ISES Eventworld 2008

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Speakers

	Brian Acheson, CSEP VIP Events, Inc. An award winning and certified event producer, Brian Acheson, CSEP, produces large-scale corporate meetings and events throughout North America. Brian is an authority on the production of high profile and complex special events. His work is the recipient of numerous awards including Texas Star Awards, ISES Esprit's and Special Event Galas. With 24 years of industry experience, Brian has been featured in numerous trade publications for his events and leadership. Brian's leadership skills shine through in all his work, from the team awards he has won to the industry leadership positions he has held. Brian is a past president of ISES Dallas and a former advisory board member for Special Events Magazine. He currently serves as first vice chairman of the SEARCH Foundation and on ISES' International Board of Governors.
	Melissa Armstrong EventWorks, Inc. Melissa Armstrong's diverse production experience brings a fresh approach and perspective to the award-winning EventWorks team. Having worked in professional sports, fashion and advertising, Melissa knows how to work directly with clients to fuse creative design with flawless execution. Melissa is an active member of the International Special Events Society and Meeting Planners International.
	Bryan Bell Decor & More Inc. Bryan Bell is vice president of sales and a partner of Decor & More Inc., the largest and most awarded event design company in Canada. A long serving ISES member, Bryan is the president of the ISES Toronto Chapter. His more than 10 years of experience in the events industry gives Bryan in-depth knowledge of event design elements that take events from ordinary to extraordinary. Bryan and his team produce more than 600 events a year with an eye on customer satisfaction and a focus on continually developing initiatives that enhance clients' event experience.
	Deanna Bernard, CSEP New Orleans Music Events In 1988, Deanna Bernard began her career in music production with a small company she helped grow into a large regional production company providing technical support and production to concert styled events. It was early in her career that she gained respect for entertainers, and learned the value of artist production and travel riders. Deanna used these lessons to launch a successful company and career around buying talent and producing corporate shows with greats such as Aretha Franklin, Ray Charles, James Brown and many others. In 2006, she obtained her CSEP and now produces events in their entirety.
	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', 2 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"!
	Claudette Bouton AGL Resources With more than 20 years in the event industry and experience as a vendor and a client, Claudette Bouton brings a wide variety of event know-how to the table. She puts her unique perspective and knowledge to good use as corporate event planner for AGL Resources. Previously, Claudette worked for Atlanta's most renowned special event venue, The Fox Theatre; she also owned her own event planning company and was the senior sales and events manager for A Legendary Event, Atlanta's premier catering company.
	Diane Butner MGM MIRAGE Events As director of event design of the MME Design Team at MGM MIRAGE Events, Diane Butner combines her love of art, fashion, architecture, interior design and graphics to create events that dazzle. Before joining MGM MIRAGE Events more than four years ago, Diane worked as a window decorator for Neiman Marcus and Couture Salon. She also has played a critical role in a number of charity and fundraising events, including the Wearable Art Fashion Show & Fundraiser for CAC and the CHAIR.I.TY Auction at Neiman Marcus.
	Catherine Chaulet, CMP BostonCoach A seasoned executive in service industries, Catherine Chaulet is responsible for BostonCoach's newest portfolio of services. The events division, which Catherine manages, provides group transportation and management for meetings and events ranging from board meetings and corporate off-sites to major corporate-sponsored sporting events. Catherine also oversees the BostonCoach destination management company, Best of Boston. Before joining BostonCoach, Catherine served as a U.S. business development executive for The French Accent, distributor of a well-known line of French cosmetics, and co-founded Adlisor, an international advertising agency based in France. Catherine received a degree in economics from the University of Paris X-Nanterre and a Master of Business Administration from the Simmons School of Management.
	Kristy Chenell Ritz-Carlton, Denver Kristy Chenell is the director of catering sales for the opening team of The Ritz-Carlton, Denver. As a member of The Ritz-Carlton Corporate Wedding Advisory Board, Kristy specializes in marketing sales tools and vendor relationships while researching and creating the next big trends for weddings and events. Kristy's experience ranges from working with Disney's Fairy Tale Weddings - where she focused on destination weddings and marketing initiatives such as ABC's Extreme Makeover - to press conferences and involvement with Florida's bid for the 2012 Olympic Games.
	Larry Cossio Cossio Insurance Agency Larry Cossio has been an insurance broker for 27 years. During his years, Larry has worked with countless hard to place risks and has developed specialty programs for groups. An expert on insurance, Larry has presented the topic of insurance to special events planners around the nation.
