ISES Education Conference 2014 NCAA Hall of Champions and Conference Center November 6, 2014 - Coach Introductions

Meryl Snow, Keynote Speaker – presented by Catersource Vice President Feastivities Events Senior Consultant Catersource Consulting Unit Honorary Board Director International Caterers Association Feastivities Events, Philadelphia, PA

Meryl Snow has emerged as a true leader of the special events & catering industry. As co-founder of Feastivities Events along with its subsidiaries OffShoots Decor and Philadelphia's Picnic Company, Meryl has spent the last twenty-six years creating events throughout the Philadelphia region featuring creative and well-executed menus, dramatic presentations, outstanding service and extreme attention to detail. Her philosophies have proven successful for not only her own business but also

many other companies and Universities that have benefited from her training and advice. As a Catersource senior consultant, Meryl has worked throughout the US. Her particular areas of focus are in sales and marketing, design and branding. Meryl has three Style DVDs currently on the market. This collection focuses on design how-to, innovation and inspiration. Her innovative leadership has earned prestigious accolades for Feastivities locally, nationally and internationally. She has undoubtedly helped other companies get on their own path to success and recognition through her keen insight and an effervescent approach to teaching methods of success.

Kevin White, CSEP ISES International President, Founder and Chief Strategist XPL, Brooklyn, NY Presented by Accent on

For nearly two decades, Kevin White has been designing and producing corporate experiences worldwide. His portfolio includes large-scale marketing events, corporate initiatives and immersive New York City experiences for Fortune 100 companies. He currently heads XPL, an experiential design agency that strives to deliver innovation to the event industry and its products by rethinking how organizations develop ideas.

He was an International Special Events Society (ISES) president of both the Philadelphia and New York chapters; has served as the chair of its international Certification

Committee; and is currently the International President of the association.

Kevin is also currently teaching at the Event Leadership Institute, has been an Adjunct Professor at New York University in the Hospitality, Tourism and Sports Management School and has been a presenter at university campuses and event industry conferences throughout the world on various event topics.

Chef Jerry Infantino, Executive Chef Centerplate at the Baltimore Convention Center, Baltimore, MD

Jerry grew up in the western suburbs of Chicago and it was there that his culinary roots began. After Jerry graduated high school, he received a scholarship from ProStart to attend the culinary program at Kendall College in Evanston, IL. Jerry found himself as an Executive Chef with Weber Grill Restaurant at age 26 where he had great success. After 4-½ years there Jerry was ready for another challenge. Opportunity struck when Centerplate called. His new position as Executive Chef of the and the NCAA Headquarters quickly expanded into a Hub Chef position, with the addition of 4 other properties. NCAA Men’s Final Four and Indianapolis Super Bowl’s Bud Light Hotel were two of the local major events that fell under Jerry’s responsibility. In down times,

Jerry traveled on behalf of the company to support major events around the country. The G20 in Toronto, Microsoft Convention in Washington DC, Super Bowls in different cities (Miami, Dallas, New Orleans), and the opening of the KFC Yum Center in Louisville were just a few. In May of 2012, Jerry was asked to move to Maryland and become the Executive Chef of the Baltimore Convention Center. As their Executive Chef, Jerry was able to create and breed the culture of a safe, positive, and healthy working environment. In addition to the culture change, he streamlined the operation while raising the standards for quality.

Vince Early, CSEP, Event Designer Thomas Caterers of Distinction, Indianapolis, IN

Vince Early, CSEP is the Director of Sales at Thomas Caterers of Distinction and has been in catering sales for over 14 years. Thomas Cateres of Distinction has a reputation for providing the most innovative and cutting edge catering in Indianapolis and has a very high customer satisfication record. Awards include 1 – ICA Catie Award, 3 – ISES Esprit Awards and over 40 ISES Indiana PACE Awards. 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 2007 & 2008 and is an author and presenter of numerous industry related topics.

