Our Speakers
The Art of Events 2026 brings together an exceptional lineup of industry leaders, creatives, and innovators who are shaping the future of events, festivals, hospitality, and experiential design. Across fireside chats, keynotes, and panel discussions, our speakers explore the full lifecycle of event creation—from foundational planning and hospitality excellence to AI-powered innovation, modern celebrations, large-scale festivals, and creative collaboration. Drawing on deep regional and global experience, these sessions offer practical insights, bold ideas, and real-world strategies for producing meaningful, commercially successful, and culturally relevant experiences. Together, our speakers reflect the power of creativity, technology, and collaboration in elevating “the art of” and the business of events.
Kara-Ann Anderson
Creative Director & Lead Wedding Planner,
PETALS & PROMISES
Kara-Ann Anderson is an award-winning Jamaican wedding and event planner, creative director, and industry educator with over 15 years of experience producing destination weddings and large-scale events across the Caribbean and internationally. As the Creative Director and “Architect of Dream Events” at Petals & Promises, she is known for her calm leadership, creative vision, and ability to navigate complex, high-pressure events with clarity and grace. A sought-after speaker and mentor, Kara-Ann shares practical frameworks, real-world stories, and leadership insights that empower planners and creatives to work smarter, lead confidently, and deliver seamless, unforgettable experiences.
Career Highlights
- Creative Director of Petals & Promises
- Protégé of Preston Bailey and Eddie Zaratsian
- Featured in Munaluchi Bridal, BRIDES Magazine, and The Knot.
Kingston Bridal Week Director and Caribbean industry speaker
Fabeion Dennisor
Event Curator | Founder & Creative Director,
MILK + HONEY EVENTZ Ltd.| BEST WEEKEND EVER Ltd.
Fabeion Dennisor is an internationally recognized event curator and creative visionary behind some of the most influential lifestyle experiences across New York, Toronto, Miami, and
Jamaica.
As Founder & Creative Director of Milk + Honey Eventz Ltd. and Best Weekend Ever Ltd., he leads the production of premier event brands including Milk & Honey, Daybreak, Sandz, Zimi
Brunch, and Your Best Weekend Ever — delivering luxury-driven, culturally impactful experiences that merge music, fashion, travel, and elevated hospitality.
With a reputation for premium execution and trendsetting concepts, Fabeion continues to shape modern celebration culture across North America and the Caribbean.
Career Highlights
- Founder & Creative Director, Milk + Honey Eventz Ltd.
- Producer of premier lifestyle brands across North America and Caribbean
- Curator of luxury, culturally driven experiential events
Kimmi Dunkley-Watkins
DRAGONFLY EXPERIENCES/A21
Kimmi is a Certified Event and Wedding Planner with more than 20 years of experience bringing visionary events to life for international and local nonprofit, corporate, and private clients. With a Bachelor of Science in Hospitality, Travel & Tourism Management from Florida International University and language studies completed at the University of Havana, she blends global perspective with operational excellence.
Since 2004, Kimmi has played an integral role in planning the Food Network South Beach Wine & Food Festival. She currently serves as Senior Director of Event Operations at A21, an experiential event agency in Miami and as the founder of Dragonfly Experiences, she curates elevated, transformative events that leave lasting impressions.
Career Highlights
- Founder, Dragonfly Experiences boutique event agency
- Senior Director of Event Operations, A21 experiential agency
- Planning team member, South Beach Wine & Food Festival & working at the 2020 Superbowl pre-game stage show.
Scott Dunn
DREAM ENTERTAINMENT LIMITED (Producers of Dream Weekend & Xodus Carnival
Scott Dunn is a cultural entrepreneur and festival producer with over 20 years of experience advancing music tourism and creative economies. He is Group Managing Director of Dream Entertainment Limited, creators of Dream Weekend and Xodus Carnival, Jamaica’s largest music festival and leading Carnival brand. Together, these events generate over USD $60 million annually and anchor the Jamaica Tourist Board calendar. A respected Creative and Cultural Industries advocate, Scott contributes to regional forums, national cultural policy, and global conversations on destination branding, cultural identity, and music tourism, while amplifying Caribbean culture to international audiences through media and digital platforms.