	John Delves Southeastern Training and Development John Delves is an internationally renowned management consultant, trainer, and motivational speaker who has shared his insights with people in more than 28 countries on five continents. With more than 30 years of line and management experience in corporate, industrial, manufacturing, and service settings, he is an expert in management development, leadership, team building, customer service and time management. He has designed and implemented training programs for companies of all sizes throughout the United States, Europe, Asia, Australia, New Zealand and South America. John has earned degrees from Kennesaw State University and Georgia State University in Atlanta, Georgia. Currently, he serves as executive director of Southeastern Training & Development, a metro Atlanta based training and seminar company. John Delves is also one of only 15 speakers in the country who was selected by the Tom Peters Group and CareerTrack to present the "In Search of Excellence" and "Thriving on Chaos" programs. With his energetic and entertaining style, John catches his audiences' attention from the minute he steps on stage.
	Vince Early, CSEP Thomas Caterers of Distinction Vince Early, CSEP, 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 seven 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. From his experiences, Vince has authored and presented on a number of industry related topics. Since 2002 Vince has sat on the ISES Indiana Chapter Board of Directors, where he currently serves as president. Vince has also served on the ISES International Education Committee.
	Kelly Early, CSEP Thomas Caterers of Distinction Kelly Early, CSEP is co-owner and general manager of Thomas Caterers of Distinction in Indianapolis, IN. 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 Events, Inc. With more than 15 years of experience in hospitality and special events, Kristjan Gavin brings a level of uncompromising customer service that won't leave you in the cold. His background spans the spectrum from catering to equipment to event production. This hands-on operations savvy means inventive meetings & events. Prior to partnering to found In Good Company Events, Kristjan was director of special events for a large west coast destination management company. Before that, he honed his equipment and tenting expertise as vice president of business development for a large rental company in Los Angeles and general manager of a rental company in the Bay Area. After attending the masters in hospitality program at University of Nevada, Kristjan helped found the off-premise catering division for a major restaurant group in Las Vegas. Kristjan is a past board member, is president of ISES Northern California and the recipient of three ISES Western Regional Excellence Awards. His work has been featured in periodical's such as "Special Events Magazine" and "Live Design", as well as on television networks such as "Fine Living".
	Lisa Ghany, CSEP HCL Group of Companies Lisa Ghany, CSEP, is a leading professional in the area of event management in Trinidad and Tobago she has a bachelors of arts from Leeds Metropolitan University in events management. With over 15 years experience she has focused on corporate events with an emphasis on experiential marketing events. In addition, Lisa is actively involved in lecturing on the topic of events management and was instrumental in setting up the George Washington Certificate program in Trinidad through the Arthur Lok Jack School of Business. Lisa has acted as a consultant on many projects locally collaborating with advertising agencies and other corporations to produce a range of events including gala dinners, awards shows, product launches, entertainment events, fundraisers, meetings and conferences. Lisa is also qualified in protocol and etiquette.
	Liz Glover Wilson, CSEP iStar Financial Liz Glover Wilson, CSEP, is director of corporate events at iStar Financial and is founder of the social, private and fund-raising events company, Innovative Creative Events. At iStar Financial since 1996, Liz oversees all aspects of development, marketing, staff placement and coordination for over 70 VIP events annually throughout the United States and Europe. Among those events is the Esprit Award Winning "iStar Charity Shootout" held at Madison Square Garden, which attracts A-list basketball sports figures, supermodels, and many other TV personalities. Liz's award-winning events have been featured in local and national media. Liz is currently the 2007-2008 president of the ISES New York Metro Chapter.
	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.
	Hillary Hefner, CMP Koncept Events, LLC Hillary Hefner began her successful career with a bachelor's degree in hospitality management and tourism. Working at an event planning firm in her hometown of St. Louis, MO ignited Hillary's passion for the special events industry and pointed her in the direction of South Florida in pursuit of her dream. Planting her roots in Fort Lauderdale, Hillary began working as an account representative for Panache Party Rentals - one of the largest event rental companies in the United States. There, she began to expand her knowledge through hands-on experience coordinating the key elements that make up events. Her interests in the meeting planning and destination management components of corporate America then lead her to a sales position with a local DMC. When she started, she was the first salesperson so she literally started with nothing and managed to book over a million dollars of business within her first 9 months. Five years later the company's staff has grown 500% and Hillary is responsible for booking an excess of $3.5 million annually. Now, Hillary is making waves as president and partner of Koncept Events, LLC. Her tireless enthusiasm and dedication to the events industry has allowed her to continue opening doors at Fortune 500 companies around the world, creating an ever expanding impressive client base. HIllary attained her CMP certification in 2006 and was awarded "Planner of the Year" by BizBash magazine in 2007. She is prepared to sit for the CSEP exam in 2008.