Bill J. Ferguson, CSEP, CERP, General Manager Event Source, Columbus, OH

Bill has been a member of ISES for 14 years and is the Immediate Past President of the Columbus Chapter as well as serves on the International CSEP Certification Committee. He started working for Event Source on September 11, 2006 and oversees the day to day operations and key clients within the company. Some of the noted special events Event Source has been related with are the President of MBNA bank, Cleveland Browns, Case Western Reserve University, King James Inc., (Lebron James) as well as the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Noted Columbus customers include The Governors Inaugural Ball - 2007 (10,000 guests) Abigail House, Cameron Mitchell Catering, Abercrombie & Fitch, Limited Brands, Two Caterers as well as Muirfield Village Club. Event Source Columbus also serves Indianapolis, where recently they executed a dinner for 7,000 guests with Thomas

Caterers of Distinction!

Jama D.L. Smith, BA, BAS, Owner Littlejohn Auctions, Inc. & National Benefit Auctions & Events, Auburn, IN Presented by Greater Giving

An Indiana licensed auctioneer since 1998, Jama grew up in a family owned Indiana Auction Company, Littlejohn Auctions. Head Benefit Specialist with National Benefit Auctions & Events (a division of Littlejohn Auctions), Jama purchased both companies in 2012. As a Benefit Specialist, Jama works with a variety of non-profit organizations all over the state of Indiana to help teams create and nurture both their message and community partnerships to build yearly benefit events that inspire passionate giving...and record breaking results. National Benefit Auctions has become known for their emotional fundraising events.

Education Benefit Auction Specialist Designation Program, National Auctioneer Association Reppert School of Auctioneering Oklahoma City University, Bachelor of Arts in Advertising

Nancy Flottmeyer, PBC™, Owner Weddings by Nancy and The Wedding Magazine, La Crosse, WI Presented by CORT Event Furnishings

Nancy Flottmeyer, PBC™, is a wedding and event planner, designer, and publisher. She founded her wedding planning company, Weddings by Nancy in 2002, after an eight year stint in the advertising world. In 2005 she founded The Wedding Magazine La Crosse, and The Wedding Magazine Rochester, and in 2009 started The Wedding Magazine Green Bay— all local wedding magazines for bride's. Four years ago, she began publishing Wedding Planner Magazine, an international trade magazine for the wedding industry. Nancy has spoken at the Business of Bride's, wedding industry retreats, and recently hosted a webinar on color. She has been married for 18 years, has three children ages 16, 14, and 9, who are her pride and joy. She lives in La Crosse, Wisconsin with her family. She can be reached at [email protected].

Rishi Patel, Vice President of Sales and Design Heffernan Morgan Ronsley (HMR) Designs, Chicago, IL Presented by Empyrean Events and Catering

Rishi Patel’s life-long love for design and for the transformation of the unfathomable into the tangible has always persevered since he was a little boy. Schooling in finance and accounting from Indiana University, as well as adventures in over thirty-seven countries to date, have led Rishi, a loyal Chicago native, to become a staple at HMR Designs. Carrying an unprecedented passion and enthusiasm to the table with him, he creates awe-inspiring environments for the city’s most discerning clientele and celebrities alike. A vibrant visionary, highly inspired and deeply enriched by culture, Rishi prides himself on delivering an ever-evolving, innovative approach to high-impact, unparalleled event design. His charming personality, keen eye for styling, and passion for all things luxury have led him to be one of the most successful and sought-after event designers in the city of Chicago.

Jim Cerone, Owner The Perfect Host DJ / Master of Ceremonies / Wedding Entertainment Director® Indianapolis, IN

Jim Cerone entertains as a DJ and MC for events throughout Indiana and the Midwest. Known as “The Perfect Host,” Jim presents seminars around the United States and abroad. After earning a Communication degree from DePauw University, Jim established his DJ business in 1991. The only Wedding Entertainment Director® in Indiana, Jim also serves on the WED Guild national board of directors. Active in the local event industry, he is a past president of ISES Indiana and currently serves as vice president for the Indiana chapter of Wish Upon a Wedding. Jim is in demand as a speaker to present his “Perfect Host” seminars all across the country, most recently at the Las Vegas DJ Show in September 2013. Earlier this year, Jim was the keynote speaker at the Pro Mobile Conference in Oxford, England. He lives in the Indianapolis area with his wife and sons.

