Speakers

A Key Note Address that will serve to enlighten and inspire:
Tim Sanders is on a mission: reaching to business people around the world excited about participating in social responsibility, sustainability, and employee development projects. Why? Companies that nurture people, communities and planet will have stronger brands, better sales and healthier bottom lines. He’s the author of Saving The World At Work: What companies and individuals can do to go beyond making a profit to making a difference.

His first book, Love Is The Killer App: How To Win Business and Influence Friends, was a New York Times and international best seller.  It explored the power of business relationships, and how to build them. Currently advising business and public leaders on next-generation strategies, Tim is one of the most in demand speakers on the conference and seminar circuit. Tim has a wealth of experience in cutting-edge businesses and marketing.

He was the Chief Solutions Officer at Yahoo! and later their Leadership Coach. Prior to his senior positions at Yahoo!, Tim created and led the Yahoo! Value Lab, an in-house “think tank” which delivered futuristic insight to the company’s partners and clients. He’s a frequent guest on TV and written about in countless business and industry publications.

2009 REC Speakers will include: 
 

Charles Barrett
Director of Catering Sales
Marriott Marquis

As Director of Catering Sales at the New York Marriott Marquis in Times Square, Charlie Barrett is responsible for overall catering sales for one of New York City’s largest hotels, with over 100,000 square feet of catering and meeting space.  A 25-year veteran of Marriott International, he has held various catering positions with the company, starting with the Stamford Marriott in 1984.  He was Director of Catering at the Westchester Marriott in 1985 and shortly thereafter in 1986 joined the opening team at the New York Marriott Marquis.  He has held several catering positions within the hotel including Senior Catering Account Executive as well as his present position as Director of Catering Sales.  His hospitality industry career began with the (then named) Sheraton Corporation in New York City at the Sheraton Centre Hotel in 1977 as Assistant Catering Sales Manager.  He was promoted to Assistant Director of Catering in 1981 and was there for three more years before joining Marriott International. He is an active member of Meeting Planners International, Food and Beverage Managers Association, Asian American Business Development Council, International Special Events Society, Manhattan College Alumni Association and the American Martyrs Church Parish Council.

Meredith Barsky
Director of Catering
Pier Sixty and The Lighthouse

Danny Bergold
Production Manager, Entertainment Division
Empire Force Events

Danny Bergold began over 15 years in the Entertainment and Event Production industries at age 16 as a performer. Danny has appeared in over 50 musicals, including three National and two European Broadway Tours, and managed to earn a B.A. in Performing Arts from the University of California.  At Empire Force Events he produces performance acts of all kinds, including The Gipsy Kings, Diana Ross, The Village People, America’s Got Talent’s Quick Change Act, iL CiRCo, a Broadway Review starring Mr. Robert Cuccioli, Mr. Pat Riley, Mr. Donald Trump and most recently, Mr. Tony Bennett. During his tenure as a member of the Board of Directors for the International Special Events Society (ISES) New York Metro Chapter, Danny produced the hugely successful 7th Annual Big Apple Awards Gala and proudly received their Spirit Award.  Danny is an Event Solutions Magazine 2008 Spolight Award Rising Star finalist and Special Event Magazine published his article, “The Act of the Entertainment Producer”, in August 2008.  Danny feels like the luckiest guy in the world to have his beautiful wife Jennifer Parsinen-Bergold in his life.

Matt Bonavita
President
Rhythm In Motion

Matt started Rhythm In Motion in 2003 after years of work as a freelance Master of Ceremonies & Disc Jockey.  Believing that he could translate his specialized skills into a successful business, Matt has personally trained all of his staff and works with and evaluates them consistently to keep them ahead of the curve.  Rhythm In Motion's business model is unique in that their staff prides itself on professionalism and the ability to customize their work to their client's specifications.  Whether that client is Saturday Night Live, American Express, Delta Airlines (all past clients) or the average blushing Bride.  Matt also holds both a BA in Education and an MA in History.