	Gwen Helbush Where To Start, Inc. Wedding & Event Management Gwen Helbush founded Where to Start, Inc. Wedding & Event Management after planning her own wedding and quickly realizing just how difficult and stressful the experience can be for the anxious bride and groom. Since then her California-based company has taken the stress and anxiety away for countless couples, families and businesses. Where to Start, Inc. has planned nearly 250 weddings, anniversary parties, birthday galas, and other private and corporate events ranging from relatively simple gatherings to some of the most lavish wedding receptions in the Bay Area. Television and print news reporters have interviewed Gwen as a recognized leader in the field of event planning. Gwen has served as vice president of education, vice president of finance and vice president of membership for the ISES Northern California Chapter and is currently chair of the Chapter Orientation Committee.
	Jonathan T. Howe Howe & Hutton, Ltd. Jonathan T. Howe is the president and founding partner of Howe & Hutton, Ltd. He is an established author and speaker who has presented to organizations worldwide. Jonathan received his bachelor of arts degree with honors from Northwestern University and his jurist doctorate (law degree) from Duke University where he was first in his graduating class. He serves as general counsel for International Special Events Society, Meeting Professionals International, Society of Incentive and Travel Executives and the prestigious Association Committee of 100 sponsored by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Jonathan is a founder, president and board member of the Academy of Hospitality Industry Attorneys. He is the legal editor for "Meetings & Conventions" and "The Meeting Professional" magazines and is one of the few lawyers to have argued before the United States Supreme Court.
	Marty Janis Atlantic Services Group Marty Janis founded Atlantic Valet in 1985. Atlantic rapidly grew to be the nation's largest provider of special event valet services. In 2000, Atlantic Valet became Atlantic Services Group with three distinct business lines: Valet, Parking, and Transportation. Marty has been an extremely active member of ISES having served as chapter president for Washington, DC in 1995- 96 and as international president in 2006- 07. In addition to ISES, Marty serves on the board for the Washington Parking Association (WPA) and on the Executive Committee for the DC Chapter of the Young President's Organization (YPO). Marty's work in the community is far reaching focusing his efforts on the health and wellbeing of DC's inner-city youth. In his free time, Marty coaches his children's sports teams, and competes in several marathons and triathlons each year. His most recent personal triumph was the Coeur d'Alene Ironman in 2006.
	Lee Johnson Chair Covers & Linens Lee Johnson is a regional sales representative for Chair Covers & Linens, a nationwide linen rental company. Lee has been in the event industry for more than twenty years with a background in hotels, catering, event planning and rental sales. An active member of ISES, Lee is serving her second year on the local board and chaired this year's ISES Indiana Education Conference. Lee has won several PACE awards.
	Teresa Kelly Simple Creations School of Cooking, LLC. Simple Creation's partner and owner Teresa V. Kelly has a background and degree in marketing food technology and science. She has worked with Fortune 500 companies such as Nabisco and Nestle developing new products, recipes and flavor profiles. She has studied flavor trends from around the globe for the third largest flavor company in the world. Teresa and Ms. Romano are the head facilitators for all Corporate Culinary Team Building events and personally design a program to meet the needs and dynamics of a group. Hosting a fully portable team building program allows Simple Creations to bring our unique team bonding experience to you!
	Jean Kidd idealORDER Organizing Solutions Jean Kidd, owner of Austin-based idealORDER Organizing Solutions, works with busy professionals to develop organizing strategies to make a positive impact on their lives at work and at home. Her specialties within the organizing field include workshops and seminars on organizing topics, meeting planning and working one-on-one with professionals in transition. Her organizing experience has been focused within government, small business and nonprofit settings, but expanded to include residential in 2004. She brings to the organizing field rich experiences and skills developed as a facilitator, consultant, trainer/presenter, meeting planner, program developer, nonprofit manager and small business owner. Since 2005, Jean has served as vice president of the Austin Chapter of the National Association of Professional Organizers. She is a graduate of the University of Louisiana at Lafayette and holds a masters degree in human development from the University of Texas at Dallas.
