CS+TSE Spotlight: Cathy O'Connell, Chip Dizard, & David Adler

All throughout January and February we'll be highlighting some of this year's speakers leading up to Catersource + The Special Event, happening February 12-15 in Austin, TX. 

Cathy O'Connell, Educator, Coach, Event Planner, COJ Events

Cathy O'Connell, DD, Speaker, Educator, and Motivator, is passionate about creating inspiring and delightful experiences. A charismatic public speaker and dynamic seminar and retreat facilitator, Cathy's strong communication skills and compassionate understanding bring spirit and fun to programs and presentations. Cathy is the co-founder of COJ Events, a luxury destination event planning studio and hospitality consultancy group based in Palm Springs, CA, and Inclusive Wedding Planning, an online platform to elevate diverse experiences in the event world. Before founding COJ Events, Cathy enjoyed a 20-year career as Senior Vice-President of Sales and Marketing for several Silicon Valley corporations, guiding sales and marketing teams through periods of rapid growth and industry transformation. Cathy's dynamic keynote presentations and programs have impacted executives and teams from companies including Hewlett Packard, Oracle, Cisco, and Cornish and Carrey and organizations including the National Association of Catering Managers (NACE), the Council of Communication Managers (CCM), the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO), California Association of Boutique & Breakfast Inns (CABBI), the Hospitality, Sales and Marketing Association International (HSMAI), and the International Facilities Management Organization (IFMA). Cathy is also an ordained interfaith minister with a doctorate in theology. She incorporates a body, mind, and spirit approach to life and work success while sharing her gifts of joy and compassion with all she meets. A self-described hotel junky, Cathy lives in La Quinta, CA, with her wife, Dorry, and their canine and feline children!

Elevate Your Catering Sales & Management Through Inclusive Practices
8:30 a.m. Tuesday, February 13

Taking proactive steps to improve your inclusive business practices will elevate your catering sales and enhance your catering management team. Focusing on all shades of diversity: LGBTQ+, BIPOC, Religious Beliefs, and Socio-Economic Diversity, this presentation will expand on the nuanced elements that truly elevate a brand beyond current standard inclusive practices to exceptional performance in the inclusive space.

This presentation will drill down to the hands-on guest experience and the unique perspective of diverse clients. Catering Sales Managers will learn sales techniques to fully embrace these clients and help them feel welcomed and included in their venue, resulting in greater revenue and client satisfaction. Frontline Catering Managers will learn techniques to elevate the guest experience in menu selection, catering presentation, and guest relations. Venue Managers will learn training techniques to inspire their teams to expand their views of diverse guests, elevate their inclusive practices and truly understand the importance of every guest interaction.

Chip Dizard, Owner/Lead Creative, Chip Dizard Studios

Chip Dizárd is a photographer and serial entrepreneur who teaches creative entrepreneurs the secrets to growing their businesses. He teaches skills to thrive in business through educational videos, in-depth training, mentoring programs, consulting, and educating groups through public speaking. Chip has mastered social media marketing, positive engagement, and how to turn inquiries into life-long client relationships. He provides top-quality brand and headshot photography and audio/visual services to his corporate and non-profit clients. Chip is excited to help the developing, seasoned creative take their business and brand to the next level.

Oh My! What's All This AI?
2:30 p.m. Wednesday, February 14

As AI gains more popularity, many have become accustomed to its standard functions and are using ChatGPT in various ways. However, many don't realize that this AI has many advanced capabilities beyond just writing texts and code.

ChatGPT has many features that can be applied to your personal and professional life.

In this presentation, Chip will share with you some less-known and non-standard features of ChatGPT and other AI apps. By exploring these hidden gems, you can unlock the full potential of this remarkable AI and leverage it for your business.

David Adler, Chairman and Founder, BizBash

David Adler is Chairman & Founder of BizBash, author of the new book Harnessing Serendipity and a veteran media, publishing, PR, marketing, and event industry entrepreneur. Previously he was VP/Corporate Communications for the publishing firm, Macmillan, Inc. and the magazine publishing giant, PRIMEDIA. Following graduation from College, David founded the society magazine, Washington Dossier that was sold after 14 years of operation, and became the VP of Passion Branding/Cause Marketing for Cone Communications.

Setting the Stage for Event Serendipity
11:15 a.m. Tuesday, February 13

Based on 22 years at the helm of BizBash and his new book, Harnessing Serendipity, David gives you his take on the trends for making events better for both attendees and organizers. David will teach you how to create better events by setting the stage for collaboration. You will also hear how the best in the industry do it and how you can emulate their styles. Enjoy a short booksigning with David afterward at Breakpoint Books.

You can see Cathy, Chip, and David LIVE at Catersource + The Special Event in Austin from February 12-15.