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Lifetime Achievement
Gala Lifetime Achievement goes to...
David Merrell
AOO Events
David E. Merrell, a trailblazing figure in the event industry, founded AOO Events in 1989. As the visionary CEO and Creative Director, David has elevated AOO into an award-winning event agency and significantly impacted the industry with his willingness to share his insights and talent with others. His expertise spans the full spectrum of event design, from creative concepts, design and production to fabrication, food and beverage, entertainment and flawless execution, setting a high standard for the industry.
In addition to leading the company, David remains actively involved in the design and production of events for AOO clients. Some of his most cherished projects from the past year include a lavish, high-end birthday celebration, an incentive trip set against the serene backdrop of Ojai, and a high-profile fundraiser for The Heart Foundation featuring David Foster and Katherine McPhee. These projects are a small taste of David’s signature style of creating unique and personalized experiences that leave a lasting impact on his clients and their guests.
As a sought-after industry speaker for over 25 years, David has made a name for himself by sharing his philosophy and expertise in event design, trends, and the evolving landscape of live and virtual experiences. His presentations educate and inspire, equipping the next generation of event professionals with the knowledge and creativity needed to thrive in an ever-changing and fast-growing industry.
David’s legacy of innovation extends beyond the event floor. In 2007, he launched the industry’s first online blog, Design Dawgs, which quickly became a leading platform for thought leadership on event production, design, and technology. What began as an online publication quickly became a popular seminar series, bringing industry experts together at industry conferences to discuss hot topics and share ideas for over 10 years. Today, David continues to share his insights and inspiration through his monthly email series, David Merrell Event Style, which offers business tips, design ideas, and life lessons to a loyal audience.
David was named the 2023 Special Event Gala Designer of the Year and has been honored with numerous awards and distinctions throughout his career, including a prestigious Crystal Award, many ILEA Esprit, Bizbash Awards and Special Event Gala Awards. David has built a career through creativity, persistence, and the relentless pursuit of delivering excellence in all that he does. David has also been honored with the Klaus InKamp Award for Lifetime Achievement from ILEA, as well as the Steve Kemble Leadership Award.
The Michael Roman Lifetime Achievement Award goes to...
Meryl Snow
Snowstorm Solutions/Feastivities
Meryl Snow is a highly respected leader in the catering and events industry whose career spans more than four decades of business leadership, education, and industry service. Her profound influence has not only shaped her own companies but has also defined how catering businesses innovate, grow, and plan for the future.
Pioneering Business Leadership
Meryl is the co-founder of Feastivities Events and its subsidiaries in Philadelphia, a nationally recognized catering and events company renowned for its trend-setting work in culinary innovation, event design, creative execution, and business strategy. Under her leadership, the company served presidents, dignitaries, and Fortune 500 corporations, earning more than 60 industry awards for excellence in culinary, design, innovation, and business practices.
A Legacy of Industry Service
Meryl’s dedication extends well beyond her own company, demonstrating a lifelong commitment to strengthening the hospitality profession through leadership and mentorship:
- International Caterers Association (ICA): From 2005 to 2015, she served on the board of the ICA, where she helped define professional standards and the future direction of independent catering businesses.
- Catersource Advisory Board: From 2007 to 2018, Meryl served on the Catersource Advisory Board, playing a pivotal role in shaping the education and community-building efforts of the industry’s leading organization.
- Industry Governance: Meryl has served on 8 industry boards throughout her career, all focused on strengthening the hospitality profession.
- Certified Catering Consultants: She has served as a Senior Consultant since 2014 to the present, advising operators on sales strategy, organizational structure, and long-term business value.
- Leading Caterers of America (LCA): From 2014-2024, Meryl has been a core educator for the Sales Executive Group of LCA, mentoring sales leaders and ownership teams nationwide.
Author, Speaker, and Thought Leader
A sought-after speaker at the industry’s premier conferences, Meryl is recognized for her ability to translate complex business challenges into actionable strategies. Her contributions include:
- Published Works: Author of three influential sales books: Booked It!, Cha Ching, and Becoming a Sales Superstar, and producer of the Style Me instructional series.
- The Triangle Method: Creator of a specialized online training platform designed to elevate sales performance within catering organizations.
- Sell Smart™: Today, Meryl continues her work through this strategic platform, helping hospitality owners prepare their businesses for long-term sustainability, transition, and sale with clarity and confidence.
Carbotti Award goes to...
Kari Strolberg, CSEP
Detail + Design
Kari’s expertise lies in the management and production of large civic events, award winning corporate events, and fundraisers. Her production credits include high-profile events such as The Giving Gig, which features national entertainment and raises over one million dollars each year for Community Hospital Network Foundation; Mickey’s Camp and Mickey’s Camp for Women, which has raised over three million dollars for local charities since 2001; Wine Women & Shoes Indianapolis; and in 2011 she chaired the Indy Super Cure Gala that raised one million dollars for the Komen Tissue Bank. These events, coupled with many others, such as the Hands on Hundred Program for CaterSource + The Special Event Conference, the Indianapolis Colts’ Kicking the Stigma Gala and SWING for the Indianapolis Indians Charities have earned her national recognition and industry awards.
In 2003, Kari became a Certified Special Event Professionals (CSEP). This designation is given through the International Live Events Association (ILEA), of which she is a past board President and was given the Lifetime Achievement Award in 2024. Kari is also the co-author of Exceptional Events: Concepts to Completion, a special events textbook printed in 2001, she was named to IBJ’s list of “Who’s Who in Hospitality” in 2003, she was listed as a “Indy’s Best and Brightest” nominee in 2008 and named to IBJ’s “40 Under 40” in 2009.
Learn More About Each Award
The Michael Roman Lifetime Achievement Award
The Michael Roman Lifetime Achievement Award is a special one, named for the founder of Catersource, a person who uplifted others and whose vision, approachability, and passion for catering made him a dynamic force in this industry. This award is presented in recognition of someone who upholds a commitment to the craft, a dedication to lifelong learning, and a level of success that adds value to the industry as a whole.
The Richard Carbotti Award
The Richard Carbotti Award is given annually to honor leaders who embody the legacy of Richard’s long-time commitment to volunteerism, and his generous spirit, talent, humor, and brains.
The Special Event Gala Lifetime Achievement Award
The Special Event Gala Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes titans in the special events industry who have made far-reaching contributions. It is the gold standard for those with robust careers in the events industry.
The Steve Kemble Leadership Award
The Steve Kemble Leadership Award is presented by the Steve Kemble Leadership Foundation to the individual or group who has demonstrated excellence in leadership skills through service and contributions to the special event and meeting industry.