PMN March 30, 2010

LAS VEGAS — DiVine Event Productions’ new executive chef brings his skills in preparing fresh and delicious cuisine to Las Vegas’ top event planning company.

Executive Chef Rob Proby uses his master skills for large business events and intimate social parties planned by DiVine Event Productions. This Texas native, who has lived in Las Vegas since 2005, joined DiVine in January. Proby has spent about 20 years in the industry, starting in high school and then while he studied microbiology at the University of Texas.

For about two years, Proby operated his own catering company in Austin, Texas, and was a partner in a local wine bistro.

“Rob’s experience perfectly complements DiVine, which requires eclectic styles and techniques to meet our clients’ needs,” Creative Director Cassie Howatt said. “He developed this under great chefs in New York, Boston, London, and Germany.”

Proby, who specializes in wine pairings, was recognized by Star Chefs and at various food and wine festivals for his use of organic and local foods. He said Las Vegans will notice Vietnamese French bread sandwiches as a trend in 2010.

“I really enjoy cooking Pacific Rim and Asian-inspired dishes,” Proby said. “The amount of flavor and freshness is incredible. These foods will be extremely popular at parties and events this coming year.”

The DiVine staff is happy to welcome such a flexible, fun and positive chef. Proby loves interacting with clients at live chef stations, proving that an approachable and engaging chef is a fabulous addition to a party.

“Rob has developed new menu options that are delicious and creative,” DiVine President Pam Howatt said. “His presentation is absolutely beautiful. Our clients are delighted with every dish he has created.

LAS VEGAS — Edlen Electrical Exhibition Services, the nation’s largest independent electrical contractor to the convention and trade show industry, announced a new addition to its Las Vegas office.

Michelle Arguello has joined Edlen’s Las Vegas office in the role of event manager.

Michelle comes to Edlen with five years of industry experience and is excited to assist in the Mandalay Bay team’s daily operations.

A Las Vegas native, she most recently worked as part of Freeman’s exhibitor services department.

MARIETTA, Ga. — Brumark, the Total Flooring Solutions Specialist, recently added seasoned sales veteran Rick Pierson to the Brumark sales team as a senior account Manager.

Pierson joins Brumark with over 13 years of sales experience, primarily in the trade show industry. As a senior account Manager, Pierson will have a major focus on new customers in new markets. As a lifetime resident of the Chicago Southland, he will serve the Illinois, Wisconsin and Minnesota territories.

“When the opportunity to join the Brumark team was offered to me I knew that this would be a successful career move. I believe this organization is always striving to bring more solutions and ideas to the industry and I am glad that I have the opportunity to be a part of it,” Pierson said.

Prior to the transition, Pierson partnered on several projects with Brumark for five years as Director of Sales at Ion Exhibits. Having worked together day in and day out, he has a great understanding of Brumark’s success which encompasses innovative products, extraordinary customer service and relationship building.

“I am confident Rick will excel in his role here at Brumark. His extensive sales experience in the tradeshow industry and in other industries parallel to this market makes him a versatile asset in working with segmented customers. I not only look forward to the growth he will provide in his territories, but I support the growth this experience will have on his career,” said Dave Walens, president of Brumark.

When he’s not moving and shaking, Pierson enjoys spending quality time with his wife and two children.

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. — The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort has named Ed DiAntonio to director of catering and convention services and has appointed Vanessa Kells to director of catering.

In his new role, DiAntonio is responsible for overseeing both the catering and convention services operations for the 2,265-room property which offers more than 329,000 square feet of meeting space.

Prior to his appointment, DiAntonio was director of catering for the resort, where he was consistently recognized for his achievements and expertise within the industry. He was recently elected to sit on the National Association of Catering Executives (NACE) National Board, is the immediate past president of the NACE Orlando Chapter and was awarded Caterer of the Year for the chapter in 2005, 2006 and 2008. In 2008, he was also selected as NACE’s National Caterer of the Year.

DiAntonio is a certified meeting planner and certified professional catering executive with more than 30 years experience in the hospitality industry and more than seven years at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort.

In her new role, Kells will oversee the catering operations for the 2,265-room property which conducts an average of 4,200 covers a day.

Kells has been with Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort for more than 20 years, serving in a variety of departments. She is also a certified meeting planner and certified wine sommelier.