The hospitality industry’s secret weapon isn’t what you think.
Hi y’all,
I just got back from NACE Experience, and I’m still buzzing from the energy there. Not just because we got to announce Goodshuffle as a sponsor of the opening session (though that was incredible!), but because of something I witnessed that reminded me why this industry is so special.
NACE announced significant membership growth year-over-year, increased attendance at NACE Experience, and launched five new chapters across the country. But here’s what struck me most: the response to our announcement of Goodshuffle Pro Lite — our new starter plan designed specifically for small businesses — was so rooted in community.
Person after person came up to us saying things like, “I’m so glad companies just starting out will have access to the same tools I love in Goodshuffle Pro. That would have really empowered my business when I was just starting out.”
Think about that for a second. These are established event professionals, celebrating that their future competitors will have better tools.
That’s the hospitality industry in a nutshell, and it’s exactly why we’re prioritizing staying connected to local communities as we grow. Our team members in DC, New York, Dallas, Chicago, and Denver aren’t just there to sell software. They’re out in the field to understand the day-to-day challenges you face and bring that feedback back to our product team.
I saw this same mentorship spirit everywhere at NACE. I watched seasoned professionals extend hands to the next generation, sharing shortcuts and lessons learned. There’s something special about making connections with people when they’re not performing for a reel or their feed — those in-person conversations look different.
The businesses that thrive aren’t the ones hoarding knowledge or seeing everyone as competition. They’re the ones building community, sharing insights, and lifting others up.
There will always be reasons to celebrate. People will always need events. And there are so many small and regional businesses powering this industry that can all succeed together.
The hospitality industry gets something that other industries often miss: when you help others succeed, everyone gets stronger.
See you next Monday,
Mallory Mullen
Goodshuffle
P.S. Follow along on my Instagram journey @eventlifemallory to see the behind-the-scenes of producing this newsletter, plus extra hot takes! 🌶️🌶️
