Tag: Gus’ Gazette

Travel Snack Mix
Original recipe from Southern Living.  Adapted + kitchen tested by Chelsea Bergman

Ingredients

4 cups Rice Chex 

2 cups Honey Nut Cheerios

3 cup Cheez-Its (or a cheese cracker of your choice)

3 cups pretzel sticks

2 cups salted mixed nuts

1 1/2 sticks unsalted butter, melted

2 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce

1 1/2 Tbsp. maple syrup

1 1/2 Tbsp. olive oil

2 tsp. garlic powder

1 tsp. smoked paprika

1/8 tsp. cayenne pepper

1 Tbsp. sugar

1 tsp. salt

1 tsp. pepper

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 225°F.
2. Combine Rice Chex, Honey Nut Cheerios, Cheez-Its, pretzel sticks, and salted mixed nuts in a large bowl.
3. In a separate large bowl, whisk to combine melted butter, Worcestershire sauce, maple syrup, olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, sugar, salt and pepper.
4. Place parchment paper on a large sheet pan. Transfer mixture to pan.
5. Bake 1 1/2  hours, tossing every 20 minutes, until golden brown and toasted.
6. Cool before serving. Store in an airtight container.

By Loren Buckles

Orlando is my hometown, and I had a really hard time narrowing this down. I tried to keep my recommendations near the convention center. These are some of my favorites. If anyone needs a dinner buddy when you are in Orlando, let me know!

1. Hampton Social – New American ($$)

9101 International Dr Orlando, FL 32819

I love the vibe here, beach coastal and they have Rose on tap.

2. KAVAS Tacos + Tequila – Mexican ($$)

9101 International Dr Ste 1198 Orlando, FL 32819

**My husband and I really love this restaurant. It’s a great atmosphere and the food is some of the best Mexican we’ve had. Also, next to Hampton Social.

3. Peperoncino – Italian ($$)

7988 Via Dellagio Way Ste 108 Orlando, FL 32819

This Hidden gem is some of the best Italian I’ve had outside of Italy. The owners are from Italy and they make everything from scratch. This is a must visit.

4. Kabooki Sushi Sandlake – Japanese, Sushi Bar ($$)

 7705 Turkey Lake Rd Orlando, FL 32819

This is a really fun little place, really cool vibe and the sushi is unique and amazing.

5. The Whiskey – American ($$)

7563 W Sand Lake Rd Orlando, FL 32819

This watering hole has some of the best burgers I’ve ever had. This is a fun local staple.

BONUS:

@ The Diner – Breakfast and Brunch ($$)

9938 Universal Blvd Ste 140 Orlando, FL 32819

Defiantly worth a visit, get there early or you will have to wait in line.

**Loren and hubby on a date night in Orlando!

INGREDIENTS

1 whole very ripe banana

1 medjool date

¾ cup orange juice

¾ cup non-dairy milk (preferably soy)

1-2 cups ice cubes

DIRECTIONS

Mix banana, date, orange juice, soy milk in a blender until smooth.  Then add ice and blend until no ice chunks are left. Enjoy!

“It tastes just like the ones I used to buy at mall!” Lisa Petersen

Meeting Hotel Incentives Tropic Page 
The new Meeting Hotel Incentives page adopts the modern Tropic style and incorporates features that simplify the process of adding incentives. It achieves this by favoring dropdown selection over manual text entry, while still allowing for custom text input.

onPeak Incentives 
Users can quickly and easily apply six of the most frequently contracted onPeak incentives to a hotel: Breakfast, Fitness Center Access, Food and Beverage Discounts, Internet Connectivity, Parking and Rewards Points. For each incentive type, users can choose from a list of pre-defined descriptions in the dropdown menu. The selected description will then display in the appropriate locations within Agent Interface, Hotel Info on external Compass, and confirmation emails. Currently, users can apply only one of each type of onPeak incentive to a hotel.