	Trace Kingham Trace Ltd. Event Design Specialists Trace Kingham has more than 14 years experience in event coordination and design, planning various functions including trade shows, fundraisers and charitable events for organizations such as the Limited Brands, The Ohio State University Medical Center, DSW, Inc., OhioHealth and the American Red Cross. Trace is the founder of Trace Ltd. Event Design Specialists, in its fifth year, where creating an environment that reflects the individual or organization's brand, by creating something unique each and every time is his legacy. Trace has over eight years of experience working for non-profits in Miami, Florida and Columbus, Ohio, and two years with Limited Brands, Inc. Trace holds a bachelors of arts in theatre from Ohio State University and started his post-college career as an actor before he quickly realized that producing events was his immediate passion and direct correlation to theatre.
	Bill Kubiak, CSEP Swank Audio Visuals Bill Kubiak is director of national accounts for Swank Audio Visuals Event Services Division. Swank provides AV equipment and technical support to the hotel, corporate and association markets throughout North America. Prior to joining Swank, Bill was vice president of Technical Operations for a Chicago area event production company. Bill began his career in the AV industry working for a national audio-visual staging company starting out as a staff technician and progressing through the ranks, eventually becoming the general manager of the company's hotel services division. Bill has worked with corporate clients for over 20 years assisting them with their event technology needs. An active member of ISES and MPI, Bill served as president of the Chicago Chapter of ISES and serves on various committees for both organizations. He achieved his CSEP certification in 2002 and won the Most Creative Solution Esprit Award in 2000 for producing the press conference for Westin Hotels introduction of the Heavenly Bed.
	Cindy Kuhn SmithBucklin Corporation At SmithBucklin, Cindy Kuhn leads the Marketing & Communication Services Unit, providing positioning and branding strategy, integrated marketing solutions, event/conference marketing, editorial services, member marketing programs, as well as advocacy and awareness campaigns for not-for-profit associations. For more than 20 years, Cindy has led the strategic and creative development, and implementation of a broad variety of marketing communication initiatives designed to build and protect consumer and organizational brands. Her expertise includes brand positioning and strategy, integrated marketing, product introductions, brand identity re-launches, event marketing, awareness and education campaigns, community relations, issues and crisis management and health professional/influencer marketing. Cindy's brand and marketing communications expertise spans both corporate and consulting firms. She has developed strategic programming and provided marketing communications counsel to the Society of Gynecologic Oncologists, America's SAP User Group, the International Car Wash Association, International Special Events Society, Gatorade Thirst Quencher, McDonald's Corporation, Miller Brewing, Kraft Foods, Borden, Quaker Oats, and Wendy's International.
	Derek Lewis ISLANDpeople Derrick Lewis is the founder of ISLANDpeople, one of the leading event management companies in the region. As founder, he stewards the company's vision to be the most innovative event management company in the world. As a company with innovation at its core, Derek leads as its creative director. In this position, he sets the performance targets, oversees the strategic direction and approves all creative content to ensure its effectiveness and performance. Prior to ISLANDpeople Derrick worked in the marketing department of the advertising support company Advent Information Systems on the prestigious 5th Avenue in New York. In addition to his position at ISLANDpeople Derrick is the director of marketing at Lewis Appliances, the third largest distributor of GE Appliances in the Caribbean and a project consultant to the United Nations (UNICEF). In 2005 he co-developed and produced Xchange, a regional youth anti-violence campaign which remains a Caribbean wide program for UNICEF. He has produced events for the United Nations, ICC Cricket World Cup Launch (the third largest sporting event in the world) after the Olympics and Soccer World Cup.
	Carolyn Luscombe, CSEP, CMP Eclectic Events International Carolyn Luscombe, CSEP, is the president of Toronto, Canada based Eclectic Events International, a full service, award-winning event management firm. Carolyn is a teacher in the event & meeting management program at George Brown College in Toronto. She is an ISES Toronto past president and sits on the 2007-2008 Eventworld® Conference Education Committee. Carolyn is the producer of the Canadian Event Industry Awards and is board member of the Canadian Event Perspective Magazine Advisory Council. She has received the prestigious CEIA Awards for 2007 Producer of the Year, 2006 Spirit of the Industry, and the 2007 Alumni of Distinction Award from Durham College, Oshawa ON where she obtained her diploma in entertainment administration in 1995.
