Hello, passionate stagers and industry enthusiasts!
We’re excited to take you on a journey through the vibrant and enriching experience that was RESACON 2023. This year’s event transcended borders, bringing together more than 300 stagers from across North America and beyond. The atmosphere was charged with anticipation and camaraderie as attendees delved into a world of learning, networking, and growth within the staging industry.
United Across Continents: RESACON 2023 Unveiled
Picture a dynamic mix of staging professionals, each with their unique story, converging at RESACON 2023. The conference served as a nexus where diverse perspectives, talents, and creativity blended seamlessly to create a global staging mosaic.
The Backbone of Success: Our Esteemed Sponsors
At the heart of RESACON 2023’s success were the sponsors who rallied behind us, demonstrating unwavering commitment to the staging community. We extend our deepest gratitude to these exceptional partners who helped us curate an unforgettable event:
– Apply Design
– Staging Studio
– Styled Listed Sold
– R&R Financial
– Olliix
– Paragon
– Renwil
– Sagebrook
– Stageforce
– Moe’s
– Strange DNA
– City Scoop
– Resilient by Design
– Sherwin Williams
– VillaNova
– Unique Loom
– The DSA
– Style to Design
– Armen Living
– Decorus Art
Captivating Speakers and Sessions
A highlight of RESACON 2023 was the extraordinary lineup of speakers who shared their wisdom and insights. Drawing from a pool of industry luminaries, attendees were treated to a vast amount of knowledge.
Thank you to our Speakers:
Andress Eichstadt
Daniel Coffman
Sandra Racz
David Avrin
Shauna Lynn Simon
Kevin Grant
Ann Pershing
Cathy Hobbs
Shell Brodnax
Tori Toth
Minol Shamreen
Max Ruthven
Amy Lang
Tamara Prato
Michelle Minch and Todd McAllister
Tracy Molendi
Melinda Christman & Anna Neal
Terry Watson
Derek Townsend
Michelle Villalobos
Debbie Boggs
Rebecca Hay
Jason Saft
Bobbie McGrath
Joanna Segoviano
Shell Brodnax
Melina Gray
Joe Denneler
Leah Check
Victor Dangelo
Melanie Haselmayr
Barbara Heil-Sonneck
Anne Furlow
Red Barrinuevo
A Tapestry of Connections: Networking and Beyond
Beyond the sessions, RESACON 2023 was a vibrant tapestry of connections and collaborations. Informal conversations, round table discussions, and meetups transformed acquaintances into lifelong allies. The spirit of camaraderie that permeated the event is a testament to the unity and strength of the staging community.
Embrace the Future: RESACON 2024 and Beyond
Looking ahead, we are thrilled to unveil the dates for RESACON 2024 – mark your calendars for July 25 – 28, 2024! Building on the success of this year’s event, RESACON 2024 promises an even more impactful and transformative experience.
Voices of Attendees:
Deirdre Dugan, President of Merrow Staging & Design LLC:
As a first-time attendee and a relative newcomer to the staging industry, Deirdre Dugan had an awe-inspiring experience at RESACON 2023. She couldn’t help but marvel at the diverse connections she forged during the event. From seasoned industry experts to fellow newcomers, the networking opportunities proved invaluable. Deirdre was particularly impressed by the myriad of speakers and presentations that offered a wealth of knowledge. She commended the RESA HQ staff for orchestrating an event that left an indelible mark on her. Deirdre eagerly anticipates her return next year, eager to delve even deeper into the world of staging.
Laurie Graham, Founder of laurielgraham.com:
Laurie Graham’s journey to RESACON 2023 was a tale of transformation – from being an attendee at previous editions to stepping into her role as the founder of laurielgraham.com. Starting her own business had been a significant milestone, and RESACON greeted her with warmth and open arms. RESA’s heartfelt welcome set the tone for the entire event. Laurie reveled in the kindness and approachability of all those present. She cherished the connections forged in table conversations and meetups just as much as the formal seminars. Above all, Laurie applauded the meticulous planning that allowed her to focus on her presentation, making it a stress-free experience. For Laurie, RESACON 2023 was not just an event; it was a testimony to the hard work that goes into making dreams come true.