Toby Boshak
Executive Director
Princess Grace Foundation

Toby Boshak is the Executive Director of the Princess Grace Foundation-USA.  Over the past twelve years, Ms. Boshak has increased the profile and impact of the organization, a public charity that supports emerging artists in theater, dance, and film.  Prior to joining the Foundation, Ms. Boshak served as the Director of Institutional Support at New York City Ballet where she was responsible for all corporate, foundation, and government fund raising activity.  Ms. Boshak serves on the Boards of the Association of Fund Raising Professionals (co-chair Fund Raising Day in New York career services), Ensemble21, a contemporary music group, and PS 158 Parents’ Association.  Ms. Boshak holds a B.A. from

David Carey
Group President
Condé Nast 

David Carey is Group President at Condé Nast overseeing the company's properties that reach a business and executive audience, including The New Yorker, Condé Nast Portfolio, WIRED, Golf Digest, Golf World, Reddit, and Ars Technica.

Most recently, Mr. Carey led the startup Condé Nast Portfolio and portfolio.com, which debuted in April 2007 and generated headlines worldwide.  With a foundation of blue-chip advertisers from multiple categories, the simultaneous print/digital launch of Condé Nast Portfolio was the most anticipated media launch in many years.

Previously, Mr. Carey was the Vice President and Publisher of The New Yorker.  Under his leadership, The New Yorker staged a remarkable turnaround as a business.  In addition to the turnaround of The New Yorker and launch of Condé Nast Portfolio, Mr. Carey has led two other magazine launches, SmartMoney and the re-launch of House & Garden in 1996. In 2004, David Carey was named by AdWeek, as the industry’s “executive of the year”. In addition, he has received the “Hall of Achievement” award from the American Advertising Federation, an honor given annually to the industry’s top executives under 40. 

Joe Cozza
Vice President, Sales and Marketin
Cipriani U.S.A

Joseph V. Cozza is currently Vice President, Sales and Marketing for Cipriani U.S.A.  Cipriani operates premier historic event locations in New York including Cipriani 42nd Street, Cipriani 55 Wall Street, the Rainbow Room and Cipriani Sutton. Cipriani also operates international restaurants and is currently developing luxury hotels, resorts and residences. Mr. Cozza has over 30 years of hospitality management experience, holding various executive positions with Sheraton, Hyatt, Fairmont and Marriott Corporations. He played a major role as part of the Executive Committee during the pre-opening and opening of the Grand Hyatt New York in 1980 and the New York Marriott Marquis in 1984. Awards and recognition include; the BizBash Media Hall of Fame, Hospitality Professional of the Year by the Food and Beverage Manager’s Association of America, 2007 “Man of the Year” award by the Les Amis d’Escoffier Society and the 20th Year Anniversary Honoree Award by the International Special Events Society New York Metro Chapter.

James Dale
Director of Catering
Grand Hyatt NY

James (“Jim”) Dale, the Senior Director of Catering at the Grand Hyatt New York, is responsible for seven catering managers and an overall food, beverage and annual room rental revenue of $40 million.  Jim has additional catering responsibilities in 14 of Hyatt’s Northeast hotels. Jim has built a very distinguished career within the hospitality industry acquiring his first position at the Grand Hyatt New York as a coffee shop greeter in 1986. He has worked in other world-class hotels such as the Waldorf Astoria. He held the position of Director of Catering for the Hyatt Regency in Greenwich, Connecticut and has held his current position at the Grand Hyatt New York for the past 10 years. Jim received the Director of the Year Award in 2006 and numerous Golden Key Awards. He currently sits on the Board of Les Amis d’Escoffier and the New York Chapter of National Association of Catering Executives (NACE). Jim graduated from Farleigh Dickinson’s Hotel and Restaurant Management School. He resides in Manhattan with his wife and two children. 

David DeLoach
General Manager of Entertainment Operations
Walt Disney World Parks and Resorts

David DeLoach is the General Manager of Entertainment Operations in MAGIC KINGDOM® Park at the WALT DISNEY WORLD® Resort in Orlando, Florida.  Previously, he was the leader of the MAGIC KINGDOM Special Event Operations Team where he led a team of talented and dedicated event professionals who worked together to operationally plan and execute all private convention events, public special events, employee recognition events, and media/press events in MAGIC KINGDOM® Park.  He began focusing exclusively on event management in 1994, when that department was created.  David has been a Cast Member at WALT DISNEY WORLD® for over 20 years.

David is an active member of the International Special Events Society, and currently serves as the President (2008-2009) of the association.  He has also volunteered his time by serving two terms as President of the Orlando Chapter, as a member of the ISES Ethics Committee, as chair of the ISES MARCOM Committee, member of the ISES Board of Governors, and member of the ISES Executive Committee.

