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Speakers  Simon T. Bailey
The Brilliance Institute, Inc.
Catalyst for Brilliance Simon T. Bailey has a visionary ability to identify brilliant potential in people and organizations and ignite that brilliance into action for amazing results. An internationally known speaker, author and consultant, he inspires individuals to take charge of change and transform their lives from the inside out. A thought leader and fresh voice in the business world, Bailey connects the dots between individual and organizational brilliance. He challenges and teaches businesses and organizations to clear obstacles to brilliance in their cultures, processes, and people, thereby achieving higher levels of engagement, retention, and productivity – and a brilliant bottom line. Prior to founding the Brilliance Institute, Simon honed his expertise in leadership, sales, customer service and personal development over a successful two-decade career at Hyatt Hotels, Walt Disney World Resort, and the Disney Institute. He is the author of six books. His newest book, Release Your Brilliance, is receiving rave reviews and having a profound impact on people’s lives. His other books include Simon Believes…Brilliant Service is the Bottom Line and Simon Believes…Success is an Inside Job.
 Corbin Ball, CSP, CMP, MS
Corbin Ball Associates
Corbin Ball, CSP, CMP, MS is an international speaker, consultant and writer helping clients worldwide use technology to save time and improve productivity. With 20 years of experience running international technology meetings, he now is a highly acclaimed speaker with the ability to make complex subjects understandable and fun. His articles have appeared in hundreds of national and international publications and he has been quoted in the US and News Report, the Wall Street Journal, the New York Times, Fast Company, PC Magazine and others. Corbin serves or has served on numerous hotel, corporate, convention bureau and association boards. He is the only person to have received both the MPI International Supplier of the Year and the MPI International Chapter Leader of the Year awards. Corbin has been named for four consecutive years as one of "The 25 Most Influential People in the Meetings Industry" by MeetingNews Magazine.
 Wendy Barlin, CPA
Speaker, Business, and Personal Financial Strategist
Wendy Barlin is more than an accountant. Her expertise is advising people to better manage their business with financial and operational strategies, time and resource analyses and income tax planning. Her professional experience spans more than ten years in industries as diverse as hospitality, entertainment, manufacturing and the retail industry. Together with her international business background and experience in foreign trade, Wendy brings rich sources of information to her client’s global businesses. She and her team provide a full range of advisory services, accounting, bookkeeping and income tax compliance services. Wendy is committed to her clients' success. Whether developing strategic operational plans, negotiating with banks or vendors, analyzing cash flow or projecting income taxes, she ensures that all financial decisions lead to greater profits. A native of Cape Town, South Africa, Wendy graduated with a double major in Accounting and Information Systems from the University of Cape Town. During a one-year break spent backpacking around the world in search of her dream, Wendy fell in love with the sparkle of the City of Angels and decided to make her home here. She met and married an American and currently resides in Los Angeles.
 Jaclyn Bernstein
Empire Force Events
Jaclyn Bernstein, President / Partner, Empire Force Events is one of the most honored Event Production / Destination Management Companies in NYC, servicing clients anywhere! Jaclyn’s an ISES Founding Member and of their NY Chapter; won the International ISES “Spirit of Excellence Mettle Attitude” Award, was the 1st NY ISES’ “Woman of The Year”; and was the 1st youngest International ISES Board of Governor. Empire has won: 2 ISES ‘Esprits’, 5 NY ISES ‘Big Apple’ Awards, 6 “Special Events” ‘Gala’ Awards, and “Event Solutions” ‘Event Planner of The Year’. Jaclyn and her Partner Robert W. Hulsmeyer CSEP, DMCP, CMP have appeared on television in “Party Planner”, and the 1st season of “The Apprentice”!
 Chris Bonney
Vanguard Technology
Chris Bonney is the VP of Client Services at a leading special events technology provider. His company, Vanguard Technology, has worked closely with special events professionals for many years helping them with their websites, blogs, and e-marketing. Vanguard is also the technology firm that manages the ISES.com website. Chris has written articles and has been quoted in various publications, and he speaks regularly on business and technology. Chris recently spoke at the NACE conference in Philadelphia, teaching catering professionals how to use blogs to help their business. You can learn more about Chris and read his blog at: www.chrisbonney.com
 John Chappelear
Strategic Exit Institute, LLC.
