Tricks and Treats for Event Success: A Progressive Dinner and Education Experience

Step into a world where Halloween's magic meets the realm of event planning in this spellbinding education session! Join us for an progressive dinner and education experience as we unravel the captivating fusion of culinary trends, audiovisual wizardry, and the enchantment of wellness practices within the world of events.

Education:

1. A/V Alchemy: Conjuring Spectacles with Audiovisual Sorcery

• Learn to cast spells with lighting, sound, and visual effects to create otherworldly experiences.

• Discover the power of A/V to transport attendees to haunted realms and fantastical worlds.

2. Witchcraft in the Kitchen: Mystical Culinary Trends for Events

• Brew up bewitching delights with the latest culinary event trends.

• Craft spellbinding dishes that captivate the senses and leave guests spellbound.

3. Elixir of Life: Wellness Potions for Event Resilience

• Unlock the secrets of wellness practices that boost attendee vitality.

• Learn how to infuse events with wellness elements that leave a lasting positive enchantment.

Who Should Attend:

This mystical session is designed for event planners, decorators, caterers, A/V wizards, and all event professionals seeking to add a dash of magic to their repertoire. Whether you're looking to create enchanting atmospheres, tantalizing menus, or prioritize attendee wellness, this session will equip you with the knowledge to craft enchanting experiences.

Key Takeaways:

By the end of this session, you will:

• Be adept at infusing culinary trends into your event offerings.

• Master the art of conjuring enchanting event atmospheres through A/V.

• Possess the spells and elixirs to promote wellness and resilience in event planning.

• Leave with an enchanted vision to create unforgettable events.

 

Speakers:

Liz Whittaker, VP, Creative Services, Encore
Liz Whittaker joined Encore in September 2018 and has served in several positions: SVP
Production, VP Digital Production, and currently serves as the VP Creative Services. Prior to
joining Encore, she was the SVP, Director of Operations, at Momentum, a global brand
experience agency in New York.

Before she worked at Momentum, Whittaker was the Managing Director of Agency Operations
for mcgarrybowen in New York, where she managed a large digital production team and led
more than 65 producers working for prominent clients such as Marriott, Verizon and United
Airlines. She has also held roles as Executive Producer, Head of Digital Production, Director of
Production and Interactive Producer.  
 
Whittaker earned her bachelor’s degree in graphic design from Pennsylvania State University. 
 
She is a Boston native who recently relocated to Chicago after spending 10 years in New York
City. When she is not at the office, she loves traveling, finding the next great restaurant, and
rooting for Boston sports teams.

 

Gabi White, Special Event Manager, Huse Culinary
Gabriela White is the Special Event Manager at Huse Culinary, where she is responsible for all events outside of private dining for 5 restaurant locations. Her career in the hospitality industry began in 2013 at the renowned St. Elmo Steak House, where she started as a host and quickly made her way up to Front of House Manager. Over the course of her 10 years with the Huse Culinary Family, Gabi has managed at every restaurant location in the company, made significant contributions to 3 new restaurant openings, and even spent time in the retail department during covid.

Gabi is a proud alumna of IUPUI where she earned her degree in Tourism, Conventions and Event Management. Her educational background perfectly complements her devotion to creating memorable events, and she feels fortunate to pursue this passion each day in her current role.

 

Kimberly Hoffman, Vice President, Experiential Events & Marketing, Indiana Economic Development Corporation

Kimberly Hoffman serves as Vice President of Experiential Marketing and Events at the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC), leading the team that manages Indiana’s strategic event initiatives, global media event partnerships, trade show activations, and sporting partnerships. She works to foster relationships with both global and civic partners, while managing bids for event investment and the agency’s efforts to further develop Indiana’s creative economy. With a strong background in event management and brand-led marketing, she brings more than 12 years of Indiana expertise to the IEDC.

 

Throughout her career, Kimberly has achieved Certified Meeting Professional (CMP), Destination Management Certified Professional (DMCP), and Digital Event Strategist (DES) accreditations, and was named to both Professional Convention Management Association’s (PCMA) 20 in their Twenties list and Connect Association’s 40 Under 40 list in 2020. She is known for her ability to holistically incorporate brand, guest experience, messaging, and organizational priorities into her events and has been instrumental in challenging what economic development marketing can look like for the State. Notably, Kimberly served as President of the Meeting Professionals International - Indiana Chapter during the 2020 pandemic, providing connection and community for Indiana’s tourism economy during a devastating time for the industry. She currently serves on the Advisory Board for the IEDC’s SportsTechHQ initiative, as well as on the Hospitality Innovation and Leadership Advisory Council at Ball State University, her alma mater.

 

 

Agenda:

5:30 pm  Registration and Networking at Social Cantina
6:00 pm  Part 1 at Social Cantina
6:45 pm  Part 2 at Harry & Izzy's
7:30 pm  Part 3 at Ruth's Chris Steakhouse

 

Cost:
Preferred and Premier MPI member:  $40 until October 18 / $50 after October 18
Essential MPI Member and non-member:  $55 until October 18 / $70 after October 18
Student:  $15 until October 18 / $20 after October 18