Kathleen DeLuca, CMP, CSEP
President & Founder
Events Plus, Inc.

Kathleen DeLuca is the President and Founder of Events Plus, Inc. (EPI) in Collingswood, New Jersey, a full service event and meeting management company producing events and meetings in the USA, Europe, and Asia.  Prior to that Kathleen was the Program Director at The Franklin Institute in Philadelphia responsible for their annual awards program and events honoring world-class scientists and high level corporate leaders.  Before that, she produced balloon festivals for Rainbow Balloons, and was part of the sales and meeting team at Occidental Chemical Corporation.  Kathleen has been an active member of ISES since 1994 and currently serves as President-Elect (2008-2009) of the association and also serves on the International Relations Committee.  Past ISES volunteer service includes numerous International Committees, Northeast Regional Vice President, Founding Member of the New Jersey South Chapter, and President of the Greater Philadelphia Chapter. Kathleen is also a Director on the CMP Board, Vice President of Finance for MPI New Jersey, and an Officer on EWomen Network South Jersey’s Leadership Committee. 

Rachael Dworsky DMCP
Director of Operations
Briggs INC

Rachael Dworsky is a destination management specialist with 22 years experience in New York City.  Rachael owned her own DMC in New York for 7 years before joining Briggs Inc. as the director of Operations in the fall of 2005.   Rachael has planned events and transportation for corporate and incentive clients for upwards of 10,000 guests in New York City. Rachael has been a member of ADME for 8 years, earned her DMCP in March, 2005 and has been a member of the Certification and Accreditation Board for 3 years. Rachael is a 4th generation native New Yorker with a passion for her city and chosen profession!

Mary Fiore
President
Mary Fiore & Co., inc.
“Essential Fundraising Event Tips that Transcend Troubled Times”

More than 17 years of experience inform Mary’s planning for events in the nonprofit sector.  Strategies implemented by Mary Fiore & Co., Inc. have doubled attendance, income, and helped several events gross over $1 million dollars in revenue for clients.  Prior to starting her own company, Mary planned fundraising and events for the Princess Grace Foundation-USA and has worked with Covenant House; Wave Hill, and The Bronx Museum of Arts.  Mary has served multiple terms on the Board of Directors for the Greater NY Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals and fulfilled the responsibilities of Secretary of the Board, Vice Chair of Operations for Fundraising Day in New York, Chair of the Career Services Committee, and instructor for an event planning course on “The Fundamentals of Fundraising”.

Bebhinn Gallen
Director of Catering
Ritz Carlton Battery Park

Kelley Gillespie
Principal
GEM Events

Kelley is the principal of GEM Events, a special event planning firm in the Washington, DC area. With more than 20 years of event and conference management experience, Kelley has fine-tuned her creativity, vision and leadership skills to produce award-winning events. She has planned Inaugural events, parties for 12,000 guests and small but intimate executive dinners in exclusive locations. She is currently the Immediate Past President of the Greater Washington, DC Chapter of the International Special Events Society.  She has won numerous awards, including the 2008 ISES Espirt Award for Best Corporate Event $75,000 - $200,000, and 2007 Espirt Award for Best Team Event. Ms. Gillespie has provided event planning services for a diverse range of clients including The Builders’ Ball, The March of Dimes and Deloitte & Touche.  She consults with CSI, the preferred DMC to the new Gaylord National Hotel located in Washington, DC area. Ms. Gillespie was formerly Director of Special Events for Courtesy Associates in Washington, DC.

James Gingell
Senior Program Manager
Event Solutions International

Involved in automotive events since 1991, James Gingell started his career with Webster & Lancaster of London, England, working throughout Western Europe and the UK.  In 1999 he moved to Detroit, MI working for G2 Communications as an Assistant Program Manager. In 2002 he joined Event Solutions International as a Program Manager and was promoted to Senior Program Manager in 2005. From high-profile, ultra-luxury vehicle launches to middle-of-nowhere off-road ride and drives, Gingell’s work has taken him to many of the lower 48 states and as far a field as Africa for clients including Chrysler, Mercedes, General Motors, Ford and Audi.

Karl Heitz DMCP
Director of Operations
The Arrangers

Karl Heitz, DMCP joined The Arrangers in 2000 after graduating from Colorado State University with a degree in Natural Resource, Recreation & Tourism Management.  After his initial internship he has moved his way up through the company operating hundreds of different transportation programs.  He has successfully moved hundreds of thousands of guests, with some of these moves being recognized nationally and internationally.  He was awarded his DMCP in 2006.  He is currently the Director of Operations at The Arrangers overseeing all operations and productions activities.  Karl is also a past President of the ISES Denver Chapter and currently a member of the ESPRIT committee.