John Chappelear is a Certified Strategic Exit Planner. As organizational consultant, author and professional speaker John spoke to over 12,000 people last year alone. In conference rooms and auditoriums across the country, his programs instruct people how to better manage their lives both personally and professionally. John energizes individuals and their organizations nationwide to create dynamic positive change. His speaking, training and coaching instruct people how to better manage their lives both personally and professionally. His programs enhance leadership and communication skills increasing productivity and creativity while simultaneously reducing absenteeism and turnover. More than thirty years of expertise in building businesses from the ground up into top nationwide producers, qualifies John to provide leadership and guidance to people wanting to achieve success and significance for themselves and their organizations. His Exit Planning programs help business owners develop and execute a plan that will allow them build and run their businesses much more profitably with dramatically reduced risk. John encourages audiences to examine their lives and change their focus from planning for a distant tomorrow to a living joy filled life today.  Jodi Collen, CSEP
Augsburg College
Jodi is the Director of Event & Conference Planning for Augsburg College, a private college in Minneapolis, Minnesota. In her role at Augsburg, Jodi and her talented staff oversee the implementation of nearly every event that happens on campus. Jodi has her Masters of Tourism Administration (MTA) from George Washington University, and earned her CSEP in 2005. Additionally, Jodi is a past-president of the Minneapolis-St. Paul chapter, served as the Regional Vice President for the Midwest Region (USA) from 2006-2008 and is currently serving as a member of the ISES International Board of Governors.
 Larry Cossio
Cossio Insurance Agency
A licensed insurance broker for 29 years, Larry Cossio specializes in hard to place risks. His insurance agency, Cossio Insurance, markets to underserved niches, developing insurance programs to address the needs of the entertainment world. Larry has been speaking to groups for 22 years on various insurance topics utilizing down-to-earth presentations in a format anyone can understand.
 Paul Creighton, CSEP
T Skorman Productions, Inc.
Paul Creighton, CSEP is the Executive Vice-President at T. Skorman Productions, one of the largest entertainment production companies in the U.S. For 25 years, Paul has produced entertainment and custom shows around the world and during that time he has won seven ISES Esprit Awards and three Special Event Gala Awards. He was the co-producer of the 1999 & 2003 Special Event Gala Awards Celebrations, and along with Connie Riley, CSEP, co-produced the 2005 Special Event Opening General Session. Paul is a past President of the ISES Orlando Chapter and currently serves on the International Board of Governors.
 Vince Early, CSEP
Thomas Caterers of Distinction
Vince holds a Bachelors of Science in Music Education from Ball State University with training in Educational Psychology. He has been in sales at Thomas Caterers of Distinction for over ten years. Thomas Caterers of Distinction has a reputation for providing some of the greatest events ever seen in Indianapolis and has a very high customer satisfaction record. Vince served as President of the ISES Indiana Chapter Board of Directors in 2005-2006 and served on that Board from 2002-2007. Vince also served on the ISES International Education Committee from 2004-2006, chaired the Eventworld Conference Education Committee in 2008 & 2009 and is an author and presenter of industry related topics.
 Kelly Early, CSEP
Thomas Caterers of Distinction
Kelly Early, CSEP is co-owner and general manager of Thomas Caterers of Distinction in Indianapolis. Having been brought up in the family business, Kelly has over 20 years experience in the catering/events industry. Kelly was the regional vice president of the Midwest ISES chapters from August 2004 – July 2006. Thomas Caterers of Distinction has been the recipient of several industry awards including local PACE awards for best-catered event, best themed décor, best achievement in logistics and international ESPRIT awards in 2003 and 2004 for “Crème de la Crème of Premise Catering”.
 Kristjan Gavin
In Good Company Meetings and Events, Inc.
With over 25 years experience in Hospitality and Special Events, Kristjan brings an uncompromising level of high touch customer service. His background spans hotel management, off-premise catering, event rentals, floral, meeting and event production. His hands-on operations savvy approach, combined with high touch customer service means top-notch meetings and events. He is a past Board Member and President of ISES Northern California and recipient of three ISES Western Regional Excellence Awards. His work has been featured in periodicals such as Special Events Magazine and Live Design, along with television networks such as Fine Living.
