#MeetWithConfidence
Talk Series
Thursday, June 4 
1:00 PM ET / 10:00 AM PT
Reinventing the F&B Experience
 
From precautions to guest preferences, how do we successfully manage new expectations and deliver unforgettable F&B experiences? Can we balance F&B safety measures with sustainable practices to drive greater good around the globe?
James Filtz
CMP, CPCE
Vice President, National Association for Catering and Events (NACE) and Director of Meetings and Special Events at The Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans
ABOUT THE PANELIST
James Filtz is the Vice President of The National Association for Catering and Events. In his role with NACE James oversees programming and strategy for the education and certification programs at NACE. James has previously completed terms as Secretary and Treasurer of the association and has been a member of the association since 2005. James works at The Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans Hotel as Director of Meetings and Special Events.
The Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans is one of the largest and most dynamic hotel in the Ritz-Carlton portfolio. Prior to working at The Ritz-Carlton, Jams has held executive and leadership roles with Loews Hotels, Yale University, Starwood Hotels, The Venetian-Palazzo Las Vegas and Hyatt Hotels. James began his love for catering and events in the kitchen and is a proud graduate of The Culinary Institute of America, Hyde Park.



Dr. Aurora Dawn Benton
Founder, Astrapto LLC
ABOUT THE PANELIST
Dr. Aurora Dawn Benton is Founder and Chief Change Agent of Astrapto LLC, which offers courses, coaching, and consulting to advance sustainability in hospitality, events, travel, and other services industries. Her passion is to make sustainability practical and positive for people whose job title is not sustainability, but who have a passion to drive positive impact in and through their organizations.
Aurora loves helping people realize their potential while discovering a greater purpose for good in business. She regularly speaks on both leadership and operational angles of implementing sustainability initiatives.