Career Highlights
- Group Managing Director, Dream Entertainment Limited
- Co-creator of Dream Weekend and Xodus Carnival
- Regional thought leader in music tourism and creative culturaI industries
Nicole Hall Noble
CB FOODS LTD.
Nicole Hall Noble is Senior Manager of Commercial Marketing for Food Distribution at CB Foods Ltd, leading brand, trade, experiential, digital, product management, and corporate communications across multiple brands. Guided by her “Marketing Mixology” approach, she blends creativity and commerce to build culturally relevant, scalable brands with strong customer focus and regional growth potential.
She has led major initiatives including the PAN Chicken competition, CB Chicken brand campaigns, and the Jamaica Food & Drink Festival.
She is also the founder of Link Nix, a brand strategy, partnerships, and experience development consultancy that creatively minds people’s business through innovative brand experiences and collaborations.
Career Highlights
- Senior Manager, Commercial Marketing, CB Foods Ltd
- Led PAN Chicken competition and CB Chicken campaigns
- Founder, Link Nix brand strategy consultancy
Shikima Hinds
Events Concierge
Shikima Hinds is a leader in luxury event planning and design, specializing in bespoke weddings, corporate events, and destination experiences. As the founder of Shikima Hinds Events & Concierge, she is recognized for her operational excellence, creativity, and meticulous attention to detail, delivering immersive events that reflect her clients’ unique vision.
Grounded in Jamaican culture and hospitality, Shikima blends local authenticity with international sophistication, creating experiences that are both memorable and meaningful. From intimate gatherings to multi-day productions, she continues to shape Jamaica’s luxury events landscape while mentoring the next generation of industry professionals.
Career Highlights
Founded and leads Shikima Hinds Events & Concierge, delivering bespoke luxury weddings, corporate events,
Martin Lewis
MARTIN LEWIS PRODUCTIONS LTD.
Martin J. Lewis is one of Jamaica’s most accomplished event production and technical specialists, with over 40 years of experience delivering complex, large-scale festivals, concerts, and ceremonies. He has served as Technical Producer, Project Manager, and Production Director for landmark events including Reggae Sumfest, Air Jamaica Jazz & Blues, the ICC Cricket World Cup 2007, Opening Ceremony, Shaggy & Friends. and major productions featuring international performers such as Chris Brown, Brian McKnight, and Beres Hammond. Known for precision, innovation, and operational excellence, Martin brings deep expertise in technical production, multimedia integration, and large-scale logistics, and is widely regarded as a trusted authority in executing high-profile live events across Jamaica and internationally.
Career Highlights
- Leads complex technical production for large-scale live events.
- Specializes in live sound, broadcast, and multimedia systems.
- Manages integrated production teams for major festivals.
Elena Lynch
ELLE CREATIVE LTD
Elena Lynch is a Caribbean marketing and tourism executive and Creative Partner of Elle Creative Ltd., a boutique marketing and event production agency. She began her career on the production teams of Reggae Sumfest and the Jamaica Jazz & Blues Festival, building a foundation in large-scale event execution. With over 20 years of experience, she has led national campaigns and major regional conferences across tourism, hospitality, and corporate sectors. As Consultant and Project Manager to the Jamaica Tourist Board, she delivered Caribbean Travel Marketplace—the region’s largest travel and tourism conference—and was re-engaged through her agency to produce when it returned to Jamaica in 2023. Elena also serves on the boards of Immaculate Conception High School and the Jamaica Musical Theatre Company.
Career Highlights
- Consultant & Project Manager, Caribbean Travel Marketplace – Jamaica Tourist Board
- Founder & Creative Director, Elle Creative Ltd.