	LaVerne E. Mathews L.V. Edwards & Associates LaVerne E. Mathews is president and chief experience officer of L.V. Edwards & Associates, a full service event and meeting management company located in Oak Lawn, Illinois. LaVerne has worked in the hospitality industry for over 30 years as a corporate event planner for such companies as Illinois Bell and General Electric, as well as for the Office of Labor Management Services Administration of the United States Government. She has also held the positions of director of special events at Holy Trinity High School and director -special events/corporate relations at La Rabida Children's Hospital before taking on the responsibilities and challenges of becoming an entrepreneur. LaVerne holds a bachelors of science in business administration from Olivet Nazarene University in Kankakee, Illinois, and a MBA from Keller Graduate School of Management in Chicago. L.V. Edwards & Associates clientele include Ameritech, Intel, Allstate Insurance, Humana, Blue Cross Blue Shield, United Artists Theaters, BOCA International, Logistic Innovations, and the CalPro Group.
	Tracy Moran, CSEP OSU Medical Center/James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute Tracy Moran, CSEP, is a skilled event director and project manager with 16 years experience in corporate and non-profit events. Tracy currently works with the Ohio State University Medical Center/James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute, responsible for event production/coordination, strategic planning, fundraising, sponsorship solicitation, community and volunteer involvement. Prior to this position, Tracy was director of special events at Columbus College of Art & Design, managing events for academic affairs, development, exhibitions, alumni relations, and president s office. Other experience includes account/event coordinator at Griffin Communications marketing/communications agency; administrative coordinator at LifeCare Alliance home healthcare agency; and manager at R & R Sports/Ruggieri & Associates, international synchronized swimming camp & clinic program and health & wellness center. Tracy earned a bachelor of arts in communications from The Ohio State University and earned her Certified Special Event Professional designation in 2002. Tracy serves on the Esprit Awards International Committee and is a member ISES Columbus.
	Ruth Moyte Extraordinary Events With over fourteen years experience in the special events industry, Ruth Moyte has mastery over every facet of the event process including the inner-workings and importance of each element integral to the success of an event. Having worked with many clients such as BCBG, Citrix, Mercedes, Epson, United Figure Skating Association, Blue Cross, Amway, Siemens, Toyota, Media Asia, Siebel Systems and more, her commitment to each consistently ensures a comfortable and rewarding experience for all parties involved. Ruth enjoys public speaking and presentations regarding industry related topics and readily engages her audience to create an interactive, educational experience for seminar attendees. Ruth's interest in the event industry and marketing on a global level has her promoting Extraordinary Events in both the U.S. and European markets as she continues to grow in her career.
	Colonel Mike Mullane He holds a Master's of Science Degree in Aeronautical Engineering from the Air Force Institute of Technology and is also a graduate of the Air Force Flight Test Engineer School at Edwards Air Force Base, California. Mullane was selected as a Mission Specialist in 1978 in the first group of Space Shuttle Astronauts. He completed three space missions and logged 356 hours in space aboard the Shuttles Discovery (STS-41D) and Atlantis (STS-27 & 36) before retiring from NASA and the Air Force in 1990. Mullane has been inducted into the International Space Hall of Fame and is the recipient of many awards, including the Air Force Distinguished Flying Cross, Legion of Merit and the NASA Space Flight Medal. Since his retirement from NASA, Colonel Mullane has written an award-winning children's book, Liftoff! An Astronaut's Dream, and a popular space-fact book, Do Your Ears Pop In Space?, and his memoir, Riding Rockets, The Outrageous Tales of a Space Shuttle Astronaut.
	Kathy Newby Classic Party Rentals - Napa Kathy Newby began her association with the event industry by planning and managing nationwide meetings and trade show exhibits. She has spearheaded production on major events for Sony Computer Entertainment of America, Stanford University Commencement, The San Francisco 49ers and the NFL. For two years, Kathy was primarily responsible for the production of the NFL Pro Bowl Tailgate Party for over 3,500 fans in Hawaii. Other notable credits include the weddings of San Francisco Giant Barry Bonds, and television personality Courtney Cox. As an event consultant, Kathy's experience in developing logistical plans, production schedules, design development and décor elements has been a vital asset to the organizations she has been associated with. Kathy credits her success in the special events industry to her association with ISES. She is past president for ISES North Carolina Chapter, past member of the International Membership Development Committee for ISES and is currently the western region vice president for ISES.
