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.

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All Sessions Speakers

Katie Mast

Director of Community, Rock Paper Coin

Peter McCaffrey

Chef, Leading Caterers of America

Mary-Beth McDowell Valk

Director of Wedding Planning, CT Wedding Group

David Merrell

CEO, AOO Events, Inc.

Keri Miller

Chief Creative Strategist, e=mc2 events

Charles Moore

Fire Chief - Retired, MOORE

JoAnn Moore

Owner and Master Wedding Planner, JoAnn Moore Weddings and Events

Steve Moore

Director of Special Events, Fox Theatre

Liz Mullen

Culinary Director, Chowgirls Catering

Shafonne Myers

CEO, Aisle Society

Julie Novack

CEO/Co-founder, Party Slate

Karen O'Connor

Executive Chef, Daniel et Daniel Catering

Luis Ortiz

Director of Service, Marcia Selden Catering and Events

Christie Osborne

Owner & Lead Strategist, Mountainside Media

Anil Pacheco

Creative Director, AOO Events, AOO Floral

Kirsten Palladino

Editorial Director + Cofounder, Equally Wed + Equally Wed Pro

Annie Pennings Edmond

Event Design and Sustainability Manager, Chowgirls Catering

Jennifer Perna

President, Fulton Market Consulting

Fausto Pifferrer

Vice President/Owner, Blue Elephant Events and Catering

Joseph Pina

Senior Executive Chef, Chartwells

Roy Porter

CEO, Engage-Works Inc.

Cassandra (Sassy) Portnow

Production Sous Chef, Footers Catering

David Porto

Partner / General Manager, Blue Plate Catering, Inc.

Michael Porto

Partner / Director of Operations, Blue Plate Catering

Jamie Quickert

Director of Sales, Graduate Columbus