James Filtz

James Filtz, CPCE, CMP, is currently director of meetings and special events at the Ritz-Carlton New Orleans Hotel, where he leads a team dedicated to delivering a uniquely local, luxury meeting and event experiences to guests of the hotel. Previous to the Ritz-Carlton New Orleans, he was director of catering and conference services at the Loews New Orleans Hotel, managing director of catering at Yale University, and held leadership positions with Hyatt, Sheraton and Venetian hotels throughout the U.S. A trained chef, he began his career in the kitchen and is a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, N.Y. While living in Las Vegas, he was also an instructor at the International School of Hospitality, teaching courses in F&B and catering.

James currently holds the office of vice president of the board for the National Association for Catering and Events and will take office as president-elect in January 2021. He has spoken at The Special Event and NACE Experience. He is a trainer for the CPCE certification through NACE. Throughout his career, he has developed a passion for wine and spirits and was certified by the Court of Master Sommeliers level one sommelier course.

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