	David Peters Event Mall David Peters is the founder and owner of Event Mall, Inc based in Orlando, Florida. He is a 25 year resident of Orlando and a pioneer in the event rental industry. David has won awards and produced events with awards such as the CFCSA convention professional of the year and the Special Events Magazine Gala award for best corporate event (budget over $500,000). He is co-author of Ten Places Money is Hidden in your Event Business. David has spoken for the International Special Event Society, The Special Event, The National Catering Association, The Club Managers of America, and Meeting Planners International. He has produced events with goals including employee recognition, marketing, entertainment and education. In addition to his work, David has served on several national and international event industry boards and currently serves on the board of SEARCH. Event Mall houses 12 event industry brands and creates custom event plans and services internationally. They have marketed internationally recognized brands such as Absolute Amusements, Airstar, Graphic Globe & now PopNoggins.
	Simon Rayment Pandor Productions Fifteen years ago, Simon Rayment entered the audio visual industry as a partner at Pandor Productions. Based in Toronto, Canada, Simon is a seasoned professional specializing in all aspects of technical production. Simon and his crew were part of the team to receive the 2006 ISES Esprit Award for ISES Team Effort, Budget $50,001 - $100,000 . Having adopted the simple concept of hiring not only capable, but also nice technicians, Pandor is enjoying strong growth in sales and reputation. Simon s pursuit of excellence is not only driving the success of his company, but also the satisfaction of his clients.
	Kimberly Roberts, CSEP UniPro Foodservice, Inc. Recently, Kimberly Roberts joined UniPro Foodservice, Inc. as a Manager of Meetings and Conventions. In this capacity Kimberly works to produce over 40 annual events nationally and internationally. In 2000, Kimberly founded Pieces to the Puzzle, Inc., an upscale event planning company created to address the event planning needs of the corporate, non-profit, and private sectors. Pieces to the Puzzle, Inc. frees corporations and individuals from the responsibilities that are involved in planning successful and rewarding events. In 2003, Kimberly joined the faculty of Georgia Perimeter College as an adjunct professor in the Continuing Education School teaching event planning. In 2008, she began teaching online with Devry University in the Hospitality Management program and the Art Institute of Pittsburgh in their Culinary Management division.
	Mary Ann Romano Simple Creations School of Cooking, LLC Simple Creation's partner and owner Mary Ann Romano serves up a background and degree in teaching, physiology, motivational speaking and corporate team management. A passion for teaching, cooking and food were the building blocks for the successful union with Teresa Kelly in 2003 to establish Simple Creations School of Cooking, LLC. Always on the cutting edge, the Corporate Culinary Team Building program was designed in 2005.
	Katie Rogers EventWorks, Inc. Katie Rogers brings an extensive background in event planning to her position as director of sales at EventWorks, Inc. Katie is also one of the founding members of the Los Angeles-based special event networking group, Fete, a member of Meeting Planners International and active with her local International Special Event Society chapter.
	Terry Singleton, CSEP CCP Events, Inc. Terry Singleton, CSEP is president and founder of CCP Events, Inc. a special event and theme décor production company in Atlanta, Georgia. CCP Events, Inc. is on the preferred vendor list of many fortune 500 corporations, venues, destination management companies and caterers in greater Atlanta, an honor earned through top quality customer service and cutting-edge event designs and implementation. Celebrating their 15th year in business in 2008, Terry attributes the company's success, in great part, to strong vendor and client relationships and an active involvement in the International Special Event Society. Terry is currently serving year on the ISES International Board of Governors.
	Susan Southerland Just Marry!, Inc. Susan Southerland specializes in wedding planning and designing, creating dream weddings for couples from around the world and from around the corner. She has been featured in media worldwide including Bride's Magazine, Bridal Guide, Modern Bride, The Wall Street Journal, and The New York Times. Susan authored The Planning Pages for "The Perfect Wedding Guide", and has providing wedding expertise for theknot.com, and weddingchannel.com. Susan is featured twice in the 2006 season of "Whose Wedding is it Anyway?" and her advice can be heard on The Wedding Podcast NetworkTM. Susan authored two e-books, "Forty Fun and Fabulous Ways to Increase Sales for Your Wedding Business" and "145 Days of Strategies for Teaming up In the Wedding Industry". Susan is a member of the National Association of Catering Executives and of the Association of Bridal Consultants. She earned her bachelor's degree in Public Relations from the University of Florida.
