Connect. Learn. Grow.
After being honored with MPI’s Event of the Year award for our SWIFT+SHIMMER event, our sales team was inspired to keep the momentum going. This summer, we took time to step away from the day-to-day and invest in something just as important as executing incredible events: investing in our people and their continued professional development.
Our team headed south to Nashville, Tennessee, for our annual sales retreat: three days dedicated to connection, collaboration, and learning how to better serve our clients and industry partners.
At Crystal, we know clients choose us for more than just our beautiful venues or menus - they trust our reputation for reliability, the experience of our team, and the level of care and service that makes every interaction seamless. Retreats like these allow us to pause, reflect on why we do what we do, and strengthen the culture that keeps our food, service, and hospitality at their very best.
Day One: Arrival & Inspiration in the Heart of Music City
Our journey began with a scenic drive from Indianapolis, stopping for lunch at a charming riverfront spot in Louisville before checking into our Taylor Swift-themed Airbnb. This set the tone for creativity and fun right from the start, a 10/10 from our group!
Dinner at Twelve Thirty Club, co-owned by Justin Timberlake, was a standout experience. We sampled everything from appetizers to dessert while enjoying live entertainment. It was a vivid reminder that the right ambiance, service flow, and curated dining experience can transform a meal into a memory.
The evening wrapped up with rooftop views and stops along Broadway at Jason Aldean’s Kitchen + Rooftop Bar and The Stage, where we observed how music, lighting, and crowd flow shaped the energy of each venue. These real-world experiences gave us fresh ideas on how to approach guest engagement, pacing, and atmosphere at our own events.
Day Two: Focused Learning & Team Building
Day two was devoted to intentional learning and hands-on collaboration, the kind of development that directly impacts how we serve our clients every day. Over a home-cooked breakfast and lunch, we tackled a packed agenda:
- Refining sales materials, projections, and strategies to better communicate Crystal’s value
- Strengthening client relationship-building techniques and communication practices
- Exploring upselling opportunities and marketing approaches that prioritize client needs
- Tackling interdepartmental challenges to improve efficiency and workflow
- Using platforms like Canva, Social Tables, and PowerPoint for elevated presentations and event design
- Leveraging AI and automation to streamline communications and enhance client service
- Analyzing real client feedback to identify opportunities to exceed expectations
- Practicing professional networking and hosting site visit scenarios to ensure confidence and consistency
This session wasn't just about improving skills, it was about translating Crystal’s values of reliability, flexibility, service, and care into every step of the client journey.
But, the day wasn’t all business. Birthday festivities for our teammate Sarah included a fun scavenger hunt with childhood photos hidden throughout the house. Game night capped off the day with lots of laughs, a singing challenge, and a competitive round of Password, which Karen and Jacki proudly won!
Day Three: Venue Tours & Local Flavors
We started our final day with a tour of The Bridge Building, an all-inclusive event venue operated by Infinity Hospitality Group. Much like our own company, they offer full-service catering, planning, AV, and venue management across multiple downtown locations. It was valuable to observe a peer organization and compare notes on service models, communication strategies, and onsite client experience.
A visit to the Gaylord Opryland Resort, America’s largest non-casino hotel, followed. Fun fact: Gaylord was established the same year as Crystal in 1977. From its impressive scale to the indoor riverboat cruise, the resort was a reminder of what thoughtful, immersive design can offer.
We wrapped up the day with a Nashville food tour, sampling everything from hot chicken tacos and craft chocolates to local BBQ and small-batch distillery favorites. Beyond the bites, we took note of the role regional flavor, storytelling, and authenticity play in shaping memorable dining experiences, lessons we’ll bring back to our own culinary offerings.
Why It Matters
As a team entrusted with life’s biggest celebrations such as weddings, galas, and milestone corporate events, we know that exceptional service begins with a connected, informed, and inspired team.
This retreat gave us space to sharpen our tools, strengthen our communication, and deepen the trust we have in one another, so we can continue delivering the reputation, food quality, reliability, flexibility, and level of care that Crystal is known for.
We returned energized and motivated, ready to apply these insights to everything we do - from more seamless planning processes to even more elevated guest experiences.
We’re grateful for the opportunity to learn and grow together, and even more excited to keep creating exceptional experiences for you.
Until the next event,
The CSE Sales Team
Crystal Sales Team Retreat in Nashville: Highlights & Team Moments
Related Topics: Crystal News