Lori Hill
President
lori hill event productions, inc.

An award winning event planner and environmentalist on a mission to make the event profession fully green, Lori speaks at conferences, workshops, The George Washington University, and strives daily to live and work in an environmentally friendly manner.  Lori plans events and meetings nationwide and has been a member of the International Special Events Society (ISES) for over 12 years.  Her service, honors, and awards include 3 years as a member of the ISES International Board of Governors, President of the Greater Washington, DC chapter the year it won International ISES Chapter of the Year, an ISES Capital Award for Best ISES Team; an ISES DC President's Award; an ISES DC Leadership Award; and a nomination for the ISES Capital Award for Best Event Under $50,000.  Lori, a member of the Chesapeake Climate Action Network and Greenpeace, graduated from The Robert H. Smith School of Business at the University of Maryland and The Event Management Program at The George Washington University.

Vicky Johnson
Owner
holy matrimony

Vicky Johnson is owner of holy matrimony and creative director of Haute Minded Events, located in Washington, DC.  She is a featured planner on the television show Whose Wedding Is It Anyway? and the creator of the award winning blog DC Nearlyweds. She was named Entrepreneur of the Year in 2003 for the strides her firm made in the special events industry, she serves as moderator for the annual Wedding Week sponsored by The Washington Post and as style editor for Brides Noir magazine.  Mrs. Johnson also certifies students as wedding planners at the college level. Mrs. Johnson is an active volunteer who oversees the wedding ministry team and all weddings performed at the 7,000 member New Psalmist Baptist Church in Baltimore, MD.

Gary Jones CSEP
Director of Fun
Gary Jones Presents…. GJP Destination Management

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 and works on. 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.

Jeff Kalpak
President and Partner
Barkley Kalpak Associates

Award-winning Barkley Kalpak produces hundreds of events annually for major corporations within the US and abroad. American Entertainment Magazine named Jeff Kalpak best producer of the year in both 2006 and 2007, and Event Solutions Magazine, awarded him Entertainment Producer of the Year in 2005.  Jeff has produced and directed the televised prestigious Drama Desk Awards show for over 13 years and international productions including the Asian premiere of Chicago for the Macao International Music Festival, Guys and Dolls in 2006 in China, and private concerts with celebrity headliners including Sheryl Crow, James Taylor and Vanessa Williams. A sought after speaker, Jeff lectures on behalf of MPI, RSA, SITE, Event Solutions Magazine, Special Events Magazine, Agenda Magazine, and is a Guest Lecturer at both NYU and Syracuse University.  Jeff has served on the Board of the International Association for Corporate Entertainment Producers, as Chair of the NYC Chapter of SITE, as President of TEAM Net, and received their 2004 and 2005 Net Spirit Award.  Other affiliations include ISES, NYC & Co. and the Society of Stage Directors and Choreographers.

Rhonda Marko CMP CMM DMCP
President & CEO
Destination Nashville

Rhonda recognized the need for destination management services in Nashville and founded Destination Nashville in 1994. Presently, Rhonda serves as President of the Association for Destination Management Executives (ADME), member of the Domestic Partners Advisory Board of Global Events Partners and Commissioner of Transportation & Destination Management on the Convention Industry Council (CIC) APEX Commission.

As the Commissioner of Transportation & Destination Management on the APEX Commission, Rhonda ensures DMCs have a voice at the meeting industry’s strategic table.  She was integral in developing the DMC RFP that is part of the APEX Toolbox and PowerShop.  Her DMC RFP can be found on Convention Industry Council website. 

Christien Methot
Designer and Partner
Design One, New York NY and Los Angeles
“Production Modes for Creative Efficient Events” 

Phyl Monroe, CMP
Senior Events Manager
Wolters Kluwer Corporate Legal Services

Phyl Monroe is the senior events manager for Wolters Kluwer Corporate Legal Services (CLS).  In this role, she is responsible for strategic oversight and team guidance on all customer-facing, brand-enhancing events and conferences for CLS. In addition she manages executive growth-focused meetings and company town halls.  She was responsible for creating the first CT User Conference, which allowed the company to introduce its products to customers from the different CT Businesses for the first time. 
During her career she has been an independent; an association; and a corporate planner specializing in budget management and contract negotiations.  She attended Midwestern State University, has been a Certified Meeting Professional since 2002 and is an active board member in Meeting Professionals International WestField Chapter.

