Conference Schedule - Day One
+ 8:00 AM - Breakfast and Registration
We kick off with breakfast from local favorites and coffee from Longshot Coffee.
+ 9:00 AM - WELCOME
+ 9:15 AM - KEYNOTE Carla Ruben, Creative Edge Parties
Carla Ruben, Founder and Chief Creative Officer, Creative Edge Parties offers her perspective as the founder of a woman-run business and shares lessons learned about success and the "Feminine Art of Failing Flawlessly".
+ 10:00 AM - PANEL What's Next: Innovation, Engagement, and Pushing the Envelope
The next big thing doesn't always mean the big NEW thing. This panel features established industry leaders in a panel discussion about how they push their companies to stay ahead of the curve.
- Kelsey Sheofsky, Founder, Shelter Co.
- Ethan Mantle, Executive Chef / Owner, Componere Fine Catering
- Michael Antonia, Founder, The Flashdance / YEAH! Rentals / Office Party
- Kristen Caissie, Owner, Moon Canyon Floral Design
+ 11:00 AM - Break
+ 11:30 AM - KEYNOTE Building Brands That Connect
Lila Theodoros, Founder and Creative Director of Oh, Babushka
+ 11:30 AM - BOH Track: Kitchen Operations Masterclass
+ 12:15 PM - Lunch
+ 1:30 PM - SPOTLIGHT Excellence in Execution
A case study with Ashley Capra of Paula LeDuc Fine Catering of the the ways in which companies can create a consistently excellent client experience, from initial inquiry to final invoice.
+ 2:00 PM - PANEL Public Relations in a Post-Social World
We operate in a media-saturated industry, and face an ever-increasing challenge to capture the attention of our target audience. We speak with industry leaders in the fields of hospitality, lifestyle, and wedding PR to discuss the ways in which companies should use a mix of innovative ideas and tried-and-true methods to establish their brand in the marketplace.
- Shira Savada, Real Weddings Editor, Martha Stewart Weddings
- Alexis Halejian, Vice President of Marketing, SPROUT LA
- Natalie Denyse, Founder, In Good Company PR
- Nastassia Johnson, Sweets Expert and Marketing Consultant, Let Me Eat Cake
+ 2:00 PM - BOH Track: Sustainable Sourcing and Purchasing Management with Sarah Delevan
Produce expert Sarah Delevan will present her model spreadsheet and tools for buyers, chefs and business owners to organize their food sources, to make seasonal buying easy and highly organized. It also includes tools for budgeting and tracking spending. This workshop also covers some common struggles and suggested best practices for buying & receiving.
+ 2:45 PM - MASTERCLASS Steps to Becoming a Top Destination Wedding Venue
Jesse Tombs of Event Space Consulting shares his knowledge and first-hand experience of working with dozens of venues to create best-in-class operations for venues across the country.
+ 3:30 PM - PANEL The Experience Economy and Working with Brands
This panel features veteran event producers and national brand representatives in a discussion of best-practices for working with companies and corporate clients.
+ 3:30 PM - BOH Track: Corporate Catering and Daily Delivery Service
Insights on how to develop a daily delivery or in-office catering program for your catering department.
+ 4:00 PM - WORKSHOPS
Get some hands-on experience. Choose between:
- Buffet and Station Styling with Wilmarose Orlanes
- Food Photography and Styling with Sarah Hendrix of Lady & Larder
+ 5:00 PM - KEYNOTE Helen Johannesen of Helen's Wines
Helen Johannesen, owner of Helen's Wines and Beverage Director for Joint Ventures, gives a talk on building a custom beverage program for your business that can serve as a true point of differentiation.