Jordan Heller, Owner, Suncoast Wedding & Event Leaders (SWEL) 

In the events industry, Jordan Heller is a jack of all trades but a master of.... one. Networking. After a failed catering company and a podcast that was sadly ahead of its time, Jordan moved into venue sales and event planning at The Ringling Museum of Art. He sold half-million-dollar weddings and worked with a team to plan large public events an intimate member dinner. Jordan began privately producing over-the-top networking events for the local wedding and event industry twice a year.  

As their popularity grew, he was able to turn these events into a full-time membership association called Suncoast Wedding & Event Leaders (SWEL). Jordan continues to produce monthly events for SWEL in addition to publishing an annual wedding guide featuring his members. His favorite fail was once being fired from a job and, because of networking, had 3 new job offers by the end of the same day. 

Networker, He Wrote 

Tuesday, March 28 at 4:00 p.m. 

A Killer Guide to Turning Relationships into Revenue 

For some of us, networking is murder. But whether you kill it in social situations or you prefer to operate in the shadows, networking is a must for everyone in the events industry. In this session, you will learn how to leverage relationships into revenue by becoming the best networker you can be. Awkward? So am I. Hate people? Me too. But having solid bonds with as many people as possible will take both your events and your career to the next level. I will be sharing direct lessons learned from many years of networking wins and fails as well as taking audience horror stories to see what we can learn from your own experiences. 

Michael Israel, Artist/Entertainer/Speaker/Fundraiser, Michael Israel Inc 

Michael Israel is an artist, entertainer, and humanitarian who is world-renowned for his live-action paintings that have raised millions for charity. Michael’s performances are often referred to as a “Cirque De Soleil meets Picasso” experience. Michael has performed for and with celebrities and Fortune 100 CEOs, including Warren Buffett and a few US Presidents. 

Wielding multiple paintbrushes in each hand, Michael uses all the magical mysticism of four decades of fine art (and martial arts) training to create stunning artwork that makes audiences leap to their feet. 

Michael has raised millions of dollars for over 100 charitable organizations, including the Special Olympics, the All-Star Children's Foundation for the Prevention of Child Abuse, the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, and Ronald McDonald House Charities. He has also performed on the Olympic Medals stage in Salt Lake City with Brooks & Dunn.  

High-End Interactive Virtual Events with 3D Stage Entertainment & Live Auctions 

Tuesday, March 28 at 8:30 a.m. 

Join this discussion of how a virtual event was made exciting enough that people stayed online for 4.5-hours and raised $345,000. Michael will discuss different event elements, including zero latency streaming and interactive elements such as live and recorded presentations, live raffle, silent auction, live auction, fund-a-need, and interactive chat with photos and videos. Get info on how to put presenters from different locations, even across the globe, onto the same virtual stage.