Pamela Mohr
Director of Special Events
American Cancer Society

Presently, employed by the American Cancer Society as Division Director of Distinguished Events, Pamela oversees a portfolio of approximately 50 golf and gala events that generate $10 million in net revenue.  Her position provides direct support, training and marketing materials to a field of Regional Distinguished Event Directors in 21 offices throughout New York and New Jersey.  She works closely with each event, assisting Event Directors in creating and adhering to their budgets as well as building and managing relationships with volunteer committees, honorees and sponsors. Prior to this position, Pamela served as a Team Leader and Director of Special Events for the Manhattan regional office of the American Cancer Society, where she was directly responsible for raising over $530,000.  Additionally, she managed staff and volunteers who raised over $850,000 through an extensive portfolio of events and sponsorships. Pamela spent five years as the Event Marketing Manager for Ernst & Young's Metro New York Area office, where she ran many client events generating new revenue for the firm.  Prior to that, Pamela worked as an Event Manager at the American Cancer Society and a Development Associate at UJA-Federation of New York. 

Jill Moran CSEP
Owner
jsmoran, special event planning & management

Jill Moran, CSEP, launched jsmoran, special event planning & management in 1989 producing international events for exhibit and display clients and expanded into corporate, non-profit and celebratory events in destinations around the world.

Jill has played a leadership role in ISES both on a local and international level. She was President of the New England Chapter in 2003 – 2004 and chairman of the International Education Committee for ISES from 2004 – 2007. Her best selling book How to Start a Home-based Event Planning Business won an Esprit Award for Best Industry Contribution. Her latest book How to Start a Home-based Wedding Planning Business was just released in January 2009. Jill has spoken at industry conferences and at various ISES Chapter meetings throughout the US and internationally.

Jim Moran
Co-Founder & Managing Partner
Co-Op Branding, New York, NY
“What I Really Need to Know about Branding – it’s more than just logos”
Jim Moran, the co-founder and managing partner of branding agency CO-OP, brings 16 years of global experience developing branding strategies in the real estate, entertainment, sports marketing, hospitality and media industries to CO-OP's diverse roster of clients.  His focus: strategic, transformative business and marketing initiatives that bring a brand to life for the consumer, while simultaneously defining the company in the marketplace. A skilled relationship and consensus builder who always keeps his clients' audience and purchasing power in mind, Moran has built lasting relationships with nationally and globally recognized brand names including Johnson & Johnson, Loews Hotel Group, IMAX, Madame Tussaud's, Maesa, A&E television network, National Cinemedia, Screenvision and fitting for a New York-based agency, numerous real estate developers.

Craig Neier

Founder
Craig Neier Associates

Craig Neier, Founder of Craig Neier Associates and Chairman of Catch A Rising Star Comedy Clubs & Productions, is among the most respected event planners in the United States. Craig Neier Associates, provides special event planning and coordination to many Fortune 500 corporations, organizations, and families throughout the United States. Craig Neier Associates events often include the top celebrities in the entertainment and sports world!
Craig has been a part of the entertainment industry since he was nine years old as a renowned magician and entertainer. By the time he was 13, he was a regular opening act at hotels and nightclubs for major performers. By the time he was 17, he had traveled all over the world with his show.
Craig is very active in many charitable events such as Special Olympics New Jersey, The Children’s Cancer Fund and the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.  Closest to his heart, however, is the “Melissa Neier Memorial Fund,” named after his 20-year old sister who was killed by a drunk driver in 1990.

Paul Newman
Co-Founder & Managing Partner
Co-Op Branding, New York, NY
“What You Really Need to Know About Branding – it’s more than just logos”

Paul, co-founder and creative director, leads CO-OP’s diverse and international creative team. His twenty plus years of commercial art experience in Europe and the US as an illustrator, designer, director, and creative director provide the conceptual catalyst for CO-OP’s branding success. His ability to strategically articulate a client’s business needs via his creative vision has defined CO-OP’s ever-expanding business from entertainment, media and technology to the company’s signature lifestyle branding of hotels, real estate and beauty. Paul’s branding and design experience at CO-OP has included Loews Hotels, IMAX, Johnson & Johnson, Madame Tussauds, Major League Soccer, Toren, One Hanson Place, 101, and Maesa.