 Bill Guest
CCR Solutions
Bill Guest, President of CCR Solutions, is considered by many as a leader and visionary in the audiovisual market place. CCR was founded by Bill in 1995 as an event solution provider. For over the 13 years he has been instrumental in driving growth and transitioning CCR into a market leading full service audiovisual rental and staging organization. Philanthropically, Bill is involved with The Healing Cycle, a very successful foundation that raises funds for Palliative Care. He is married and a father of three, and enjoys an active lifestyle including squash, biking and skiing.
Dee Haddad, CSEP
Thomas Caterers of Distinction
Dee Haddad is an event designer with Thomas Caterers of Distinction and has been a member of ISES for over five years. She has served on the ISES Indiana Board for four years and was the chairperson for the local ISES Indiana PACE (Personal Achievement in Creative Events) Awards. Dee is currently serving as president for the ISES Indiana chapter for the 2008-2009 year. Dee received her CSEP designation in 2006 after taking the exam at the 2006 Eventworld conference in Hawaii.
 Ryan Hanson
BeEvents
As one who revels in the experience, for Ryan, events are about utilizing the characters of our business to craft his client's story. Combining a love of all things theatric, unstoppable energy, a constant sense of creative curiosity, with a passion to push the event envelope, Ryan approaches events as opportunities to create moments of magic with lasting experience and brand appeal. In 2007, Ryan founded BeEvents, an event production and design firm focused on creative strategy. Beyond a brand, BeEvents is a call to action to continuously contribute to the conversation and the experience through the creation of live events focused on the mantra: presence is a powerful thing. Join in on the conversation. Find the Business Butterflies wherever you engage Social Media through our blog businessbutterflies.blogspot.com. Or Tweet us @BusButterflies
 Dale Harmon
Plants Alive!, Inc.
Dale has been a member of ISES for 20 years, always a member of the Greater Washington DC Chapter. He has been in the Event Landscaping Business for almost 40 years, providing the finest foliage and flowering plant decor for events such as the 2009 Inaugural, the 2008 World Economic Summit in Washington DC, countless special events, weddings, corporate celebrations, trade shows and conventions that have been held in the finest hotels, convention centers and special event site.
 Gwen Helbush
Where To Start, Inc. Wedding & Event Management
As founder of Where To Start, Inc., Gwen is a recognized leader in the field of social event planning. Out of the need for quality local education, she co-founded of The Bay Area Wedding Network. She is committed to raising the level of respect, cooperation and understanding in the event business. Gwen has been interviewed by television and print news reporters. She has served as Vice President of Education, Vice President of Finance and Vice President of Membership for the Northern California chapter of the International Special Event Society.
 Heather Henderson, CSEP, CMP
Cisco
Heather Henderson is a Senior Event Planner for Cisco – the worldwide leader in networking and IT communications. With 18 plus years of experience in event production, catering, marketing, conference management and corporate hospitality, Heather oversees the operations of Cisco’s largest customer event and tradeshow – CiscoLive! Her responsibilities include managing a revenue based (break-even) budget for the 10K plus person show, all staff operations, F&B, registration, production, multiple social events, implementation of event strategy, and the 150k sq ft tradeshow floor…among other things. Actively involved in ISES, MPI and CEMA, Heather currently serves as the Treasurer of the ISES International Board of Governors.
 Lori Hill
lori hill event productions, inc.
An environmentalist, Lori has been reducing, reusing and recycling since she was a kid and strives to live and work in an environmentally friendly manner. Her company, lori hill event productions (lhep), is a member of Green America's prestigious Green Business Network in addition to other local and sustainable business organizations in Baltimore and Washington. She has also been a member of the International Special Events Society for nearly 13 years and last year finished a three-year term on its International Board of Governors. lhep's tagline is savvy, sustainable events and the company is committed to the belief that sustainable meetings and events should be a standard, not an option.
 Gary Jones, CSEP
Gary Jones Presents…
Gary Jones, CSEP, has worked in the hospitality and special events industry for over 15 years. His current title, Executive Director of Fun, expresses his view on life as well as the events he produces. Equipped with a phenomenal passion for producing fabulous celebrations, Gary oversees every detail from start to finish. Gary is the current Regional Vice President of ISES for the Southeast Region of the United States. Gary has earned international awards including the prestigious Esprit Award for Entertainment Production, as well as regional awards including the Texas Star Award for Design and Décor. Gary earned his Certified Special Events Professional (CSEP) in 2003, becoming one of only 181 accredited CSEPs worldwide.
