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.
Kristen Francis, National Director of Creative, Access DMC
As the National Director of Creative at Access, Kristen Francis is a visionary force in destination management, known for blending bold imagination with operational precision. With over a decade of experience at Access, she has been a driving force behind many of the company’s most award-winning and transformative events. Kristen was honored with the company’s Core Value Award, a recognition reserved for those who consistently champion bold ideas, embody collaboration, deliver service excellence, and lead with unwavering integrity. She brings these values to life in every project—empowering teams and clients to think bigger, create with purpose, and execute with confidence.
Kristen is widely regarded as a trailblazer within Access, helping shape the company’s creative and strategic direction from the ground up. She is a go-to mind for high-impact event concepting and design, celebrated for her ability to marry visual storytelling with flawless execution. Her work has been featured in industry publications like BizBash, and she was recently a panelist with the Las Vegas Hospitality Association (LVHA), where she spoke on creative trends and event innovation with the use of AI.
Known for her easygoing nature, meticulous eye for detail, and deep understanding of both guest experience and event logistics, Kristen brings not only expertise—but inspiration—to every room she enters. Her perspective is both artistic and actionable, making her an invaluable voice for event professionals seeking to elevate their creative impact.