Margaret Pederson
President
Amirexx, LLC

Margaret Pederson is President of Amirexx, LLC. Prior to Amirexx, she was president of Primedia Business Exhibitions for Penton Media where she was responsible for all aspects of managing the business with overall responsibility for the long term strategic direction and growth of the group. Prior to joining Penton Media, she was with Reed Exhibition Companies for 16 years, ultimately serving as Senior Vice President. In 2003, Pederson was recognized as one of "The 100 Most Influential People in the Tradeshow Business" and one of the "25 Women to Know" in the exhibition industry by Tradeshow Week magazine. Pederson served on the Board of Directors for SISO and was chair in 2004-2005. She has served on the Board of Trustees for the IAEE Foundation, the Strategic Planning Committee, Nominating Committee and the Consumer Show Group for IAEE.

Kara Pigeon DMCP
Partner & Director of Production
Signature Destination Management, L.L.C.

Kara C. Pigeon, DMCP is a Partner and Director of Production for the New Orleans based company Signature Destination Management, L.L.C.  She is a proud native New Orleans who has over 13 years experience in the destination management field.  Her passion, enthusiasm and professionalism have taken her straight to the top of the events industry.  In November of 2003 Kara was introduced to the world of ISES and by July of 2004, she was named Founding President of the New Orleans Chapter of the International Special Events Society (ISES) and held this office through June of 2006.  In December of 2005, Kara was chosen as VP of the New Orleans Foundation of Events Associates Relief (NOFEAR), a non-profit organization dedicated to financially assist individuals in the events and hospitality industry in the Greater New Orleans Region that were significantly impacted by Hurricane Katrina. Kara’s ISES involvement has reached the international level where she held a Chair seat for the Spirit if Excellence Awards in 07/08. Married with two children, she also holds the designation of Destination Management Certified Professional (DMCP).

Guy Smith
Senior Designer & Partner
Design One Corp

Guy Smith has been designing lighting for 17 years for theater, concerts, special events, and parties. Some of his concert event designs include Diana Ross, Pavarotti, the Three Irish Tenors, Donna Summer, and Justin Timberlake, at venues such as Madison Square Garden, Radio City Music Hall, Jones Beach Amphitheater, 55 Wall Street, Hammerstein Ballroom, Epcot Center, and 45 charter cruises. He has also designed two theaters, and is currently the resident designer for all shows at The Box. Recent projects include the 8300 person venue ‘Ageha’ in Tokyo, a new theatrical show at Sea World Orlando, ‘Allure ~ The Call of the Ocean,’ the Jim Jones musical, The Hip Hop Monologues, and the Nice Collective fashion event. Guy recently became a partner in the renowned lighting design firm, design one corporation, with offices in Tribeca, New York, and West Hollywood, CA.

William Stanton
Former New York City Police Officer

Bill Stanton is a former New York City police officer, private investigator and partner in the P.I. firm of Stanton & Maple in New York. His expertise on personal safety and police tactics has led to his presence in the media on MSNBC, Fox, CNN, and ABC News. You may have seen him on the Today show as a paid NBC security consultant. Stanton left the police department, opened a private investigation agency and became a personal bodyguard. At the same time, Stanton became bouncer at a trendy nightclub. And after hobnobbing with celebrities, decided he wanted to be one himself. Bill is the author of The Anti-Terror Checklist: a book that he wrote after the horrific events of September 11, 2001 about what to do if something else happens and how we can be ready and fully prepared in the face of such situations.

David Stark
President and Creative Director
David Stark Design and Production

A renowned, New York based event producer, David is celebrated for  the innovative, imaginative events he creates for celebrity clients such as Beyoncé Knowles and Jon Stewart, major corporations such as Target, TBS and Condé Nast, and high visibility fund-raising galas for the nation’s elite not-for-profit organizations including The Museum of Modern Art and The Robin Hood Foundation.  Stark’s books include, Napkins with a Twist (Artisan, 2006), To Have & to Hold: Magical Wedding Bouquets (Artisan, 2005), and Wild Flowers: Projects and Inspirations (Clarkson Potter 2003).  “CBS’ The Early Show,” “The Today Show,” “The View” and “Martha Stewart” often invite David to serve as a guest expert on décor, party planning, holiday decorating and home planting projects.  A few of the periodicals featuring his work include Elle Décor, Glamour, Interior Design, InStyle, House Beautiful, and Town & Country.  David currently resides and works in Brooklyn, NY and received a BFA from the School of Visual Arts.

