#Fail: Acknowledging, Overcoming and Eventually laughing about event challenges

---

Mary Pinak

Community Events Director, City of West Palm Beach

Mary Pinak has over thirty five years of event planning experience in the hospitality industry and with the City of West Palm Beach. As Community Events Manager for the City, Pinak initiated and continues Clematis by Night; 4th on Flagler; Sunday on the Waterfront; the West Palm Beach GreenMarket; Screen on the Green; Holiday in Paradise, 30 days of holiday programming starring “Sandi” the world’s only 700 ton holiday sand tree sculpted to perfection with dazzling nightly sound and light shows in Sandi Land; and Summer in Paradise, two months of sizzling free fun in West Palm Beach featuring dozens of weekly and monthly events. Her marketing responsibilities have also included directing all internal and external communications for the City including newsletters, calendars, annual reports, promotions and public relations.Under Pinak’s direction, the City’s Community Events Division has compiled more than two hundred and fifty international, national and state awards for special events, promotions and marketing materials.

Pinak has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Hospitality Management from Florida State University, is designated a Certified Festival Executive by the International Festivals and Events Association and proudly serves as Treasurer on the Board of the Florida Festivals and Events Association.She resides in Juno Beach with her husband Ron and sons Patrick (25) and Shane (22.)

ANGELA POCO

Community Events Supervisor, City of West Palm Beach

With 25 years in the events industry, Angela Poco has had experiences in the both private and public sectors.From organizing events for the US Conference of Mayors, coordinating conferences, fashion shows, galas and even owning her own catering company, Angela has managed not only events but creative ideas.She now oversees a talented team of event coordinators producing over 200 amazing events each year. Angela uses her strong event planning background and insightful imagination to produce events that inspire communities.

Her visionary know-how includes building a life-size Keebler Tree in the middle of the McCormick Convention Center in Chicago and event planning in almost every state in the country. This broad range of experiences makes Angela a logistical guru - or better – a Jane of all Trades.

Angela looks forward to sharing her experiences with you in this great session that will give examples of overcoming failure to learn, move forward and improve events of all kinds of all sizes.