April Newsletter
AS WE MOVE THROUGH APRIL, THERE IS A GROWING SENSE OF MOMENTUM ACROSS OMNI BARTON CREEK RESORT & SPA AS WE PREPARE FOR THE BUSY SEASON JUST AHEAD.
With summer right around the corner, our teams are actively gearing up for a full calendar of group programs, leisure travel, and signature events that will bring great energy to the resort.
This time of year is all about building toward what’s next, and we are grateful for the role each of you plays in helping us position Barton Creek for a strong and successful season. Your continued partnership in driving business, identifying opportunities, and keeping us top of mind is instrumental as we head into these peak months.
In this edition, you will find updates on what’s ahead, recent successes, and key opportunities where your support can make an immediate impact. We are excited about the momentum building and look forward to a strong season together.
What’s Happening at OBC.
FUN & FAMILY‑FRIENDLY PROGRAMMING
From art-and-history tours walking through the resort’s collection of Texas-inspired artwork to miniature golf, game lounge access, and seasonal crafts, there’s something for every guest — couples, families, and solo visitors alike.
LIVE MUSIC & RELAXED EVENINGS
The resort continues to schedule laid-back music nights, lounging experiences, and signature happy hour offerings at venues like the resort’s lobby lounge and dining outlets — ideal for a night out without leaving the resort.
SMOKE: A CELEBRATION OF FIRE & FLAVOR
June 19 & 20, 2026
The second annual SMOKE: A Celebration of Fire & Flavor returns over Father’s Day weekend for a two-day barbecue experience celebrating bold flavors and legendary pitmasters. Expanding on last year’s Texas vs. Oklahoma rivalry, this year welcomes Alabama into the mix, bringing together top chefs, pitmasters, and tastemakers from three iconic barbecue states. Guests can enjoy tastings, craft beverages, live music by Georgia-bred country artist Channing Wilson, and a head-to-head barbecue showdown — all culminating in an epic fireworks finale.
MEET THE 2026 CELEBRITY CHEFS
With nearly 30 years of experience as a cook and hospitality professional, John Bates is the chef and fire tender at InterStellar BBQ—and the force behind some of Austin's most beloved concepts, including Yellow Bell Tacos, Deft Pies, The Noble Pig and Noble Catering.
The renowned chef Kevin Lee and Food Network Champion from Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, is known for pushing the boundaries of flavor while honoring his Korean American roots through his creative approach to open-fire cooking and inventive barbecue.
Chef Chris Lilly is a barbecue legend and 4th-generation owner of the iconic Big Bob Gibson Bar-B-Q in Decatur, Alabama. As head chef and pitmaster, he leads the restaurant’s competition team, boasting 18 World BBQ Championships and a record 5 Memphis in May World Grand Championships.
Chef Herve Cuyeu brings more than two decades of experience to the resort’s food and beverage program. A native of Bordeaux, France, Cuyeu developed his passion for cooking in his mother’s kitchen before formally training at the Lycée d’Hôtellerie et de Tourisme de Gascogne.
RED, WHITE & BLUE BBQ
On July 3, celebrate freedom and flavor with classic Texas-style barbecue, family-friendly lawn games, and live music by Neal McCoy - all set against the Hill Country backdrop. The night caps off with a dazzling fireworks finale for a truly memorable celebration.
GOOD GOOD CHAMPIONSHIP
November 9 – 15, 2026
FAZIO CANYONS GOLF COURSE
The Good Good Championship will ride into Austin, Texas in November 2026, bringing PGA TOUR excitement to the stunning Omni Barton Creek Fazio Canyons Golf Course. Set amidst the landscape of the Texas Hill Country, this official FedEx Fall event will feature world-class golf, a 120player field and 500 FedEx Cup points awarded to the winner.
Stay tuned for more information on guest hospitality opportunities!
INTRODUCING
The Resort Homes
AT BARTON CREEK
COMING OCTOBER 1, 2026
Discover The Resort Homes at Omni Barton Creek, where privacy meets elevated luxury. Designed for golfers, executives, celebrations, and small groups, these six newly renovated and exclusive four-bedroom residences offer the comfort of a private home with the benefits of a world-class resort, just a half mile away. Perfect for retreats or premium stays, they deliver an intimate, refined escape.
What’s Happening in Austin.
AUSTIN BLUES FESTIVAL
The Austin Blues Festival has released its official daily lineup for the 2026 event, taking place Saturday, April 25 and Sunday, April 26. The two-day celebration will feature a stacked roster of legendary acts and rising talent, with Jimmie Vaughan & Friends headlining Saturday night and Parliament Funkadelic ft. George Clinton closing out Sunday. April 25, 26, 202 6
TUESDAY TWILIGHTS
March 24, 2026 - May 12, 2026 | Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
Make it a date night, a picnic with friends, or come for some solo solace in nature. Each evening will feature live music from local musicians, a rolling lineup of Austin’s favorite food trucks, and take-and-walk adult beverages for purchase.
ANNUAL PARAMOUNT SUMMER CLASSIC FILM SERIES
May 22, 23, 24
Every year, the nation's oldest kite festival features hundreds of kites across the Austin sky. This year, the festival is hosting a weekend showcase and contest.
CENTRAL TEXAS JUNETEENTH 2K,
PARADE & CELEBRATION
June 19 | Historic East Austin and Rosewood Park
Juneteenth, also known as "Freedom Day" or "Emancipation Day," is the oldest known African American celebration commemorating the end of slavery. This annual event features a parade with floats and entertainment, and a celebration with food and local vendors at Rosewood Park.