Joi Thomas
Director of Media Relations & Publicity
New Psalmist Baptist Church

Joi Thomas is the Director of Media Relations and Publicity for the New Psalmist Baptist Church. She is responsible for the booking and promotion of large scale events at the church to include the coordination of pre and post publicity and the booking of celebrity entertainment.  She is an on air personality for Gospel Grace on WEAA in Baltimore and owner of Joiful Communications, a boutique communications firm servicing churches, pastors, recording artists and small businesses.

Stephanie Thomas
President
Susan Ulin Associates Ltd.

Stephanie has over fifteen years of professional fundraising experience. She joined the firm in 1995 after receiving her master’s degree in Nonprofit Management from New School University.  Stephanie serves on the board of the Association of Fundraising Professionals, Greater New York Chapter, and is a former member of the Women In Development, New York board.  Since 2005, she has served on the Executive Committee of Fund Raising Day in New York as Vice Chair of Programs and Operations. Stephanie will serve as Chairman of Fund Raising Day in New York in 2009 and 2010.

Carmen Tomassetti
CEO
CTO Worldwide, Philadelphia PA and Naples FL
“Automate your Life”

In 2005-2006 Carmen proudly served as the President of the NY Metro chapter. Carmen first became a member of ISES in 1994. Recently he has held a variety of leadership positions in ISES NY Metro including Director, Secretary, Treasurer and President-Elect. Carmen is the CEO of World Entertainment Productions, an entertainment production and management company that personally selects and manages the musical talent of its affiliated bands. The mission of Carmen's company is to serve clients, employees and subcontractors with elegance, integrity, respect and professionalism. World Entertainment is dedicated to earning the trust and respect of its clients by providing perfectly matched, high-quality entertainment for their events. With offices in both the New York City and Philadelphia metropolitan areas, Carmen has come a long way since his days singing behind a piano at Henny's in Stone Harbor New Jersey! Carmen is also a published songwriter. Formerly Carmen was in the bakery business, and owned two pretzel bakeries. Currently Carmen sits on The Friends of The Red Cross Board of Directors.

Steven Way
President
ALPS/Advanced Lighting & Production Services

Steven Way is the President and CEO of ALPS/Advanced Lighting & Production Services, a Boston based theatrical, entertainment and special event lighting company he started at age 17. Over the past 28 years, Steven’s role in creating and enhancing environments with lighting has expanded to include promoting and contributing to the industry he loves, through involvement in ISES and other associations. Steven has been recognized for outstanding performance and contributions by such organizations as Citizens Bank and the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, and is a past recipient of the Merit Scholarship Award from ISES New England. In addition to serving on the board of directors of ESTA (Entertainment Services & Technology Association), Steven has been a proud member of ISES since 2002, and currently serves as President of the New England Chapter.

Stuart Weiser
Production Manager / Transportation and Staffing
Empire Force Events

Stuart Weiser is a New York native who discovered his passion for producing events while attending Hunter College, CUNY. Upon graduation, Stuart led a dual effort coordinating special events and personal appearances for Macy*s, while simultaneously consulting with several of New York's top nightclubs and lounges for almost a decade. Joining Empire Force Events in 1999, Stuart’s education continued through the mentorship of the Empire Force Team.  In 2001 Stuart began to focus on the Destination Management and transportation disciplines, and his exposure to the Association Of Destination Management Executives (ADME) influenced Stuart to seek his Destination Management Certified Professional (DMCP) certification. With his years of invaluable on the job experience and the many industry involvements, Stuart applied his knowledge to become the Founder and Manager of Empire Force Events’ Transportation and Staffing Department. Currently, Empire Force Events has been requested to provide clients transportation management outside the New York area. Stuart’s commitment, connections and knowledge ensure that no matter where, clients will receive the same high level of service that Empire Force Events clients have come to expect.