Custom Incentives 
Users also have the flexibility to add their own custom incentives using a free-form text box. They can either select from one of the six pre-defined incentive types (breakfast, fitness center access etc.) or choose “other” to add an incentive that may not fit within the six pre-defined options. Custom Incentives will also display in the appropriate locations within Agent Interface, Hotel Info on external Compass, and confirmation emails. Users can apply multiple custom incentives to a hotel.

Transitioning from Legacy to Tropic 
By leveraging the existing database from the legacy Meeting Hotel Incentives page, both the new Tropic page and the legacy page can operate simultaneously. This ensures that duplicate incentives are not displayed on external Compass. Here’s how it works:

1. 1. 1. Dual Functionality:
         • Incentives entered on the legacy page are visible on the Tropic page, and vice versa.
         • Incentives edited on the legacy page are updated on the Tropic page, and vice versa.
         • Incentives deleted on the legacy page are removed from the Tropic page, and vice versa.
      2. Automatic Population:
         • All incentives previously entered on the legacy page will automatically populate on the new Tropic page. Users do not need to re-enter incentives during the transition.
         • If both the incentive subject and description for an incentive entered on the legacy page match a Tropic “onPeak” incentive type and one if its pre-defined descriptions, that incentive will display in the “onPeak” incentive section on the new Tropic page. Otherwise, the incentive will be categorized as a “custom” incentive on the new Tropic page.
      3. Beta Testing:
         • Both the Tropic page and the legacy page will be maintained during beta testing. Users can explore the Tropic page while still using the legacy page. Users are encouraged to submit feedback to Product while testing including, but not limited to, design and functionality requests, requests for additional incentive types and descriptions or edits to existing incentive descriptions.
      4. Retirement of Legacy Page:
         • Eventually, the legacy page will be retired. We will not retire the legacy page until beta testing is complete and any urgent requests are addressed. Once that is complete, we will give access to all. Users will then be encouraged to transition fully to the new Tropic page.

Promotions Filter on Gallery 
The new Promotions filter on the hotel gallery on external Compass allows users to customize their hotel search by filtering hotel options based on incentive type. The result is a shopping experience that enables users to leverage value-adds available to them for booking in the official housing block.

 

Enabling the New Promotions Filter
To enable the new promotions filter on the gallery, users should add the “Display New Promotions Filter” general meeting rule and set its value to “Y”.

 

Using the Promotions Filter
Users can easily filter hotels based on specific promotions. Here’s how it works:

1.    Selecting Promotion Types:

• Users can choose one or multiple promotion options to filter hotels that offer the selected promotion type, via the select-boxes in the drop-down.
• • • • • The pre-defined incentive types applied on the new Meeting Hotel Incentives Tropic page, such as “Breakfast” or “Parking,” will link to their respective filter options.
        • Users can remove their filter choices by de-selecting the associated select-box in the drop-down, clicking the “X” on the associated filter tag or clicking “Clear All Filters”.

2.    All Exclusive Promotions:

• The “All Exclusive Promotions” option allows users to filter by hotels that have any promotions available.
• • • • • If users have entered custom incentives as “other,” these will link to the “All Exclusive Promotions” filter option.

3. Compatibility with External Filters:

• The promotions filter operates similarly to the amenities filter and works alongside all other external filters.

Updated Amenities Filter Cards
To better differentiate between promotions and amenities filter tags, the promotions tags will display with a ribbon icon. We have updated amenities tags to also display with the associated icons shown below..

Amenity Filter Icons

Promotion Filter Icons

Department: Product

Time with onPeak: 7 years 5 months

Birthday: November 2nd

Can you tell us about your journey within onPeak and the different departments you’ve worked in? What lessons and insights have you learned along the way?

Once upon a time when onPeak was but a small company, I was there rocking my Account Manager hat. As an Account Manager I juggled responsibilities for both our current Account Executive and Group Services Associate roles. After we became a part of the GES family and our team expanded; I wore the hats of Account Executive, HIRM, and now Product Manager. I’ve been able to work with teams I both respect and have fun with; and have met some of my closest friends here. I’ve learned that growth isn’t linear and that you can’t go on a journey without a little change.

