Meet Kimberly Bean | Event Strategist, Hotel Sourcing, Conference/Meeting Planner

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kimberly Bean and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kimberly, other than deciding to work for yourself, what was the single most important decision you made that contributed to your success?
The amount of research and networking involved in continuing my business has been significant in succeeding in the world of conference, meeting and event planning. It is vital that I stay updated in the travel industry, so I can provide the latest information on trends, new builds, remodels and cities that influence client’s decisions on meeting locations and best options per their requirements. I feel a responsibility to meet, visit in person, experience and learn about the hoteliers, resorts and CVBs in the cities that I recommend. Often I attend industry-related events that lead me to incredible opportunities and experiences for my clients. These relationships are nurtured over the years, as well as my reputation and commitment to clients and suppliers become my calling card. At this stage in my career, I spend a lot of time on the road traveling for research and I absolutely love it! New acquaintances become friends and my circle of contacts within the travel industry has greatly grown due to these opportunities that are available to planners, travel advisors and suppliers.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Lessons learned along the way have been: 1) volunteering in your child’s school, college alma mater, church, and community civic organizations builds connections and credibility, while working towards a common goal that leads you onto a path of success in a field you never dreamed. Growing up, my parents often entertained – not on a grand scale, but always an “open door and cup of coffee waiting for all”. I loved the interaction and the thoughtful touches my Mother would prepare for company in our home. Fast forward, in college and later newly married with a career in public relations ~ I began entertaining small groups of friends which blossomed into volunteering with my college alma mater, Lipscomb University in Nashville. Working on planning events that benefited student scholarships for 16 years in a voluntary capacity, gave me experience and confidence. The recession of 2008 hit home and my husband and I had to re-invent ourselves career-wise, as we had two children at home ~ taking a leap of faith, we began acquiring/managing condos in Nashville and Brentwood, as part of our investment portfolio. My husband’s background in engineering/project management, and my experience in interior design/public relations provided the skills necessary to take this risk. Simultaneously, I began working for the Nashville Public Education Foundation in an administrative role that led to many event planning opportunities and local industry connections (just as Nashville was growing exponentially) . After several years with the Foundation, I branched out independently and KBT Creative Support Services with born with only a couple of clients. Since that time, my business has exploded and I have been fortunate to work with a variety of clients nationwide ~ non-profit, education, insurance, executives, entrepreneurs, boards of directors, national and global organizations. Learning from each conference, meeting, incentive and event ~ taught me best practices and produced referrals for future business ~ reflecting back, it all began with those early life experiences, impressions and gaining courage along the way.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Best places to feature with friends visiting Middle Tennessee (and I do this often!):
– Downtown Franklin’s Main Street and The Factory – visiting the charming independent shops like The Registry, Philanthropy, Tin Cottage; dining at Merridee’s Breadbasket & 1799 Kitchen at Harpeth Hilton Hotel
– Leiper’s Fork’s – shopping at Patina, David Arms Gallery; breakfast at Country Boy’s, driving through the gorgeous farmland meticulously maintained
– Brentwood’s – Hot Pink, Katy’s Hallmark Gifts, Vignette; breakfast or lunch at Puffy Muffin, dinner at Mere Bulles or Brentwood Country Club; visiting the beautiful parks & neighborhoods
– 12 South’s – Draper James, Serendipity, LoveShack Fancy; dinner at Edley’s Barbeque then Jeni’s Ice Cream
– Downtown Nashville’s – Ryman Auditorium, Country Music Hall of Fame, Four Seasons Riviere Rooftop, JW Marriott’s Bourbon Steak, Omni Nashville Kitchen Notes and the “cream de la cream” is always a visit to the 5-Star Hermitage Hotel (circa 1908) with tea on the weekends in the grand lobby and Veranda, then dinner at the famed Jean-Georges’ Drusie & Darr and the acclaimed The Pink Hermit!

The Cumberland River, The Harpeth River and Percy Priest/Old Hickory Lakes are all important to this area, also historical homes such as Cheekwood, Belle Meade Plantation, Belmont Mansion, The Hermitage, Rippavilla, Travellers Rest, Oaklands Mansion, Carnton Mansion, Two Rivers Mansion are beautiful examples of history and architecture. Taking friends on tours of local college campuses ~ Belmont University, Vanderbilt University, Lipscomb University demonstrate to visitors the emphasis on education, as these examples are essentially within 10 minutes of each other.

So much to do in such a short time, but my friends always want to come back and see more!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
The Shoutout in my story goes to so many ~ my husband, friends and travel industry partners (who have become friends) that make it possible to stay “in the loop” featuring one-on-one meetings and adventures with suppliers and fellow planners:
1) My husband, Truman & close friends ~ who encouraged and believed in me every step (and continue to do so!)
2) Smart Meetings
3) Northstar Meetings Group
4) Retreats Resources
5) ConventionSouth Magazine
6) Small Market Meetings
7) CVBs from across the nation
8) LinkedIn
Without these valued connections, success would be difficult!

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimberlymbean

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KBTCreativeSupp/

Image Credits
My first uploaded image “Totes Ya’ll” taken by Kelli Price Photography

All additional photos were taken by me onsite for client events, conferences and meetings that I sourced, planned and managed