ZILKER SUMMER MUSICAL
July Thursday - Sundays
Pack a picnic and come enjoy the free, annual musical at the Zilker Hillside Theater. The outdoor theatre troupe will host live performances Thursdays through Sundays, beginning around 8:15 p.m.
Need Dates Calendar
AS WE CONTINUE TO FOCUS ON BUILDING PACE IN THE MONTHS AHEAD, WE ARE SHARING OUR MOST CURRENT NEED DATES WITH AN EMPHASIS ON BOTH SHORT-TERM AND FUTURE OPPORTUNITIES.
May remains a key area of focus, with several short-term opportunities still available following a recent significant cancellation. While we have not fully closed the gap, the response and support from the team has been noticeable and greatly appreciated.
Looking ahead, July and December are also priority months where we have gaps to fill and strong opportunities to secure additional business. Your focus on these specific windows can make a meaningful difference in helping us strengthen overall performance.
Thank you for your continued efforts, urgency, and partnership in helping us identify and convert opportunities during these critical periods.
*Green highlighted dates are the need dates.
Meet Your Team
Leighton James GENERAL MANAGER
Leighton James has built his career in hospitality through a hands-on approach and a passion for creating exceptional guest experiences. He spent much of his early career in Los Angeles, followed by a brief stint in Birmingham, Alabama, before relocating to Austin in 2019. His background spans luxury lifestyle hotels and large convention properties, giving him a well-rounded operational perspective.
Since joining Omni Hotels & Resorts, Leighton has built a reputation for driving results while staying closely connected to his teams, most recently at Omni Austin Hotel Downtown. He is excited to join Omni Barton Creek Resort & Spa and looks forward to building on its strong foundation by creating memorable experiences, developing associates, and contributing to a best-in-class team.
Outside of work, Leighton enjoys staying active, spending time with his wife, Bri, and son, Harry, and taking advantage of everything Austin has to offer. A dedicated Manchester United fan, he also enjoys traveling, cooking, and entertaining.
Barton on the Move
OUR TEAM CONTINUES TO STAY ACTIVE IN THE MARKET, BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS AND CREATING NEW OPPORTUNITIES FOR OMNI BARTON CREEK RESORT & SPA.
In May, Kimy Piland will be traveling across multiple Midwest cities alongside our Global Sales team, continuing to strengthen connections and drive visibility in the region. Steve Manley will be representing the resort at the ConferenceDirect APM, while Diane Cash heads to Atlanta for the GSAE Annual Meeting & Convention to engage with key industry partners.
Brian Weatherman will also be on the road in Southern California, supporting Here Comes Omni as we help celebrate America’s 250th birthday and showcase the strength of the Omni brand.
We appreciate the continued efforts of the team to keep Barton Creek top of mind across all markets.
Site Visit Wins WE ARE EXCITED TO SHARE A MAJOR WIN THAT HIGHLIGHTS THE STRENGTH OF OUR TEAM AND PARTNERSHIPS IN A HIGHLY COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE.
DRONEDEPLOY HORIZONS
Brian Weatherman successfully secured the 2027 DroneDeploy Horizons program, taking place April 26–29, 2027. This program will bring 748 room nights , generating approximately $275K in guest room revenue and $180K in food and beverage .
This was a significant competitive win for Omni Barton Creek Resort & Spa, beating out a strong set of destinations including Fort Worth, PGA, Shoreham, Houston, Dallas, and Austin. A special thank you to Jennifer Chapman for her partnership and support in bringing this opportunity to the finish line.
WINS LIKE THIS ARE A TESTAMENT TO THE STRENGTH OF OUR RELATIONSHIPS, THE APPEAL OF THE RESORT, AND THE CONTINUED COLLABORATION ACROSS TEAMS.
GSO Top Performers
MARCH TOP LEAD
Darlene Wood - 28
Jenn Chapman – 24
Katie McDuffee - 17
YTD TOP LEAD
Darlene Wood - 73
Beverly Garlington – 63
Jennifer Champman – 59
MARCH
DEFINITE REVENUE
Seth Ryan - $503,608
Krista Bartlett - $393,795
Jennifer Chapman - $379,962
YTD TOP DEFINITE REVENUE
Seth Ryan - $503,608
Beverly Garlington - $394,623
Krista Bartlett - $393,795
Testimonials"
The banquet team, bartenders, and event team were exceptional. Thank you for an amazing trip! My event planning team was excellent.
– Synovus Financial Corporation
The event team was very professional and supportive in planning the event and helping to facilitate logistics during the event. The scenery and facilities were beautiful and not too far from downtown!
– Capital One
Megan Vance and Julia Liguori are what corporate event dream teams are made of - they made everything so easy for my very very finicky group and everyone loved their stay at the Omni!
– AU Technologies
Great location and meeting space. The property is beautiful and the staff is great … and the hotel did a great job supporting this meeting.
– Ascendis Pharmaceuticals
Our group had a wonderful and stress free experience! The OMNI staff was very helpful and attentive. No complaints on our end! Thanks again! All staff we came in contact with were very helpful and kind. I did not have to worry how the service was going to be because everyone handled for us.
– CBRE Group Inc
Resort is awesome...staff is great! Thank you to the entire team.
– Grapevine Golf Group