Mark Wells
Vice President of Creative Services
Hello Florida

Mark Wells has been involved in the entertainment and event industry for over 25 years.  Mark’s carrier as a performer, designer and producer gives him with a broad understanding of clients’ needs, industry needs and has made him a perfect catalyst for innovation and progress in the event industry. The passion Mark posses for the education and the proliferation of the events industry are unmistakable. As an Associate Professor at Temple University in Philadelphia and as President for the Orlando Chapter of the International Special Events Society he has stepped forward to make a difference. Currently Mark, Vice President of Creative Services for largest DMC in the United States (based on Special Event Magazine’s 2008 ranking), directs a team of event producers that produce over 1000 events annually.

Ny Whitaker, MA
President, NY WHITAKER INC
& Adjunct Faculty, NYU School of Continuing and Professional Services

Ny Whitaker is President of NY WHITAKER INC., a consulting firm with three divisions: EVENTS BY NY - provides event management and temporary event staffing; NY WHITAKER EVENTS MARKETING - provides strategic marketing and sponsorship services; and CREATIVE CONSORTIUM - provides value-added services specifically designed to help non-profit organizations maximize their resources. Ms. Whitaker has consulted for the NYU Wagner School of Public Service, The Magic Johnson Foundation, the Joe Torre Safe at Home Foundation and more. She is a member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals, National Association of Female Executives, New York Women in Development and she founded the Minority Financial Aid Endowment Fund at Convent of the Sacred Heart School in NYC. 

Kevin White CSEP
Director of Production
Empire Force Events, Inc.

Kevin is the Director of Production for the award-winning event and destination management firm Empire Force Events.  For over a decade, he has been designing and producing corporate experiences worldwide.  Kevin is an ISES past president of both the Philadelphia and New York chapters, has served as the chair of its international Certification Committee, and is currently serving his second term on ISES’s Board of Governors. Kevin was one of the youngest event professionals to attain the CSEP certification.  He has been a presenter at university campuses and event industry conferences throughout the world on various event topics, most recently focusing on environmental research and solutions for the event industry.

Robert Wright
Managing Director
Davies Tanner

Robert Wright is Managing Director of Davies Tanner, Europe’s only Public Relations Agency serving the global events market with offices in London, Edinburgh and Barcelona. With a degree in politics and journalism, Robert firstly joined the Financial Times as a political staff writer before founding Davies Tanner in 1997. Robert plays an active role within the events industry, and is a regular speaker at conferences and seminars around the world. He is a current council member of the Meetings Industry Association, a previous past UK President of the ISES, a member of the 2012 Events Development Team and an Ambassador for the events industry charity, Meeting Needs.

Michael Wurster
Chef
ICON Restaurant at W New York

Tradition, discipline, perfection in presentation and ingredients, and homage to classic American cuisine are the building blocks to Chef Michael Wurster’s kitchen at ICON restaurant. Taking the reigns of the kitchen, the vision of ICON and Chef Michael Wurster is to provide diners a culinary experience prepared with a forward, modern American reflection, combined with the preserved simple gastronomic traditions to result in a menu exuding creativity and haute flavor.

Born and raised in New York, Michael Wurster began his culinary pedigree with a degree from the famed Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York. At the inception of his culinary career Michael found his way to the kitchens of Le Cirque under Sottha Kuhn, The French Laundry under Thomas Keller, Alain Ducasse New York with Alain Ducasse, Lutéce and Eleven Madison Park.

Mark Zettler
Life O’ The Party, Hackensack NJ
“Got ISES? Now What?”

President of Life O’ The Party lotparty.com, Balloonacy and BALLOONS & Parties Magazine balloonsandparties.com, Mark has been dedicated to events for balloons, décor and entertainment for the past 29 years. An ISES member since 1997, he has served on the NY Metro Board for seven years, including President during the Chapter’s first ever Chapter of the Year honors. As an instructor Mark, along with his wife Andrea, has been teaching across the USA for fifteen years on balloons arts, Bar and Bat Mitzvah events, marketing and more. He has been a guest speaker for ISES at Eventworld in Hollywood , CA , Event Solutions Expo, and for the Philadelphia and Syracuse ISES Chapters.

The REC Conference will offer classes for the following levels:

• Beginner Level
  This is the level at which you will learn the basic information of event planning and production. This level is geared to those who are just starting out in the industry and/or those looking to garner knowledge in a new facet of the industry.

• Intermediate Level
  This is the level at which you have mastered a basic knowledge of a subject area and are interested in greater detail.

• Advanced Level
  This is the highest level of learning upon which requires the foundation of the basic and intermediate levels of learning within event planning and production and focuses on a “master level” of education for a particular topic.