What do you think sets onPeak apart in terms of its approach to employee development and support? 

Our leadership excels at helping us uncover our true interests and then incorporate those passions into our roles. I’ve always loved problem-solving, poking around in Compass deadlands, and asking, “What does that button do?” Leadership actually pointed me in the direction of Product Management, and it couldn’t be a more perfect fit for me.

Can you share an accomplishment or project that you’re particularly proud of during your tenure here?

In 2022, I had the opportunity to enroll in a Product Management certification course. For the final project I chose to create a travel app. I know…shocker. I wanted to amp up my design skills, so I used the same toolbox our Product team uses daily. Since then, every project I’ve tackled at onPeak has benefited from those newfound skills. Kudos to my leadership team for fueling my professional glow-up!

If you could create your own holiday, what would it be called?

GPS Appreciation Day. Let’s be honest…if Google Maps or Waze disappeared there would be a nationwide panic. I live in Atlanta where it takes 45 minutes to get 5 miles and 45 minutes to get 20 miles. GPS…you make it make sense and you let me be late, but on purpose. Let’s give you your flowers.

What’s your favorite hobby or pastime outside of work?

Clubbing in Barnes and Noble, taking someone else’s dog to the park, happy tears in pilates every Saturday, avoiding complicated parking, brunching with a gluten allergy, Bollywood movies and K-Dramas, Baby Yoda home décor, and I can make a fire guac.

Name: Tyler DeVos

Department: Tech Team
Birthday: August 27

What have been some of the most important lessons you’ve learned throughout your career?

One of the key lessons I’ve learned is the importance of being flexible. Unexpected challenges and opportunities arise that require the ability to pivot, shift direction swiftly, and adapt.
There a lot of value in embracing failure and learning from setbacks. Each setback (no matter how small) presents an opportunity for growth and improvement. By analyzing failures, identifying areas for improvement, and incorporating lessons learned into future endeavors,  I’ve been able to continually evolve and succeed in my career journey.

What drew you to want to be a part of onPeak?

I have a few friends who work here, and they talk about how fantastic it is to be able to work as a team to figure out solutions. Everyone has a voice and is able to suggest new ideas or technology.

Who inspires you/where do you get your inspiration? 

Inspiration can be contagious. Surround yourself with people you admire who bring out the positivity in you. I am fortunate to have a wonderful wife and three boys who help keep me pushing forward and motivate me to achieve my goals.

What game show would you most want to participate in?

Taskmaster UK

Whose ship is cooler – USS Enterprise, The Tardis, or Millennium Falcon?

Serenity

Atlanta City and Restaurant Spotlight

1. Culinary Dropout – New American  ($$)                                                                                   1000 Marietta St NW Atlanta, GA 30318

2. The Consulate – New American  ($$)                                                                                            10 10th St NW Atlanta, GA 30309 MENU

3. South City Kitchen Midtown – Southern  ($$)                                                                         1144 Crescent Ave NE Atlanta, GA 30309

4. Max ’s Coal Oven Pizzería – Italian  ($$)
300 Marietta St NW Atlanta, GA 30313

Recommendation from Atlanta local Kevin Allen:

5. Ponce City Market                                                                                                                        675 Ponce De Leon Ave NE Atlanta, GA 30308 Ponce City Market

Ponce City Market is probably the top highlight for things to do around town if you’re here for a visit. It’s an old Mill they redeveloped for trendy food and shopping. It also sits along the beltline, which is a path that will eventually encircle the entire city.

Looking for a fun Event after work? Check out this website to see what’s happening during your visit.