Sharon Smith-Mauney, Co-Owner of stage2 interiors:
As co-owner of stage2 interiors, Sharon Smith-Mauney embarked on her first RESACON with a blend of excitement and optimism. Her experience surpassed her expectations as she found herself immersed in a treasure trove of insights, resources, and connections. Sharon resonated deeply with the knowledgeable, creative, and inspiring speakers, fellow stagers, vendors, and industry partners. The wealth of wisdom gained during the event was only rivaled by the eagerness she felt to apply these learnings in tangible ways for her young business. As she looked ahead, Sharon expressed her gratitude for the profound impact RESACON 2023 would undoubtedly have on stage2 interiors’ growth journey.
Max Ruthven, Founder of letstalkcolor.com:
Max Ruthven may not have been actively staging, but her experience at RESACON 2023 was nothing short of remarkable. With the privilege of presenting during one of the breakout sessions, Max felt the weight of her responsibilities lifted by the attentive event organization. This allowed her to focus on delivering a compelling session, contributing to the vibrant atmosphere of the event. Max commended the hard work that transpired behind the scenes, creating an environment where every attendee could thrive. Her testimonial highlighted the event’s inclusivity, capturing the essence of a conference that catered to stagers of all walks, including those who were carving their unique paths beyond traditional staging practices.
These voices of attendees embody the diverse experiences and perspectives that converged at RESACON 2023. Each narrative showcases the transformative impact of the event, from forging connections to fostering growth and learning. As we turn our gaze toward RESACON 2024, these testimonials serve as a testament to the incredible journey that lies ahead for every member of the staging community.
Celebrating the Heart and Soul of RESACON: Our Amazing Volunteers
At the heart of every successful event lies a group of dedicated individuals who work behind the scenes to ensure everything runs smoothly. RESACON 2023 was no exception, and we want to take a moment to shine a spotlight on the exceptional volunteers who made this event truly remarkable. These individuals selflessly gave their time and effort to ensure that every attendee had an unforgettable experience.
From Greeting Guests to Creating Memories:
The volunteer team brought a unique blend of talents to the table. They greeted and checked in guests with warm smiles, ensuring that everyone felt welcome from the moment they arrived.
But their contributions extended beyond logistics. They were there to make new attendees feel at home, to assist with any questions or concerns, and to be a calming presence if anything came up that needed attention. Their dedication created an atmosphere of inclusivity and support, turning strangers into friends and making the event feel like a true gathering of kindred spirits.
A Special Thank You to Our Volunteers
Bonnie Garceau, Carol Clark, Cathy Lee Cibelli, Deb Halloran, Deborah Brown-Pullin, Fiorenza Bilak, Holly Gosa, Jason Saft, Jeanette Gregg, Kandice Dougherty, Kevin Grant, Laurie Cote, Leslie Eicher, Maleik Foxx, Melissa Guide, Pantea Bionki, Rebecca Lyon, Ricci Taylor, Samantha Molendi, Terri Carpenter, Tori Toth, Yolanda Tillman, and Kathryn Lenhardt – The Volunteer Co-Chairs – we extend our heartfelt gratitude. Your enthusiasm, and hard work did not go unnoticed. You are the unsung heroes of RESACON 2023, and your dedication played a crucial role in creating an unforgettable experience for all.
As we look forward to RESACON 2024, we invite you all to join us in celebrating these incredible volunteers who embody the spirit of community and camaraderie that defines RESA®. Your unwavering support is a testament to the power of collaboration and the impact we can achieve when we come together as a united staging family. Thank you for making RESACON 2023 shine bright!
Felicia has a background in production design and studied at Academy Of Art University where she had a focus in Motion Pictures And Television. In her free time you can find her reading about the latest marketing trends or hanging out with her husband in Disneyland.
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