Twigger Time

A horseback ride is one of the most enjoyable activities one could paricipate in. And one of the most unique expereinces you can have is with Windwalker Expeditions. Pearl Elliott is a long time friend and an industry gem. Join us today as we talk horseback riding, all the differences that you can come across and how being in a specific niche area affects your buisness plan. All that and just a great time!

You can reach Pearl at Pearl Elliott Pearl Elliott Office & Marketing Director Windwalker Expeditions 480-858-3382 [email protected]

This episode will be one for the books… not only due to its quality of content, but due to the shear fun. We are honored to have the ladies of M Culinary Concepts, Ms. Deirdre Furlow and Ms. Emily Quail. Both powerhouses on their own but when combined with one of the most successful catering companies in the country.

Listen in and hear these ladies talk large events like the WM Open and Superbowl but also how you work creativity and keep quality while working with so many. Also listen in on these two ladies as they take me some of the funniest stories we've encountered.

You can reach them at:

Emily Quail, CPCE

Senior Sales Account Executive

o: 602.200.5757

m: 480.489.1569

mculinary.com @mculinaryconcepts

Deirdre Furlow

Senior Sales Account Executive

o: 602.200.5757

m: 602.509.9320

mculinary.com @mculinaryconcepts

Randy and I sit down with the amazing Jeni Parker and talk how animal lovers are making a difference in the animal supplement arena. Listen in to hear about pets, how supplements help and how national associations work, thrive and make a difference.

You can reach out to Jeni with questions at:

Jeni Parker | Senior Marketing Manager

National Animal Supplement Council

o:760.751.3360 x104 | [email protected]

www.animalsupplements.org

You can always reach out to me with questions or ideas on episodes at:

David Twigger

[email protected]

There isn't anyone I'd rather celebrate Pride Month with then Mike Fornelli. Community Icon, Mike has been a force in celebrating, supporting, growing and loving the LGBTQ Community in Arizona. –

From Bar Owner, to Pageant Owner, to Phoenix Pride Executive Director Mike shares his Journey from Pennsylvania, to Phoenix and from community patron to community leader.

We are also joined by Kim Ramhoff – one of my oldest and dearest friends, who was visiting from Tennessee.

Talking Points:

- Following who you are – Mike's journey from bartender to bar owner.

- The balance of supporting your community in such an important way and having a personal life.

- Planning Phoenix Pride Festival one of the largest in Phoenix.

Contact:

You can contact Mike and find more about Phoenix Pride at

[email protected]

https://phoenixpride.org/

Today, I'm joined by Tamara Schroeder, Business Development Manager at Epic Party Rentals. Arizona's most dynamic event rental house.

Tamara shares what's new and hot in event rentals, how she started in the business and some of the crazy stories on event set ups.

On this episode we talk sweets! Tricia Arce of The Toasted Mallow Arizona's famous gourmet marshmallow and confections bakery. Tricia shares her story on how she got into this unique but so sweet life. Growing from just a neighborhood stop to a nationally known provided of these amazing sweets!

Tricia Arce had a vision to redefine a classic treat that would bring together people of all ages from around the world. And she was right! Tricia used all their savings to get a small location that would become the world's first Marshmallow Cafe in Gilbert AZ.Today our marshmallows are kind of a big deal! They've gone viral over the years and have been featured on the Cooking Network, Food Channel, TJ Maxx, HomeGoods, and Sweet Pete's Candy to name a few.

Talking Points:

• What is a marshmallow
• Gowing pains of a small business to a nationally known wonder
• Life Balance owning your own business.
• Lets talks flavors

Tricia M. Arce Owner and Founder The Toasted Mallow (480) 686-9071 [email protected] https://thetoastedmallow.com

You can get in touch with our host David Twigger David Twigger [email protected] 310) 383-2065 www.vermilionevents.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/david_twigger_/?hl=en Watch episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCukmXDxkpLH3iwukw9grJyQ

This week's guest is Hannah Cissell, Sr. Director, Operations at Chateau Luxe. Chateau Luxe is one of the most unique private event venues in the Southwest. Hannah has a classic story in the events industry. She stepped into special events as a side deal and got hooked. Diving straight in to this industry at a stand alone venue is one of the most trickiest but rewarding ways to learn about special events . We also get a great sneak peak into the new Speak Easy that is opening up inside Chateau Luxe… listen in and get the scoop!

Talking Points:

• Ways to get started in the events industry.
• New Speak Easy Opening Up
• Differences in hotel vs venue operations
• How to change the public's perception

How to get a hold of: Hannah Cissell Phone 623-266-8747 Address 1175 E. Lone Cactus Dr. Phoenix, AZ 85024 Email [email protected]

Our guest this episode is the amazing Maria Mwangi. Now Vice President at Warehouse 215 but with long career of achievements for such a young leader. Her award winning event expertise originally started as a hobby in the early 1990's. Maria began her career as a top-producing loan officer and mortgage underwriter for 14 years.