Official Atlanta Guide for Travelers and Locals | Discover Atlanta 

Hey team, with Cinco de Mayo just around the corner, we wanted to share an exciting way to celebrate this festive day – by making your own delicious guacamole inspired by the flavors of Chipotle!
Imagine the vibrant green of ripe avocados, the freshness of cilantro, the zing of lime juice, and the kick of jalapeños all coming together in a bowl of homemade goodness. Not only is guacamole incredibly easy to make, but it’s also a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for any Cinco de Mayo gathering.

Chipotle’s Guacamole

INGREDIENTS
2 ripe Hass avocados
2 tsp lime juice
2 tbsp cilantro (chopped)
1/4 cup red onion (diced)
1/2 jalapeño including seeds (diced)
1/4 tsp kosher salt

INSTRUCTIONS
1. Cut avocados in half and remove pits carefully
2. Scoop the avocados into a bowl
3. Toss and coat with lime juice
4. Add the salt and mash until it’s a smooth consistency
5. Fold in remaining ingredients and mix
6. Taste the guac & adjust seasoning if necessary

Indulge with this savory, cheesy egg bake! Croissants, mushrooms, Swiss, and brie. The layer of croissants you should keep in if you can, but if mushrooms aren’t your thing, you can always sub with asparagus or just leave it out. I can say from experience, it will be a welcomed addition to any brunch menu this spring!

Ham and Cheese Croissant Bake

From the kitchen of Tieghan Gerard of Half-Baked Harvest
(Shared by Chelsea Bergman)

INGREDIENTS
6 croissants roughly torn
2 tablespoons salted butter, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
2 cups mixed mushrooms, roughly chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons fresh chopped thyme (or 2 teaspoons dried thyme)
1 cup heavy cream + 1 cup whole milk (or 2 cups half and half)
3 large eggs, beaten
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper, using more or less to taste
3 ounces deli ham or prosciutto, torn.
4 ounces creamy Brie cheese, cubed
1/2 cup shredded Swiss cheese
Salt and pepper
2 tablespoons everything bagel spice (optional)

INSTRUCTIONS
1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a 9 x 13-inch baking dish.
2. Arrange the torn croissants in the baking dish and lay 2 tablespoons of thinly sliced butter over the croissants. Transfer to the oven and bake 5-8 minutes, until the croissants are lightly toasted.
3. Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. When the oil shimmers, add the mushrooms, season with salt and pepper. Cook undisturbed for 5 minutes or until golden, stir and continue cooking until the mushrooms have caramelized, 3-5 minutes. Add the garlic and thyme, cook an additional minute. Remove from the heat and set aside.
4. In a large bowl, whisk together the cream, milk, eggs, mustard, cayenne, and a pinch each of salt and pepper. Add the toasted croissants, mushrooms, ham, and brie cheese, gently toss to combine. Pour the mixture back into the casserole dish. Top evenly with Swiss cheese and sprinkle with everything spice.
5. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil, then continue baking for another 10-15 minutes or until the croissants are golden on top. Serve warm.

Name: Erin Eddy
Department: Call Center
Birthday: March 3rd

How long have you been with onPeak?

November 2009… So, 14ish years.

How do you balance stressful days?

Humor. Sometimes you just have to laugh at how absurd things are. I once had a caller ask me to find her a hotel in Chicago that had a cast-iron bathtub ‘with the gold feet’ in her room. She was dead serious.

If humor doesn’t work, music.

What is your favorite onPeak memory?

When we were in the Clark St. office, I used to help prank… ‘prank’ Helen Dulceac on her birthdays. One year, we covered her desk in sticky notes. Another year we covered her entire desk – ENTIRE DESK and everything on it in tinfoil. Those were pretty fun… and absurd. One year, I think for her 50th…? We built a tiny house around her cubicle. We used actual lumber and everything. If I remember correctly, I think she left it standing for something like 3 months.

What’s your favorite part about your city?

The diversity. In my neighborhood you’ll find just about every walk of life. It’s comforting.

What are you currently binge watching?

The wife has agreed to finally watch Star Trek. All of it. ALL-FIFTY-EIGHT-YEARS. Ha-ha. Sucker.