	Tracy Stuckrath, CSEP Manheim Tracy Stuckrath, CSEP, creates environments for Manheim's employees and customers to learn and be entertained. As manager of tradeshows and events for Manheim, Tracy oversees the company's leadership role and image to internal and external audiences through tradeshows, conventions, meetings and special events. Tracy began her event planning career in 1990 at North Carolina State University. After graduating, she became a meeting planner for the National Defense Industrial Association. In 1993, she joined the Aerospace Industries Association as assistant manager, editorial products. In 1995 she relocated to Atlanta, Georgia to work for the Atlanta Committee for the Olympic Games. In 1996, Tracy became a meeting and special events manager at Bill Communications, planning events and high-level conferences for 11 magazines and tradeshows. In 2000, she took on the role of marketing and public relations manager for Atlanta Magazine. Then in 2003 Tracy joined Manheim as assistant manager, events and public relations, a position she held until December 2004, when promoted to her current role.
	Steve Vincent The Vincent Group - Insurance, Travel, and Financial Services Steven Vincent started The Vincent Group (VG)- Insurance, Travel and Financial Services in order to bring a new and fresh approach to insurance. The first brokerage firm in California to offer the combined coverage of professional (E&O) and general liability insurance to the hospitality industry at one low rate, VG specializes in the all aspects of the event industry insurancne. Insuring start up companies to multi million dollar production companies both in the US and internationally, VG is the go-to insurance provider for the events industy. Steve spent over 18 years in the food and beverage industry - from waiter to owner. He is now using his experience to work with today's F&B and event-oriented companies to help secure and manage their assets and employees while providing coverage for all their risks. Steve speaks with companies, organizations, event industry associations and in event management classes at universities. His background was with Extreme Cuisine: Complete Catering Concepts as its executive chef and founder of the multi-faceted catering & event-planning company servicing Southern California.
	Joyce Weinberg New York Food Tours & Events and Philly Food Tours & Events Joyce Weinberg is a seasoned food industry professional with 20 years of food, event and restaurant experience. To date, Joyce has managed several Fortune 500 food brands, designed, and managed her own large restaurant, and has consulted to many restaurants and food businesses. Joyce is the author of "The Everything Guide to The Catering Business," published by Adams Media, available this October. In 2003 she founded New York Food Tours & Events (www.nyfoodtours.com) a Manhattan-based food tour and guided tasting event business. Joyce specializes in teaching consumers about artisanal, sustainable, and local foods. Joyce has a BA from Brown University and an MBA from Wharton. She is an adjunct professor of Marketing at NYU.
	Ny Whitaker Events by Ny As president of Events by Ny, Ny Whitaker has developed sponsorship programs and produced events for clients including: Parsons School of Design, DealFlow Media, Transitions Optical, Carl Zeiss Vision, AO Sola, W Magazine, iStar Financial, The World Federation of United Nations Associations, American Montessori Society, Pfizer, Ogilvy Healthworld, the Joe Torre Safe at Home Foundation and the Earvin Magic Johnson Foundation. Ny currently teaches Corporate Sponsorships and Events Marketing courses at New York University's School of Continuing and Professionals Studies. Ny is the 2007-2008 Vice President of Programs and Education for the ISES New York Metro Chapter.
	Stacy Jessica Wyatt Editor, Canadian Event Perspective Magazine Stacy Wyatt Editor of Canadian Event Perspective Magazine, Canada's only national special event magazine. After joining the industry in 1992 as a catering coordinator, and then event coordinator, Stacy quickly catapulted herself into the center of the Canadian Event industry by developing a line of marketing and educational vehicles for the Canadian event marketplace. Her company, Canadian Event Perspective Magazine is the leading publication in Canada for special event and meeting professionals and is supported by their national industry conference and annual regional event trade shows. The company just celebrated 10 years as Canada's premiere industry resource. Today, Stacy finds herself splitting her days between writing everything from ad copy and online magazines to organizing and producing their live events across the country. With a passion for writing, a unique ability to handle multiple projects with a meticulous eye for detail and a solid understanding of the events world, Stacy excels at creating and developing unique products and resources designed to assist today's planners. Stacy is a founding board member of the Canadian Special Event Society, Past 2x President of the International Special Events Society Vancouver Chapter and a current Editorial Advisory Board Member for Speaking of Impact Magazine, the magazine for the Canadian Association of Professional Speakers.