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/Creative Director, AOO Events, Inc.
David E. Merrell, CEO & Creative Director of AOO Events, has been instrumental in making the name AOO Events synonymous with innovative event design and production concepts. It is his vision, passion, and dedication that make AOO Events a sought-after producer with a growing list of Fortune 500 and international corporations for product launches, corporate events, celebrity-attended fundraisers, and intimate weddings.
David’s inspiration and eye for design has been recognized with numerous awards including Best Event Décor, Best Entertainment Concept and Execution, Best Corporate Event, Best Social Event, Best Wedding, Best Association Event, and Best Non-profit Event. This diverse list of awards speaks volumes about the far-reaching talent and capabilities of David E. Merrell and the team he’s assembled at AOO Events.
Personally, David has been named “Designer of the Year” by Event Solutions magazine and was awarded the prestigious Crystal SITE Award. Recent accolades include the 2017 Klaus Inkamp Lifetime Achievement Award awarded by the International Live Events Association (ILEA) and the 2019 Steve Kemble Leadership Award awarded at The Special Event 2019 global conference by the Steve Kemble Leadership Foundation.
David is frequently invited to contribute articles to professional publications as well as speak at national and international conferences on business, design and event branding and marketing. David has also served on numerous industry boards. Until recently, he was on the ILEA (formerly ISES) board as president of the Greater Los Angeles Chapter and sat on the boards of BizBash and Event Solutions.