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.
Deborah Elias, President, Elias Events
Deborah Elias, CSEP, CMP, CIS, is an accomplished event planner with over two decades of experience as the founder of Elias Events, LLC. Her career is marked by numerous awards and accolades, underscoring her steadfast dedication to excellence.
Deborah's passion for sharing knowledge is evident in her contributions to industry publications. Her articles have appeared in prominent outlets such as Connect Magazine, The Special Event Magazine, Plan It Meetings Magazine, Meetings Management Magazine, and Texas Meeting and Events Magazine, solidifying her status as a thought leader.
As a dynamic and engaging speaker, Deborah has presented at numerous industry conferences, sharing her insights on Event Innovations. Her speaking engagements include The Special Event, ILEA Houston, SITE (Society for Incentive Travel Excellence), PRSA (Public Relations Society of America), IMEX, and IBTM (Incentive Business Travel & Meetings Exhibition), where she enthusiastically explores cutting-edge event planning strategies.