Veronika Millstid – Levine has been an active member of the Houston Chapter of ISES since 2002.After serving on several committees she became VP of Membership, President Elect, and 2004-2005 served as President, and most recently Past President. She was born and educated in Germany. After more than 20 years in international and domestic sales and marketing in the Hospitality Industry, she decided it was time to pursue her dream and passion, and in 1997 Bailey Connor Catering deputed. Celebrating 10 years of success and annual revenue growth, the company has received many awards most recently “the Knot best of weddings” award by the national know wedding magazine “The Knot”.

VP Membership
Matthew Finnan
Hilton Americas- Houston
(713) 577-6054 
membership@iseshouston.org

Matthew Finnan, Assistant Director of Catering for the Hilton Americas-Houston, has been an ISES member since 2004.  He was recently named as a 2007 Hilton Hotels Corporation Circle of Excellence Winner.  Finnan joined the Hilton Americas-Houston team in February 2004, as Senior Catering Manager and was quickly promoted to Assistant Director of Catering later the same year, handling large local corporate and social groups and events. With over 20 years experience in the catering business, he was also part of the opening team for Enron Field (now Minute Maid Park) as the Premium Services Division Manager for ARAMARK. Prior to his arrival in Houston, Finnan worked in New Orleans for the Louisiana Superdome and multiple hotel properties.

Adrienne Wagenheim founded Ideal Gifts in 1990 and Adrienne began creating made-to-order gift baskets for an array of clients. The company gradually grew and evolved and, in 1992, changed its name to Ideal Party Decorators. Over the last eight years, Ideal Party Decorators has grown to levels never expected by Adrienne when she started off hand assembling her products from her living room. Driven by Adrienne's charisma and Roy's dedication, Ideal Party Decorators is the preeminent company for all things decorations. Specializing in events ranging from corporate galas and grand openings to birthday parties and bar/bat-mitzvahs, Adrienne and Roy have created a legion of satisfied customers and fans.

Apriel Westmoreland
Covenant House Texas
communications@iseshouston.org

Apriel Westmoreland is a native Houstonian, with 8+ years experience in handling special events in the catering business, non-profit sector, and at an institution of higher education. She began her experience in event management while serving as chairperson of Marketing and Promotions of the Prairie View A&M University Campus Activities Board, where she planned, developed, and implemented programs that provided opportunities for students to grow through educational, cultural, social, and recreational experiences. She has managed events for 30 to more than 3000 attendees. Currently, she works in Development and Public Relations for Covenant House Texas, a shelter for homeless youth, where she plans the annual spring gala, donor receptions, and other special events/fundraisers. Whether you are looking to have a chic soiree, an extravagant grand celebration, a bold intimate affair, or simply need advice, she is here to help - and WILL transform your ordinary event into an extraordinary occasion.

Director

Linda White
Independent Event Consultant

Linda F. White studied Hospitality Management at the renowned Conrad N. Hilton College of Hotel and Restaurant Management at the University of Houston.  She began her hospitality career with Marriott Hotels and Resorts where she started as Room Service Coordinator at the Renaissance Houston Hotel and advanced to Director of Sales at the Courtyard by Marriott -  Brookhollow also in Houston. After spending ten years with Marriott, working both in Houston and Chicago at the Marriott O’Hare property, she decided to explore another area of hospitality – special event planning where she worked as Senior Event Planner at the George Ranch Historical Park in Richmond, Texas. Linda, a native of Chicago, has extensive experience in planning corporate, non-profit and association events as well as social and international events of all types.  Linda is currently the Director of Corporate Events at Joystix Classic Games and Pinballs in downtown Houston.  She exemplifies Marriott’s philosophy of “the spirit to serve” by building genuine relationships with her clients and having a passion for the hospitality industry.  Linda is also taking classes to prepare her for the CSEP certification, studying under ISES-Houston Chapter President, Mia Monroe, CSEP.

Director

Craig R. Howard 
Corporate Incentive Travel, Inc.
(713) 320-7234 

Craig started in the event business in 1979 and was a founding member of ISES. During this time Craig assisted Special Event Magazine organize there annual trade show and convention for 12 years. After leaving Special Events Magazine Craig assisted Event Solutions Magazine launch there annual trade show and convention. Craig has been a speaker a various industry events and continues to showcase his talents in sales for the event industry. Currently Craig is the exclusive USA sales representative for Cirque du Soleil events and the Director of National Sales for Corporate Incentive Travel a 23 year old full service incentive company based in Alexandria, Virginia.

Director

Richard Hoggatt Jr.
Stage Directions Inc.
President
Rhoggatt@stagedirections.com  

I’m the guy who built a strobe light for a science project in high school. Next year, I did a whole light –show. I never could come up with a real scientific purpose for it but something about lights flashing on and off to Led Zeppelin was cool. I got a B. Later I went to college at The University of Houston majoring in Communications. Wanted to be a DJ on the radio but instead found my way into producing large-scale multi-media projects. So it’s no wonder when I started Stage Directions in 1987 I created a company that worked in the full spectrum of audio-visual production and live presentations. I still think it’s cool that we get paid to do this stuff, and that it touches and moves people in powerful ways.

Director

Heidi Novosad
Sullivan Group
Associate Producer
heidin@sullivan-group.com

Heidi Novosad is an Associate Producer at Sullivan Group, Houston’s Premier Meeting Management, Event Marketing and Destination Management firm. She grew up in Kingwood, Texas and graduated from University of Houston’s Conrad N. Hilton College of Hotel and Restaurant Management in 2006. During her college term, she experienced jobs at River Oaks Country Club, Houston’s Restaurant, and the Walt Disney World College Program in Orlando, Florida. Heidi currently is a member of International Special Event Society (ISES), Meeting Professionals International (MPI), Junior League of Houston, and the Chi Omega Alumnae Association of Houston.