During this time, she entered the event world through her church, which allowed her to organize everything from Health Fairs, Carnivals, to Romantic Weddings and Large-Scale Conferences. Shortly after the housing crisis of 2008, Maria moved to San Antonio, Texas where she formally transitioned her career into Event Management. During this time, Maria swept across industries and gathered over 6 Best in San Antonio Awards, 2 Texas Star awards, and 1 International Award from the distinguished International Live Events Association.

Her events have been covered in magazines such as the San Antonio Weddings Magazine as well as several other publications which can be found on our Press page. After arriving in Arizona, Maria hit the ground running, immediately winning a Zonies Award for The Best Event Collaboration in Arizona. Maria worked as the Director of Sales for Live Nation in the Phoenix Market before arriving at Warehouse215. Maria just debuted her latest book with a team of collaborators named "Building Me While Building It" and has several more written projects in the works.

Key Highlights

• Working differences in private vs national event venues
• Maria's journey through sobriety
• Warehouse 215 Phoenix's most dynamic downtown venue
• Balancing business flow needs and wants, community events a must but how many?

You can get a hold of Maria Mwangi at:

MARIA MWANGI VICE PRESIDENT | WAREHOUSE215

602 649 6116

[email protected]

warehouse215.com

You can get in touch with our host David Twigger

David Twigger

[email protected]

(310) 383-2065

www.vermilionevents.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/david_twigger_/?hl=en

Watch episodes on You Tube YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCukmXDxkpLH3iwukw9grJyQ

Be sure you subscribe to our podcast to automatically receive the NEW episodes weekly!!!

Over a career of 17 years in the hospitality industry, Ryan Kirby's experience as a hotelier has taken him from the islands of Oahu and Maui, to Los Angeles, and finally to the Arizona Sonoran Desert. Most recently, Ryan opened The Westin Tempe at Arizona State University where he served as the Opening Director of Sales & Marketing and then ultimately promoted to General Manager. He's had the privilege of working at the most prestigious hotels including The Westin Moana Surfrider, Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa, W Los Angeles - West Beverly Hills, and the W Scottsdale. He has worked for multiple brands including Westin, Sheraton, W Hotels, Fairmont, Aloft, and Saguaro Hotels.

Long time friend and industry star Ryan Kirby, now Director of Sales and Marketing at the highly anticipated new Caesars Republic Hotel in Scottsdale, sits down with us to talk new hotel openings, the fast past world of hotels and how one balances high expectations on all sides of life.

The new Caesars Republic is a brand new concept for this infamous hospitality giant. They found the perfect location in Scottsdale and Ryan takes us through design, concept, what to give the public that they want (or what they think they want). We also discuss what its like entering a very competitive market of hotels and resorts in Scottsdale.

Key Highlights

· All the T on this highly anticipated hotel opening.

· What its like having such high expectations (in all aspects of life)

· A new concept in a new market…. What were the first steps

You can get a hold of Ryan Kirby at:

RYAN KIRBY | Director of Sales and Marketing

CAESARS REPUBLIC | SCOTTSDALE

c 805.794.5983 | p 480.914.6810

[email protected] | caesarsrepublicscottsdale.com

Get in touch with David Twigger Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/david_twigger_/?hl=en

Watch episodes on You Tube YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCukmXDxkpLH3iwukw9grJyQ

Be sure you are subscribed to our podcast to automatically receive the NEW episodes weekly!!!

We are thrilled to have another events industry icon on our show, Kate Patay. Kate is one of those few who have taken her years of experience and decided to make a difference. As a recognized leader in brand, strategy, marketing – sales, Kate has led teams to success. Chairwoman for the Search Foundation, past board member for multiple industry organizations, Kate does it all, and might I add does while looking fabulous. Making it all seem effortlessly we talk to Kate about her journey, her steeping in and out of owning your own business and landing in a place where she makes a difference not only for herself but for others.

Key Highlights

• Industry Organizations and who to really make a difference
• Balancing a life in the events industry and at home
• How to stay in front of trends and when to let them pass by
• How to get the most out of your role (in business and life)

You can get a hold of Kate at:

Kate Patay, CPCE

Chairwoman, SEARCH Foundation

775.343.6551

[email protected]

https://www.linkedin.com/in/katepatay/

Get in touch with us!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/david_twigger_/?hl=en

Watch episodes on You Tube YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCukmXDxkpLH3iwukw9grJyQ

Be sure you are subscribed to our podcast to automatically receive the NEW episodes weekly!!!