SERV Community Check-In

April 22, 2020

Via Zoom

Our first Zoom SERV event! We got to hear from our members on how they are navigating through the “new normal”. After catching up, we talked about our events industry, corporate planners, and the future of hospitality.

BOSS LADY: INFLUENCE, INNOVATE & INSPIRE... FEARLESSLY

October 3, 2019

Hosted by Mistral

The hallmark of hospitality is having challenges thrown at us on a daily basis. How do we overcome these challenges to not only produce beautiful events, but to push beyond the status quo? This panel discussion was led by women in various roles who do just that. We heard “how they got here,” through their hardships, determination, leadership, and passion.

Our Speakers:

  • Leigh Harrington- Managing Editor, Exhale Lifestyle Media

  • Tzurit Or- Founder, CEO & Pastry Chef, Tatte

  • Marlo Fogelman- Founder, Marlo Marketing

  • Lydia Shire- Chef/Co-Owner, Scampo

STOP. COLLABORATE AND LISTEN: IMPROVE YOUR COMMUNICATION SKILLS

June 19, 2019

Hosted by Artscience Culture Lab & Café

As event planners, the way we communicate internally and externally is one of the biggest aspects of our jobs; but what is the most effective and efficient way to communicate? This discussion focused on developing the best tools for you to better communicate with your colleagues as well as your clients.

Our Speakers:

  • Kate Gardiner- Director of Strategic Communications, Barbara Lynch Collective

  • Alyssa Mikiko Dipasquale- Director of Communications, Cushman Concepts

  • Michael Carlisle- Director of Operations, The Briar Group

  • Robin White- Director of Human Resources, The Langham, Boston

  • Linsley Waldron- Licensed Account Executive, Nike

IN THEIR SHOES: READING & UNDERSTANDING THE GUEST

February 27, 2019

Hosted by Boston Chops

As event planners, we work with a wide array of clientele, which means we see different personalities, dynamics, and emotions throughout the planning process. This discussion focused on how to read your guests and be able to adapt to their needs in order to ensure a successful event

Our Speakers:

  • Kerry Lynch- Director of Sales, Big Night Entertainment Group

  • Michael Flippin- Corporate Sales Trainer, Sandler Training

  • Julie Freed- Founder, Freed Events LLC

  • Tom Schlesinger-Guidelli- Owner, Alcove

  • Laura Ward- Director of Sales and Marketing, Intercontinental Boston

WORK, LIFE & WELLNESS:  FIND YOUR BALANCE

November 14, 2018

Hosted by Gather Boston

Our panel of experts covered important questions and tips on how to live your best life while meeting the high demands and long hours that come with the role of event manager

Our Speakers:

  • Molly Hopper Sandrof- Director of People & Staff Development: Eastern Standard, Island Creek Oyster Bar, The Hawthorne, Row 34, Branch Line

  • Kerri Axelrod- Holistic Health Coach, Kerri Axelrod Wellness

  • Susan Cabana- Founder, Nourish Your Soul

  • Andy Husbands- Chef/Owner, The Smoke Shop BBQ

  • Julie Starr- MS; CNS; Owner: STARR YOGA, LLC; STARR LIFE

SALES TECHNIQUES: TIPS FROM INDUSTRY LEADERS

September 26, 2018

Hosted by Morton’s the steakhouse

Our panel discussion focused on insider tips and sales techniques from leading professionals in a variety of industries.

Our Speakers:

  • Todd Gorell- President/Partner, TG Development Company
    National Sales Director, Blackbear Coatings and Concrete

  • Carrie Campbell- Vice President, Sales & Service, Fenway Park Events & Boston Red Sox

  • Michael Carucci- Executive Vice President, Gibson Sotheby’s International Realty

  • Joan Esneault- Executive Director of Hotel Sales & Catering, Encore Boston Harbor

  • Rhonda Kallman- Founder & CEO, Boston Harbor Distillery LLC

SOCIAL MEDIA: MASTERING YOUR VISIBILITY & OUTREACH

June 27, 2018

Hosted by Tuscan Kitchen

During this panel discussion, we took a deeper look at social media; how restaurants can promote event spaces through their social media channels and how to work with influencers

Our Speakers:

  • Kimberly Ring- Founder, Ring Communications

  • Hannah Huke- Director of Marketing, Briar Group

  • Tiffany Lopinski- Food Blogger & Founder, @bostonfoodies

  • Emily Hagen- Content Manager,  Eastern Standard, Row 34, Island Creek Oyster Bar, The Hawthorne, Les Sablons, Branch Line

  • Tenzin Samdo- Beverage Director & Partner, Artscience Culture Lab & Café Founder, @bostonmixdrink

Boston forecast: future growth & opportunity

February 28, 2018

Hosted by Grill 23

The focus of this discussion was local urban development, upcoming conventions, future corporate neighbors, overall trends to expect and how this will affect our events industry as we know it. 

Our speakers:

  • Jeffrey Gates-Partner, The Aquitaine Group: Aquitaine, Gaslight, Metropolis, Cinquecento

  • Chris Coombs-Chef / Owner, Boston Urban Hospitality: Deuxave | Boston Chops | dbar

  • Bob Luz-President & CEO, Massachusetts Restaurant Association

  • Lisa Deveney-Director of Convention Services, Greater Boston Convention and Visitors Bureau

  • George Comeau-Marketing & Brand Activation Manager, The Downtown Boston Business Improvement District (BID)

Our panel of experts took a deeper look at weddings and rehearsal dinners in restaurant venues. A panel of industry experts touched on how they navigate a couple's expectations and execute their vision for their big day.

Our speakers:

  • Cori Sharp, Director of Event Sales & Client Relationships, Winston Flowers

  • Linda Matzkin, Owner, Hopple Popple

  • Jim Peters, Director of Catering, Four Seasons Hotel Boston

  • Deborah Farley, President, Rafanelli Events

  • Brittany Jasnoff, Editor, Boston Weddings

Then comes marriage: how we help with happily ever after

September 27, 2017

Hosted by Serafina

Bridging the Gap: Partnering with Destination Management Companies

April 12, 2017

Hosted by Menton

Our panel of experts focused on the importance of working with Destination Management Companies: What are they looking for and how can we work better together? 

Our speakers:

  • Donna Wolf, Founder Donna Wolf Consulting

  • Lindsay Goneau, Director of Operations & Program Development, Allied PRA

  • Kathleen Landry, DPI Events

  • Joanne O’Connell, Vice President, NXT Event

  • Jill Tate, Corinthian Events

In SERV's first breakout event, two of Boston's most celebrated industry professionals discussed inspirational stories from their careers with the SERV Boston community.

Our speakers:

ABOVE THE STANDARD: THE RAFANELli EXPERIENCE

February 27, 2017

Hosted by The Commonwealth Hotel

Our panel of experts focused on the importance of hospitality: What does hospitality mean? How do you create special experiences while staying within your restaurants concept and standards? 

Our speakers: 

The Art Of Hospitality

January 18, 2017

Hosted by Empire

The Marketing Mix: PR, Social Media & Branding

September 14, 2016

Hosted by Island Creek Oyster Bar

At the Marketing Mix, our panel of experts focused on the importance of a strong social media presence in today’s market, how strategic branding enhances the customer experience, as well as developing public relations to improve business growth. 

Our speakers:

The Value of the Private Event

June 1, 2016

Hosted by Ostra

Our panel of experts covered important questions regarding the financial impact of having a private events program within your restaurant, how pricing, minimums and administrative fees are evaluated, and how private dining margins and revenue effect the bottom line. 

Our speakers: