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March 22-25, 2027
New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention CenterNew Orleans, LA

Cater+Event Schedule 2027

Where Hospitality Breaks Down: Conflict, Communication, and the Guest Experience

Jason Brown-Hoesing  (Special Events Manager, Westin Edina Galleria)
Pass Type: Cater+Event Conference Pass, VIP All Access - Get your pass now!
Track: Event Mgmt & Production, Event Planning
Vault Recording: TBD
Audience Level: All

Hospitality rarely breaks down because people are not trying. It usually breaks down in the moments between teams.

In today's event environment, planners, venues, and vendor partners are all moving quickly and doing their best. What I see more often is a gap in communication, expectations, and how decisions are made in real time.

In this session, I walk through where hospitality begins to unravel, especially in the handoffs between teams. We will look at common friction points like unclear ownership, last minute changes, and the space between what is promised and what is actually delivered. These are the moments that shape how an event feels, whether we realize it or not.

I will share real examples from my work and the patterns I continue to see across events. More importantly, I will walk through simple ways to bring more clarity, stronger alignment, and better communication into the process so the experience feels seamless for both the client and the guest.