- Regional Brand Strategist for Flow, Rubis & Norbrook Equity Partners
- Cultural Production & Board Leadership across Jamaica’s Creative Industries
Nadeen Matthews Blair
CRESCENT ADVISORY GROUP
Nadeen Matthews Blair is an AI consultant, educator, and Founder and CEO of Crescent Advisory Group, helping individuals and organizations build confidence using AI through practical, human-centered training. She advises enterprises on AI adoption, digital transformation, and sustainable execution strategies. With over 20 years of experience at McKinsey & Company, JPMorgan Chase, and National Commercial Bank Jamaica, she has led landmark initiatives including the Caribbean’s first Agile software development lab and AI-powered banking products. A LinkedIn Top Voice for AI and Digital Strategy, Nadeen is known for high-impact workshops. She holds an MBA from Wharton School, completed AI training at MIT, and currently chairs the Jamaica Artificial Intelligence Association Advisory Board while co-founding iamtheCODE Caribbean
Career Highlights
- Founder & CEO, Crescent Advisory Group
- Led Caribbean’s first Agile and AI banking initiatives
- Chair, Jamaica Artificial Intelligence Association Advisory Board
Marcia McDonnough
TOUCHSTONE PRODUCTIONS & TOUCHSTONE LINK
Marcia McDonnough is a senior festival and events executive with over 30 years of experience leading large-scale live events across entertainment, tourism, and consumer sectors. She co-founded Touchstone Productions Limited, where she has held significant production and management roles in Jamaica’s most iconic festivals, including Jamaica Jazz and Blues and Reggae Sumfest, and created the innovative Jamaica Epicurean Escape food and beverage festival. Her most recent and widely recognized achievement is founding Touchstone Link, Jamaica’s leading ticketing and access management platform, now central to the operational success of several major events nationwide
Career Highlights
- Nearly 40 years planning & executing premier large-scale events
- Visionary involved in globally recognized Jamaican festival experiences
- Founder and CEO, Touchstone Productions Limited
- Creator and CEO, Touchstone Link access management & ticketing platform
Melanie Miller
BY MELANIE MILLER
Melanie Miller is a leading creative producer in Jamaica’s event industry with over 20 years of experience delivering refined, immersive experiences. Her work spans weddings, private celebrations, corporate events, seminars, and large-scale festivals, distinguished by intuitive design, meticulous detail, and seamless logistics. Through her full-service planning and styling company, ByMelanieMiller, she specializes in bespoke weddings and celebrations across Jamaica, transforming client visions into meaningful, beautifully executed moments. Melanie is also a Director of Kingston Kitchen, Jamaica’s flagship national food festival, a role she has held since its inception over 15 years ago. Recognized for thoughtful execution and quiet excellence, she is known for producing events that resonate long after the final moment.
Career Highlights
- Founder, ByMelanieMiller event planning and styling company
- Director of Kingston Kitchen national food festival
- Over 20 years producing weddings and events
Aiesha Panton
PUSSBACKFOOT
Aiesha Panton is the Founder and Creative Director of Pussbackfoot, a creative planning and design house known for design-forward weddings and experiences. Her work is defined by an editorial sensibility, layered storytelling, and uncompromising standards. Beyond events, Pussbackfoot designs handcrafted pieces for home and office, extending its philosophy of intentional design.
Widely recognised for redefining weddings through the lens of culture and place, Aiesha’s work is published locally and internationally. With two decades of experience, she strategically balances the discipline of beauty with intuitive artistry.
Deeply rooted in Jamaican culture, she elevates local craftsmanship while creating globally resonant, authentic experiences.
Career Highlights
- Founder & Creative Director, Pussbackfoot
- Internationally published creative visionary
- Director, The Collection MoDA; Co-Founder, Locale
- Co-Conceptualiser & Curator, Conversation Piece
Deane Shepherd
THE SPECIAL EVENTS GROUP & BLUEPRINT EVENTS
Deane Shepherd is Chief Executive Officer of The Special Events Group, one of Jamaica’s leading event production and design companies. With over 20 years of experience in event strategy, creative design, logistics, and large-scale production, he has helped shape the execution of corporate, social, and cultural events across the Caribbean. Through Starlight Production and Blueprint Events, he has led the delivery of major experiences including Jamaica Rum Festival, Jamaica Independence Village, O2Lac Conference, Campari Boulevard, and Guinness Sounds of Greatness. Known for blending creative storytelling with operational excellence, Deane brings strong leadership in immersive event production.