Tim Roberts, Founder and Principal TRUSTPOINT, Indianapolis, IN

Tim is the founder and principal of TRUSTPOINTE, an Indianapolis-based sales, leadership and management training and consulting company. Trustpointe is a franchise of Sandler Training and Tim serves on Sandler’s Key Opinion Leader Advisory Board

As a professional sales trainer and sales thought leader, Tim addresses thousands of men and women each year on the design of trust and personal presence in the marketplace for corporate executives and top business developers. His most powerful message, “It’s Not About You, It’s About Them,” has been widely acclaimed. Involved in his community, he has served on numerous boards and committees including the Indiana Psychology Commission, the Indiana Judicial Nomination Commission, the Indiana Judicial Qualifications Commission, The Rainmakers Board of Directors and The Paul Fangman, Jr. Foundation. Tim and his wife Katie, reside in Indianapolis with their three sons.

David Lafiosca, CPA, Managing Director of Financial Operations & Controller National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), Indianapolis, IN

David joined the NCAA in 2013 and oversees financial operations, including finance & accounting, purchasing & procurement, and travel & insurance management. He comes to the NCAA with 20 years of financial experience in the pharmaceutical industry, including thirteen years with Eli Lilly and Company, holding financial planning and operational roles at Lilly HQ and Lilly Japan, and most recently as Director of Treasury Operations. David earned his BA in Economics from Rutgers University and his Finance MBA from Kenan-

Flagler Business School (UNC).

L.J. Wright, Director of Men’s Basketball Championships National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), Indianapolis, IN

L.J. Wright Director of Men’s Basketball Championships. L.J. joined the NCAA staff in June of 2002 after working 11 years at the Indiana Convention Center & RCA Dome. He is a graduate of Indiana University and former student manager under Coach Bob Knight. L.J. and his wife, Luanne, have three boys

Susie Townsend, Senior Vice President Visitor Experience Visit Indy, Indianapolis, IN

A 30 year veteran of the tourism and hospitality industry, Susie serves as Senior Vice President of Visitor Experience for Visit Indy. Under Susie’s leadership her team provides convention, event and visitor services for conventions, trades shows, meetings and events that come to Indianapolis. Susie also served as a loaned executive to the 2012 Indianapolis Super Bowl Host Committee. She was responsible for many of the key service programs that took place during the 10 day Celebration including: Super Service Training, Super Kids Super Welcome, Street Teams, Super Indy Cars, Super Celebration Sites and Guest Welcome Programs. In addition she has served on Local Organizing Committees for the Women’s and Men’s Final Four, Big Ten Men’s Basketball and Football, and FFA. Susie is also an adjunct professor at IUPUI teaching Principles of Event Management. She is a graduate from the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University and has two children.

Roe Wright, Regional Director Markey’s Rental and Staging, Indianapolis, IN

Roe Wright began his employment at Markey’s in 1991 as a Technician with Markey’s. Current duties include overseeing Markey’s in- house hotel contracts in the Indianapolis area and managing the on-site staff. He also works closely with the Bloomington and Merrillville, IN and Dayton, OH offices. Other duties include representing Markey’s in local, regional and national organizations. He also co- facilitates the customer service classes for the entire company and has a key role in new employee orientation.

Roe has spent the last 15 years actively involved with a variety of industry and community organizations. Roe is a past Board Member of Indiana Association of Event

Professionals, Indiana Hotel Lodging Association and Indiana Society of Association

Executives. Roe is currently a member of ISAE, and Second Helpings Board of Directors.

He has also worked with the Visit Indy ‘ROSE Awards’ committee for the past 12 years.

Roe attends Redeemer Presbyterian Church in Indianapolis.