Speakers 2026
The education opportunities at Catersource + The Special Event feature presentations from more than 100 industry luminaries who have been there, done that, and are armed with content that’s trendy, thought-provoking, and always influential.
David Merrell, CEO, AOO Events, Inc.
David E. Merrell, a trailblazing figure in the event industry, founded AOO Events in 1989. As the visionary CEO and Creative Director, David has elevated AOO into an award-winning event agency and significantly impacted the industry with his willingness to share his insights and talent with others. His expertise spans the full spectrum of event design, from creative concepts, design and production to fabrication, food and beverage, entertainment and flawless execution, setting a high standard for the industry.
In addition to leading the company, David remains actively involved in the design and production of events for AOO clients. Some of his most cherished projects from the past year include a lavish, high-end birthday celebration, an incentive trip set against the serene backdrop of Ojai, and a high-profile fundraiser for The Heart Foundation featuring David Foster and Katherine McPhee. These projects are a small taste of David’s signature style of creating unique and personalized experiences that leave a lasting impact on his clients and their guests.
As a sought-after industry speaker for over 25 years, David has made a name for himself by sharing his philosophy and expertise in event design, trends, and the evolving landscape of live and virtual experiences. His presentations educate and inspire, equipping the next generation of event professionals with the knowledge and creativity needed to thrive in an ever-changing and fast-growing industry.
David’s legacy of innovation extends beyond the event floor. In 2007, he launched the industry’s first online blog, Design Dawgs, which quickly became a leading platform for thought leadership on event production, design, and technology. What began as an online publication quickly became a popular seminar series, bringing industry experts together at industry conferences to discuss hot topics and share ideas for over 10 years. Today, David continues to share his insights and inspiration through his monthly email series, David Merrell Event Style, which offers business tips, design ideas, and life lessons to a loyal audience.
David was named the 2023 Special Event Gala Designer of the Year and has been honored with numerous awards and distinctions throughout his career, including a prestigious Crystal Award, many ILEA Esprit, Bizbash Awards and Special Event Gala Awards. David has built a career through creativity, persistence, and the relentless pursuit of delivering excellence in all that he does. David has also been honored with the Klaus InKamp Award for Lifetime Achievement from ILEA, as well as the Steve Kemble Leadership Award.