By: Lisa Santoro,
CORT Event Furnishings
Frigid and gusty winds kept no one away on February 15th, as regional ISES and NACE members gathered at the fantastic joint meeting at Howl At The Moon. Colleagues and competitors mixed and mingled and networked joyfully for the fist hour as the welcoming staff passed delicious hot appetizers and beverages. The upstairs room buzzed with chatter as the diverse crowd mingled and introduced themselves to new faces.
At 7 pm, we were led downstairs to “Down Ultra Lounge”, which like its moniker suggests, was “ultra hip“ in its furnishing and lighting. After some brief announcements by presidents Larry Green, and Lyndsay Picciano our keynote presenter began. Dr. Donald Katz from Brandeis University spoke about the science of tasting and flavors. Dr. Katz revealed some interesting facts and misconceptions on the biological process that happens daily in humans. We learned that humans and rats (his typical subject matter) are very much the same (scary) and found that our reactions to many tastes to be exactly the same. Beyond the actual biological and chemical processes that go on in our mouths and brains, he also explained the many social and environmental factors that affect our behavior – and how even those factors are similar in lab animal experiments. As his presentation wound down, the room erupted with questions from the eager to learn audience of event professionals.
After the presentation, winners of the FUNraiser raffle and drive were announced. ISES and NACE members were responsible for raising over $400 in funds and hundreds of toiletry items needed for Rosie’s Place. Later we all worked our way back upstairs for a few more drinks, and to watch the amazing dueling piano show that Howl at the Moon is known for.
The following sponsors made the event possible:
- Howl at the Moon- Ashley Gordon
- A Trivision Pro – John Driscoll
- Peterson Party Center- Jennifer Iovino
- Generation Cinemastories- Jack Brotman
- Allegro Photography- David Lee
- Shutterbooth- Paul Seabury