Career Highlights
- CEO, The Special Events Group
- Founder, Blueprint Events
- Leader in immersive event design and production
Jacqui Tyson
FROM THOUGHT TO FINISH
Jacqui Tyson is a multi-awarded Jamaican culinary artist, creative director, and event visionary with over two decades of experience elevating food and experiences across the island. Known for bold flavour storytelling and refined takes on Jamaican classics, she blends island heritage with global technique to craft memorable cuisine. She is the founder of From Thought to Finish, a premier culinary and experiential events brand delivering bespoke menus, immersive concepts, and seamless execution for luxury corporate, cultural, and private events. Notable events include Fun in the Son and the J.A. Rum Festival. A passionate mentor and advocate for local producers, Jacqui continues to shape Jamaica’s culinary identity, curating impeccable events
Career Highlights
- Culinary leader in Jamaica’s food and hospitality industry
- Producer of Fun in the Son and Jamaica Rum Festival
- Founder of Luxe Prive luxury concierge brand
- Award-winning chef and culinary entrepreneur
Simone Raquel Williams
RAQUEL ART Ltd
From an early love of art at Immaculate Conception High School to studying Fashion Design at Edna Manley College, Simone Raquel’s creative journey has always been driven by a desire to create. She began her career in the events industry as a decorator, quickly advancing to event coordinator.
During the COVID shutdown, she pivoted fully into entrepreneurship, exploring portrait painting, commissions, custom designs, balloon décor, and other artistic ventures.
A design opportunity for Soca Plus Festival marked her return to events, leading to projects like YUSH. Today, she specializes in immersive entrances, stage design, photo installations, and large-scale experiential productions.
Career Highlights
Leisha Wong
ELLE CREATIVE LTD.
- Designer of immersive festival and stage experiences
- Creative lead for Soca Plus Festival and YUSH
- Multidisciplinary artist turned large-scale event producer
Leisha Wong is a Jamaican experiential producer and creative partner at Elle Creative Ltd, known for delivering narrative-driven, large-scale cultural and brand experiences. With a background in journalism and communications, she brings a storytelling-first approach that balances creativity, logistics, and meaningful patron engagement. In 2011, she co-founded Kingston Kitchen, helping grow it from a grassroots food event into one of Jamaica’s most recognized culinary lifestyle festivals, celebrating local chefs, culture, and community. Today, Leisha leads the execution of conferences, festivals and immersive experiences across Jamaica and the Caribbean, grounded in intentional storytelling, operational excellence, and authentic cultural connection
Career Highlights
- Creative Partner at Elle Creative Ltd
- Co-founder of Kingston Kitchen food festival
- Producer of large-scale experiential festivals
p j Wright
Co-Founder
DREAM ENTERTAINMENT & WRIGHT IMAGE ENTERTAINMENT
PJ Wright is a leading entertainment entrepreneur and marketer with over 20 years of experience shaping Jamaica’s cultural and lifestyle landscape. He is the creative force behind major events including Dream Weekend, Daydreams, Chillin’ on the Farm, FOF, and Xodus Carnival, revolutionizing live entertainment through Dream Entertainment and Wright Image Entertainment. Over the past seven years, PJ has expanded into hospitality as a restaurateur, co-owning Tacbar, Chillin’ Restaurant, Cru Bar and Kitchen, and Bowl & Spoon. He has further diversified into food packaging and agriculture, strengthening supply chains, brand loyalty, and consumer experience across his ventures
Career Highlights
- Co-creator of Dream Weekend and Xodus Carnival
- Co-founder Wright Image Entertainment
- Restaurateur behind multiple ul lifestyle dining brands
