AllSeated Advisory Board Team
Arthur Backal – Chairman
https://www.linkedin.com/pub/arthur-f-backal/81/a0a/563
Known around Manhattan as the "go-to" guru for New York events, celebrity event planner/hospitality consultant Arthur F. Backal has in the course of his two decades in the industry managed more than 20 event spaces in New York, and has consulted and participated in the development of new hotels, restaurants and event spaces around the world. In an innovative management strategy unique to the hospitality arena, Backal has several branches - including the Backal Hospitality Group, State of the Art Enterprises, and the Mandarin Oriental New York Hotel - through which to imprint his unique vision onto the hospitality landscape, a "ringmaster" with a multi-ring operation.
Backal has for many years enjoyed a reputation as one of New York's most experienced and talented food and beverage professionals, as well as an unparalleled artist in the arena of special events. His recently launched hospitality company, Backal Hospitality Group (BHG), serves as a vehicle through which to implement his hotel, restaurant and lifestyle projects, while his thriving event management firm, State of the Art Enterprises, Inc., has since its 2002 premiere provided Backal with a personal creative event outlet - stamped with his innovative, signature syle.
Meryl Snow
http://www.feastivitiesevents.com/who-we-are/our-team
https://www.linkedin.com/in/merylsnow1
Meryl Snow has emerged as a true leader of the special events & catering industry. As co-founder of Feastivities Events along with its subsidiaries OffShoots Decor and Philadelphia’s Picnic Company, Meryl has spent the last twenty-eight years creating events throughout the Philadelphia region.
Her philosophies have proven successful for not only her own business but also many other companies and Universities that have benefited from her training and advice. As a Catersource senior consultant, Meryl has worked throughout the US. Her particular areas of focus are in sales and marketing, design and branding.
Meryl has three Style DVDs currently on the market. This collection focuses on design how-to, innovation and inspiration.
Her innovative leadership has earned prestigious accolades for Feastivities locally, nationally and internationally. She has undoubtedly helped other companies get on their own path to success and recognition through her keen insight and an effervescent approach to teaching methods of success.
Harris Lane
https://www.linkedin.com/groups/Hank-Lane-Music-Productions-2737727/about
Hank Lane bands have performed at many notable events such as Sean (Diddy) Combs' 35th birthday bash, at White House functions, and the weddings of celebrities such as Vera Wang, Kenneth Cole, Elie Tahari, Ivanka Trump, JJ Philbin (daughter of television personality Regis Philbin), Liza Huber (daughter of actress Susan Lucci), Eddie Murphy, and Donald Trump. Hank Lane bands have also garnered national recognition with several appearances on NBC's "Today Show" and on the popular morning program's "Today Throws A Wedding" segment, as well as on cable television's We Channel series, "My Fair Wedding with David Tutera."
In 1987, Hank Lane expanded to meet the growing demand for DJ entertainment by forming More Than Music, a DJ and party entertainment service that offers hot young DJ's, MTV style dancers, and party entertainers to their clients. In 1996, Hank Lane Music acquired Fusion Lighting, a lighting, event design, and audio-visual company, which visually enhances the performance of both the company's bands and their DJ's. The company's roster of dance bands features some of the most popular musical groups on the New York private party scene. Today, Hank Lane Music is the exclusively recommended music supplier for an impressive list of the New York areas leading hotels and catering facilities including Cipriani 42nd Street, Cipriani Wall Street, Garden City Hotel, The Pierre, The Plaza, The St. Regis, the Waldorf-Astoria, and the Yale Club to name just a few.
Harriett Rose Katz
Harriette Rose Katz, Founder and President of Gourmet Advisory Services, has been one of the country’s leading wedding and event planners for 35 years. Founded in 1978 as a solo endeavor, and the only one of its kind, over the past three decades Harriette’s Gourmet Advisory Services has grown into a significant award-winning business with senior partners, a full-time staff, and non-stop extraordinary events. Celebrated not only as a trendsetter but also as one of the most respected event designers in the country today, Harriette has an impeccable reputation for creating signature events that translate into unforgettable memories.
As the original professional event planner who has since inspired thousands to follow in her well-heeled footsteps, Harriette is much more than an entertaining legend. She’s a food and beverage expert with the credentials to prove it. For almost 20 years, Harriette served as President and Chief Operating Officer of the New York chapter of the Confrerie de la Chaine Des Rotisseurs, one of the world’s most prestigious food and wine organizations, and was a recipient of its coveted Gold Star of Excellence. Harriette is also a member of The Wine and Food Society of New York, La Confrerie des Chevaliers du Tastevin, and is a Fellow of the Culinary Institute of America. She was also recently inducted into the BizBash Hall of Fame and the International Special Events Society (ISES) Hall of Legends.
Warren Dietel
https://www.linkedin.com/pub/warren-dietel/7/9/624
A native of Trinidad, West Indies, Warren began his career with Puff ’n Stuff Catering in 1985 when it was owned by his parents Susie & Glenn. Back then, he worked in the kitchen, drove the trucks and served the clients. But he paid attention. Warren left the company in 1994 on a mission to broaden his experience and hone his business savvy. And he did so through successful tenures at Walt Disney Parks & Resorts, The Disney Institute and Scott Kay Platinum. But in 2002, he came back. And never looked back. In February 2003, Warren purchased the company from his parents, and the rest, as they say, is history.
Ron Ben Israel
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ron_Ben-Israel
http://www.weddingcakes.com/#/home/
https://www.facebook.com/RBICAKES
Ron Ben-Israel, the chef and owner of one of the country’s finest couture cake studios, started his confectionery adventures after a 15-year career as a professional modern dancer. Upon retiring from performing with companies spanning three continents, he used his art schooling and ballet training to master the discipline of pastry arts. After apprenticeships and engagements in Toronto and Lyon, France, Ron was led to New York City.
In 1996 his cakes were discovered while on display in the windows of Mikimoto on Fifth Avenue, and commissions quickly followed from Villeroy & Boch, Baccarat, De Beers, Bloomingdale's and Bergdorf Goodman. In 1999 Ron established his flagship design studio and bakery in Manhattan's fashionable SoHo neighborhood. In addition to an extensive list of private clients, many of New York's premiere hotels are also devotees, including The Pierre, The St. Regis, The New York Palace, The Ritz-Carlton, The Waldorf Astoria, The Four Seasons and Mandarin Oriental. His cakes have been featured in destinations throughout the continental U.S. and abroad, and they continue to be a staple in the luxury industry.
Read more at: http://www.foodnetwork.com/chefs/ron-ben-israel/bio.html?oc=linkback
Albert Manzo
Albert Manzo III (born in 1960 in Paterson, New Jersey) is an American reality star, the husband of Real Housewives of New Jersey star Caroline Manzo. Albert is the co-owner and co-director of The Brownstone, a banquet facility in Paterson. He owns the facility along with his brother, Thomas Manzo. Albert married Caroline in 1984 and made his first appearance on TV during the first season of RHONJ in 2009.
Best Known For:
Albert Manzo is best known for being the husband of Real Housewives of New Jersey star, Caroline Manzo.
Personal Life:
Albert Manzo was born and raised in Paterson, New Jersey. He married his wife, Caroline in 1984. The couple has three children together: Albert IV, Lauren, and Christopher.