Be Inspired to Create Your Best Work
This year’s NACE Experience conference theme is Imagine. Create. Inspire. it promises to be a comprehensive networking and educational experience. It is where you can expand your skill set, learn how the industry works, and uncover new trends and ideas that successful professionals are using today.Featured Speakers
Design Experience Speaker
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We are excited to announce that multimedia artist Phil Hansen will be the keynote speaker during the Design Experience at the 2017 NACE Experience Conference. Hansen, who rose to prominence from a TED talk, is most widely known for his meta art; videos that document the creative process, often with non traditional materials, electronic media and interactive experiences. Hansen moved to new forms of expression when a tremor developed in his drawing hand. He has been featured globally on the Discovery Channel, Good Morning America, BBC and CCTV. Learn more about Hansen and see his art. |
Industry Summit Speakers
Are You Ready for What's Coming? Workforce Preparedness for the Future
How are you preparing for the impending challenges and opportunities in this competitive industry of catering and events? This expert panel will bring together industry leaders to help you successfully navigate your career and stay ahead of the game.
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David Adler
BizBash Media |
Anirban Basu, |
Joyce Inderbitzin, |
Dennis Reynolds, |
Zena Phillips, CMP, CPCE Hilton |
Culinary Experience Speakers
This experiential general session will engage, educate, and enliven all five senses as you learn about the latest Culinary and Catering Trends. You’ll taste innovative ingredients and delectable beverage pairings, savor the aroma of sweet dessert trends, see fashionable food plating and presentation trends, and get in touch with gastronomic education! #NACECulinary2017
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Monique Studak, CSS, CSW (moderator) |
Jerry Edwards, CPCE |
Chef Patrick Gaughan |
Educational Session Speakers
Be inspired by our awesome line-up of creative and inspiring thought leaders who are changing the game in the catering and events industry. Check out who’s addressing your most pressing topics:
• Event Design and Production
• Catering Services and Cuisine
• Beverage Trends
• Sales and Marketing
• Personal Development
• Business and Technology
Event Design and Production
Debbie Meyers-Shock, CSEP, CTEP, President/CEO, BRAVO! Entertainment
Event Staging For Maximum Impact
Jacqueline Hill, Owner, Jacqueline Events & Design
Event Trends for All: Top Trends Adapted for All Budgets
Karen Tucker, CPCE, Owner/Business Development, Relish Catering & Events
Don't Always Be the Inventor: Find it, Reinvent it and Own it
Brett Tucker, Owner/Executive Chef, Relish Catering & Events
Don't Always Be the Inventor: Find it, Reinvent it and Own it
David Caruso, President and Creative Director, Dynamic Events by David Caruso
You're Going To Make It After All!
Kate Patay CPCE, Speaker/Consultant
Design in Color
Alicia Crosby CPCE, Rental and Program Planning Manager, The Baltimore Museum of Art
Battle of the All-Stars: Event Planner vs. Venue Manager
Catering Services and Cuisine
Naomi Raiselle, Creative Director, GENERATIONS cinemastories
Feeding our Neighbors: The Law, the Practice of Leftover Event Food Donation
Nick Waller CPCE, Instructor and Dining Manager, University of Delaware
Afternoon Tea: The Elegant Way to Wow your Guests
Ellen Karlin RD, LN, Nutritionist, Nutrition Consultant
I'm Allergic: Catering to Guests with Special Needs
Michael Stavros, Director of Business Development, M Culinary Concepts
Feeding the Community Feeds the Bottom Line: Maximizing In-Kind Donations
Michael Testagrossa CPCE, CHE, Catering and Convention Services Manager, Caesars Palace
Planning for Dietary Restrictions and Cultural Cuisine
Beverage Trends
Carol Dekkers, President, Quality Plus Technologies
Riding the Wild Spaghetti: Truths about Craft Beverage Trends and Events
Russ Kempton CSS, Owner, Speaking of Grapes and Grains
Catering to the Millennial Generation, Understanding their Whisk(e)y Obsession
James Filtz CPCE, CHE, CMP, Managing Director of Catering, Yale University
The Wine Lab: Learn How to Sell, Describe and Experience Wines Like A Sommelier
Paula Fenner CPCE, Director of Catering and Conference Services, The Adolphus
Elevating Your Food and Beverage Experience
Zach Byther, WSETIII, Republic National Distributing Company, National Account Manager, Hotels, and Catering
Elevating Your Food and Beverage Experience
Monique Studak, Manager, National Chains, On-Premise, Pernod Ricard USA
The Heart of Spain: How Rioja is Bringing the Old World to the New World
Sales and Marketing
Mike Ganino, Speaker, MikeGanino.com
Culture Kitchen: Recipes for Building a Great Brand
Meryl Snow, President, SnowStorm Solutions
Cha Ching: There is No Money in Sales for Second Place
Morgan Montgomery CPCE, Co-Captain, Paisley & Jade
Cultivating a Cohesive Social Media Presence for your Event Business
Rachel de Bernardo Sheerin, Owner & Strategist, She Sells
Superpowers for Selling: Behavior Profiling that ROCK$
Christie Osborne, Owner/Founder, Mountainside Media
Are You Wasting Half of Your Marketing and Advertising Dollars?
Lisa Carruth, CPCE, Director of Catering and Member Events, BraeBurn Country Club
Maximizing Revenues for Repeat Events
Personal Development
Janet Zaretsky, Owner, Business Success Coach, The Zenith Business
Unleash Your Inner Powerhouse: 3 Keys to Get Noticed, Get Heard and Get Ahead
Cindy Novotny CHSE, Managing Partner, Master Connection Associates
Dream It... Dare It... and Do It!
Lynne Wellish CMP, CHSE, CHO, SVP of Business Development, Triage Meetings and Events
Do You Need to Re-energize Your Volunteers?
Anne Nolen, Training and Communications Manager, The Houstonian Hotel
Managing Millenial Catering and Event Planning Pros
Lisa Hopkins Barry CPCE, CMP, Director of Catering, The Houstonian Hotel
Managing Millenial Catering and Event Planning Pros
Andrea Eppolito, Wedding Planner, Andrea Eppolito Events
Resilience by the Numbers
Kevin Molesworth CSEP, President, Brass Tacks Events
Don't Just Tap Into Your Creativity, UNLEASH IT!
Business and Technology
Don Mamone, Owner, The Mamones, LLC
People First, Then Profit: Customer Focused Solutions for Financial Success
Kevin Dennis JWIC, President, Fantasy Sound Event Services
Let's Get Technical: Top Apps for Streamlining Your Company in 2017
Matthew Villmer, Attorney, Weaver, Bennett & Bland, P.A.
Drafting Your Own Client Contracts: Everything You Need to Know
Jim Clapes, Conference and Events Manager, Drug Policy Alliance
Including the Rainbow: Planning the LGBT-Friendly Event
Meghan Ely, Principal, OFD Consulting
The Art of "Surprise and Delight" and Implementing it into your Event Career
Bethel Nathan, Business Elevation Coach + Speaker, Elevate by Bethel
Customer Journey: Their Path to Your Success