 Melissa Jurcan, CSEP
University of Phoenix Stadium - Managed by Global Spectrum
Over the past ten years, Melissa has had the opportunity to be a part of several prestigious events in the sports, entertainment and event industry. She has opened two NFL stadiums during her career University of Phoenix Stadium, where she presently serves as Director of Sales, and Qwest Field & Event Center. Melissa has been an integral part of the development of both brands she has created collateral, logos, written copy, developed slogans, launched websites and more. Melissa founded the West Valley Events Coalition and is one of the founding members of the Arizona Chapter of ISES. She serves on the Editorial Advisory Board for Southwest Meetings & Events Magazine and has had an article on branding featured in the publication.
 Jim Leighton
Children's Cancer Research Fund
Jim Leighton has worked as an event professional in the nonprofit industry for 10 years. Jim is committed to dispelling the myth that not all nonprofits are looking for free handouts. He has experience with event development, sponsorships, and volunteer management. In his current role as Director of Events and Programs for Children’s Cancer Research Fund, Jim manages a team of event coordinators as well as the corporate partnership program.
 Sean Low
The Business of Being Creative LLC
Sean Low is the President of The Business of Being Creative LLC, former president of Preston Bailey Designs, Inc. and business consultant to those in the business of being creative. Sean has a law degree from the University of Pennsylvania and his business experience ranges from law, investment banking, financial executive to small business owner. Through his work with Preston and his other creative clients over the last six years – Vicente Wolf, Marcy Blum and Sylvia Weinstock to name a few – Sean has discovered his own creative passion: thinking about creative businesses – how they run, how to make them run better, helping them know who they are and then be the best at what they do.
 Lara McCulloch-Carter
Regal Tent Productions
Lara McCulloch-Carter has built her career on building successful brands. Lara spent over 12 years leading strategic brand development for companies like Cadbury Adams, Shell, and Good Humor-Breyers. In 2005, Lara joined Regal Tent Productions as Director of Marketing and immediately volunteered to be on the ISES Toronto Board of Directors. She has since filled the position of VP of Programs, President-Elect, and currently holds the position of President for her chapter. In her short tenure in the industry, Lara is very proud to be the recipient of the 2007 ISES Toronto Leadership Award as well as the prestigious Canadian Event Industry Spirit of the Industry Award 2008. She also authors an award-winning event blog ready2spark.com. Join in on the conversation. Find the Business Butterflies wherever you engage Social Media through our blog businessbutterflies.blogspot.com. Or Tweet us @BusButterflies.
 Michael McCulloch
Regal Tent Productions
Michael McCulloch is the President of Regal Tent Productions, an award-winning tent and structure rental company with roots in Stoney Creek, Ontario, Canada. Over the past 15 years, Michael has championed the growth of Regal from a three-person operation to one of North America’s most well-respected rental companies – working with the likes of Madonna, Gucci, Maybach, the White House, the Olympics, Chanel and many others. Michael’s strategic expansion plan has enabled Regal to work on major events across Canada, the US and the Caribbean, from its one Canadian office. Michael is an esteemed expert within the tent rental business. For the last 35 years, he has been active within the special events industry. He is the co-founder of the Toronto Chapter of ISES, has served as Vice President of Membership for ISES International and has been a speaker at many industry events. With his passion for the industry, his clients and his business, Michael is propelled to share his knowledge and collaborate with other professionals.
 Jennifer McKinney-Seet, CSEP
Thomas Caterers of Distinction
In 1999, Jennifer turned down an acceptance letter from law school to start her career as an event planner working for a not for profit organization responsible for raising over 1.5 million dollars annually through fundraising events. She was named the YWCA Professional Woman of the Year in 2005 and in 2006, joined Thomas Caterers of Distinction, the most award winning off-premise caterer in Indiana, as Event Designer and Marketing Director. She has been a member of ISES for 10 years and currently serves on the local Board as Chairman of the ISES Indiana Education Conference.
