March Newsletter
Introduction
SPRING HAS ARRIVED AT OMNI BARTON
CREEK RESORT
& SPA, BRINGING A RENEWED SENSE OF ENERGY AND OPPORTUNITY ACROSS THE RESORT.
This time of year always feels like a season of momentum as we welcome more groups, new leisure travelers, and continue building strong connections with our partners across the country.
I want to take a moment to thank each of you for the role you play in helping us share the Barton Creek story. Your advocacy, relationships, and persistence in the marketplace continue to make a meaningful difference for our team and our success.
In this edition, you will find updates from the resort, recent wins, team travel in the market, and a few key opportunities where your support can have an
immediate impact. As always, we are grateful for your partnership and look forward to building on the momentum together this season.
This edition highlights the relationships built, business secured, and momentum carrying us into Spring. Thank you for the commitment, creativity, and partnership that continue to shape our success and position Barton Creek for an exciting season ahead.
What’s Happening at OBC.
GENERATION CUP
Recap
The Generation Cup brought families to the fairway this year in a truly one-of-akind tournament experience. This yearlong series united players of all ages and skill levels under one shared passion for the game — and proved that golf is best enjoyed across generations.
In partnership with the PGA of America, the Omni Generation Cup made its mark at 12 Omni Golf destinations across the country. This March, Omni Barton Creek was host to the final qualifying round. The mission was simple: grow the game by bringing generations together, one round at a time.
Whether participants were seasoned players or just finding their footing on the course, the event offered something meaningful for everyone who took part.
We are pleased to be the host hotel for the National Championship scheduled in May!
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.
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!
What’s Happening in Austin.
RODEO AUSTIN
March 18-28, 2026
Over the years, Rodeo Austin has grown from a show featuring 16 animals into one of Austin's premier events, featuring Pro rodeo events, daily concerts, livestock show and more.
MOONTOWER COMEDY FESTIVAL
April 8–19
Moontower Comedy Fest is delivering huge stars, fan favorites, comics to watch, and beloved local talent to Austin this April. The festival will span over a two-week period and host shows around Austin featuring over 20 headliners and dozens more comics.
ABC KITE FEST
April 11, 2026
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.
AUSTIN REGGAE FESTIVAL
April 17–19 – Auditorium Shores
A fundraiser for the Capital Area Food Bank, Reggae Fest features three days of reggae, world and dub talent, along with more than 50 vendors selling food and arts & crafts.
PECAN STREET SPRING ARTS FESTIVAL
May 9-10
A free, family event, the Pecan Street Festival is the oldest and largest art festival in Central Texas. Musicians, food vendors, artists and craftspeople turn the Hill Country Galleria into a lively street fair where there is something for people of all ages.
Need Dates Calendar
AS WE LOOK AHEAD TO THE COMING MONTHS, MAY AND JULY REPRESENT SIGNIFICANT OPPORTUNITY PERIODS FOR OMNI BARTON CREEK RESORT & SPA.
These windows offer strong availability and the potential to secure impactful business that will help strengthen our pace.
We encourage you to keep these months top of mind as you speak with clients and evaluate new opportunities. Programs with flexibility or the ability to move quickly could be an excellent fit during these periods, and your continued partnership in helping us fill these gaps is greatly appreciated.
We also experienced a significant cancellation the week of August 17th, so any support there would be greatly appreciated!
Thank you for your focus and support as we work together to capture these opportunities.
*Green highlighted dates are the need dates.
Meet Your Team
Michelle Burks
SENIOR CONFERENCE SERVICES MANAGER
Michelle is a Central Texas hospitality professional with more than 15 years of experience. She began her career in San Antonio, where she spent 8 years at La Cantera Resort & Spa, building her expertise in resort operations and event planning.
Eager to deepen her understanding of event logistics and operations, Michelle joined Omni Barton Creek in September 2022. She spent three years in Banquets as the Event Experience Manager, working alongside the banquet team to ensure events were executed seamlessly and that every guest experience exceeded expectations. In September 2025, she was promoted to Senior Conference Services Manager, where she now partners with clients to strategically plan and oversee programs from concept through execution.
Outside of work, this Austin native enjoys staying active outdoorskayaking, paddle-boarding, playing pickleball, and spending time with her rescue dog, Pearl. She’s also a sports enthusiast who enjoys watching football and will never pass up a game night with friends!
Barton on the Move
Our team continues to stay active in key markets, strengthening relationships and creating new opportunities for Omni Barton Creek Resort & Spa.
Carissa Smith will be attending the ALHI Executive Exchange, while Diane Cash will remain in Washington, D.C. for ALHI Inspire, continuing to connect with customers and partners through these important industry events. Kimy
Piland is heading to the Midwest for the Fly Around with our GSO team, building visibility and momentum across that region.
Looking ahead to April, Brian will be representing the resort at HelmsBriscoe ABC and Teneo NYC, while Steve will be welcoming key planners to Austin during the TSAE Open, offering them the opportunity to experience Barton Creek firsthand.
WE ARE GRATEFUL FOR THE CONTINUED EFFORT FROM THE TEAM TO KEEP OMNI BARTON CREEK RESORT & SPA TOP OF MIND IN EVERY MARKET.
Testimonials"
Beautiful property, location, and INCREDIBLE staff. The service was truly next level.
Aside from the absolutely gorgeous hill country views and immaculate property, the staff and service were exceptional! From the sales contract to the meeting wrap-up, they were responsive, professional, creative and knowledgeable about meeting planning and events. I would give this property and their staff a 11 if I could. They were so wonderful and easy to work with and I can't wait to have our next event there.
Beautiful location, property, rooms. Service was great.
From beginning planning stages with Megan Vance, our team's experience was amazing. Everyone was professional, friendly and very helpful.
Impeccable event experience in every area and top notch customer service!
Year to Date Productivity
OUR PARTNERSHIP WITH ALHI CONTINUES TO GENERATE STRONG MOMENTUM FOR OMNI BARTON CREEK RESORT & SPA
Year to date, production from ALHI-supported programs has increased 51% year over year, with room revenue growing from $188K during the same period last year to $467K this year. Just as encouraging, the team has done an excellent job restoring lead volume to prior levels, with 89 leads year to date compared to 90 at this time last year.
Several ALHI partners have played an important role in helping secure key programs. Suzy Symons was instrumental in supporting Brian Weatherman in securing Jazz Pharmaceuticals as a key tentative for June. This program, valued at approximately $227K, represents meaningful summer business for the resort.
Staci Currie also helped us secure Shell’s Employee Club, another important summer program scheduled for July with a total value of $11K. In addition, Jennifer Shafer supported the team in closing SafeBreach for May of this year. This short-term program, arriving in less than 90 days, represents $78K in total revenue and demonstrates the impact of strong collaboration and timely support.
We are grateful for the continued partnership and advocacy from the ALHI team and appreciate the role each of you plays in helping drive results for Barton Creek.
ALHI Top Performers
FEBRUARY
Jennifer Shafer - $78,488
Staci Currie - $10,755
Shelley Bartle-Reed - $332,595
Kerri Matthews - $279,456
Jennifer Shafer - $78,488
Staci Currie - $10,755
