chandeliers, the finest china, tables, accouterments, custom florals, catering, gifting, photography, and famous songwriters in the round performing live. It was overwhelming and magical!
Please share an anecdote about how you handled a meeting or event that did not go as planned (out of the ordinary or humorous):
At a conference in Nashville, one of the attendees missed breakfast and the charter bus to the day’s activities. Fearing the worst, his supervisor (also attending the conference) notified our event team, and we went directly to his hotel room. After pounding loudly on the door for five minutes, he finally answered, appearing blurry-eyed and disheveled from overindulging in downtown Nashville the previous night. His supervisor fired him immediately and asked him to check out of the hotel and leave the conference.
The situation created a lot of talk among the attendees, but the event staff and host company remained professional throughout everything, and the conference continued as planned.
Typically, conferences run on a tight schedule, but this situation shows that the safety and whereabouts of attendees are prioritized over sticking to the agenda.
What is the best professional advice you ever received?
Pam Garrett with NPEF said, “There is nothing you can mess up that we cannot fix.” That advice has comforted me many times over the years whenever I have had a crisis of confidence.
What advice would you offer to others in the industry?
Volunteer, be honest, selflessly offer your God-given talents, and do your best. It will not go unnoticed.
I’ve seen Kimberly at work in many different scenarios & venues for many years. I consider her a talented professional & exceptional individual on all levels! Would trust my most prized event in her hands every time.
Kimberly has always been a kind loving leader. I have known her all her life. Her parents were always entertaining friends. I was fortunate enough to ham Kimberly in our Church Kindergarten . She was a leader then and always thankful and helping others. She has a beautiful family that she adores. She is Super Woman and always ready to help with loving care.