Patrick Peel, CHE, Senior Producer / Designer, MC&A
A trend influencer in lifestyle settings Peel is described as a creative visionary. Patrick is an international award-winning designer whose work has been recognized by Special Events Magazine, International Live Events Association (ILEA), Luxury Magazine, Las Vegas and Dallas World Market Design Centers and the El Cortez Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas just to name a few. A former professional dancer, Peel recently graced the stage in a Las Vegas production of “Kinky Boots” as a dancing Drag Queen. With his love and extensive background from the performance world, he knows the stage and the creative process to be able bring forth a great experiential evening that engages the senses with utilizing décor, lighting, props and entertainment. With his vast experience Peel has shared his leadership and design with the Las Vegas events community being appointed as the ILEA Chapter President and served as an instructor at The International School of Hospitality (TISHO) in design and production. Originally from Texas, he is a graduate of San Francisco State University with an AA in Business Management and a BA in Performance and Choreography. Patrick enjoys working on projects of all sizes but specializes in creating large-scale event productions. Currently, Peel serves as a Senior Producer / Designer for MC&A and still manages to get his Namaste on. He is inspired by this motto: “Love what you do, put your heart into it and you will be rewarded.”
Embracing Diversity & Inclusion in Wedding Planning: Creating Unforgettable Moments that Honor Love in all its Forms
11:15 a.m. Tuesday, February 13
In today's ever-changing world, couples are seeking wedding celebrations that reflect their unique identities and cultural backgrounds. As wedding planners, it is essential for us to embrace diversity and inclusion, ensuring that every couple's love story is celebrated authentically and respectfully.
Join Patrick in this engaging presentation that dives into the importance of embracing diversity and inclusion in wedding planning and explores practical strategies to create unforgettable moments that honor love in all its forms.
Cazoshay Marie, Speaker, Divine Intervention Design
Cazoshay Marie is a highly-rated educational and motivational speaker with 10+ years of experience as a wellness professional, blogger, and keynoter. Since acquiring multiple “invisible disabilities” after being struck by a car traveling 48mph while crossing the street in downtown Phoenix, she has spoken at numerous events for organizations, been featured in magazines and media outlets and has recently become a Traumatic Brain Injury Ambassador for the Model Systems Knowledge Translation Center. As a keynoter and panelist, Cazoshay has spoken at conferences, to students at universities and at events at the Arizona State capitol. A self-proclaimed “serial encourager,” Cazoshay empowers individuals, groups, and organizations across the board to access creative thinking to achieve their goals and strive to become better versions of themselves through speaking engagements as well as through her social media outlets. It is her goal to increase awareness about accessibility and resilience both within the disability community and in the world at large. In addition to being a single mother to an amazing teenage son, she is also the founder and author of the blog D.I.D. with Cazoshay, where she shares about her experiences living with disability as well as fun and elegant DIY and lifestyle tips.
Beyond Barriers: Unleashing the Power of Inclusive Events
3:00 p.m. Tuesday, February 13
In this thought-provoking presentation, we will delve into the realm of disability inclusion at events and explore how embracing accessibility can revolutionize the event planning landscape. This engaging session will inspire event planners to go above and beyond to create meaningful experiences for attendees of all abilities.
Throughout the presentation, highlights will include both the significance of disability inclusion and emphasizing the importance of understanding diverse needs. The presentation will showcase the business advantages and positive social impact of organizing inclusive events.
Practical strategies will take center stage as we navigate the intricacies of accessibility in event planning. From selecting accessible venues and conducting thorough accessibility audits, to effectively communicating accessibility features, attendees will gain actionable insights to implement immediately. During this presentation, attendees will have the opportunity to explore accommodations for various disabilities, learn guidance on staff training, and discover tips on fostering a welcoming environment for all.
By the end of this presentation, participants will be equipped with the knowledge, tools, and inspiration needed to break down barriers and create events that leave a lasting impact on all attendees. Join us as we pave the way for a more inclusive and equitable future in the event planning industry.
You can see Brit and Cazoshay LIVE at Catersource + The Special Event in Austin from Feb 12-15.