 David Merrell
AOO Events
When David Merrell founded AOO Events in 1989, his vision was to design and produce personalized and original events. “All truly special events,” David says, “demand a customized approach in order to fully achieve the client’s vision and purpose.” It is this philosophy that has positioned AOO Events as one of the most reputable event design and production firms in Southern California. David, the former President of the Greater Los Angeles Chapter of ISES, is regularly featured and quoted in numerous publications and is a popular industry speaker both nationally and internationally. His current office is located in Hollywood, California.
 Timothy P. O’Brien, Esq.
The Personal Branding Group, Inc
Tim is as good as there is when it comes to taking your business development and career building efforts to a whole new level. He is a nationally recognized author and speaker, and the founder of Rainmaker U., a year-long coaching program that teaches professionals how to position themselves as The Person to See in their businesses by helping them create a compelling personal brand and market that brand better than the competition. In just three short years, Tim and his team have built Rainmaker U. into a multimillion dollar program. Tim is a graduate of Georgetown School of Law. He is the author of Leading Like a Champion and The Power of Personal Branding: Creating Celebrity Status with Your Target Audience. He has authored numerous articles for publications such as The Los Angeles Daily Journal, CPA Wealth Provider and The Orange County Law Journal. Tim is also the founder and Editor in Chief of Brandwidth, a nonpartisan research service dedicated to informing socially conscious leaders on today’s important issues.
 Connie Riley, CSEP
T. Skorman Productions, Inc.
Connie is the Vice President of Event Operations for T. Skorman Productions, Inc. and has worked with the company over 25 years in sales and management, overseeing the company's operations and event production. The company's success is attributed to their philosophy to look at the event from the client's perspective and customize each performance to best meet the client's goals. As an entertainment veteran, Connie's knowledge of theatrics, combined with the company's talent resources, has helped clients achieve the spectacular. As an industry leader, Connie volunteers as a speaker for students, presents seminars for industry education and maintains her 1993 ISES CSEP designation. Most recently she served as the President of ISES.
 David Spear
AFX Pro, LLC
Former International President of ISES, David has been active in the special event industry for over 20 years as owner of several special effects production companies. In ISES he has served on the Ethics, Marketing, Membership & International Relations Committees. Notable national events where he has designed and produced fireworks and special effects presentations include Super Bowls, National Republican Conventions, World Cup Soccer, Major League Baseball, National Basketball Association, collegiate bowl games, and numerous national and international corporate and association meetings.
 Gordon Thompson, CMP
Cappa & Graham, Inc.
Gordon Thompson CMP, DMCP has planned and organized award winning events for over 30 years. As co-owner of Cappa & Graham, Inc., a full service meeting, event and destination service provider, Gordon partnered with and produced highly successful events for clients including Coca-Cola, MontBlank, American Express and the United States Government. “Every event is special and every event is a marketing opportunity. As professionals it is up to us to take it to the highest level possible.”
 Marla Watson-Werst, CSEP
PeaPod Productions/Smashing Success Events
Marla Watson-Werst, CSEP, better known as the Chic Geek, is the President & Chief Creative force behind PeaPod Productions & Smashing Success Events - A Full Service Event, New Media and Production Company. Her knowledge of Cinematography, Technology, and Special Events, has helped create one of the top production companies in the DFW Metroplex. Marla has won multiple awards in both the Film & Special Event Industry and most recently was nominated for a prestigious ESPRIT Award. She is an avid blogger, contributor to several industry magazines and currently serves on the board of ISES Dallas, the advisory board of Texas Meetings + Events Magazine, & Women In Film Dallas. Join in on the conversation. Find the Business Butterflies wherever you engage Social Media through our blog businessbutterflies.blogspot.com. Or Tweet us @BusButterflies
 Sally Webb, CSEP
The Special Event Company
Sally Webb, CSEP is Managing Director of The Special Event Company, a full service event management and production company, with offices in London and North Carolina. Over the past two decades, the company has produced events in 19 countries throughout Europe, USA and Asia. The Company has won many international event management awards for their work including five Special Event Galas, six ISES Esprit Awards, four Events in Excellence Awards and Event Solutions Magazine in the US voted Sally International Event Producer of the Year’ in 2004. Sally is a founding member of the UK ISES Chapter. In January 2008, Sally became the first European to gain a CSEP Certification and was awarded the first ISES UK Chapter Lifetime Achievement Award for Outstanding Services to the UK Event Industry.
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