Speakers 2027
The education opportunities at Cater+Event feature presentations from more than 100 industry luminaries who have been there, done that, and are armed with content that’s trendy, thought-provoking, and always influential.
Adrienne Gardner, Corporate Director, Catering Operations, SSA Group
Adrienne Gardner is the Corporate Director of Catering & Event Operations for SSA Group, where she partners with teams across North America to improve operational excellence, elevate guest experiences, and drive sustainable revenue growth throughout the catering and events business. With more than 20 years of leadership experience in hospitality, events, catering, and venue management, Adrienne has led sales organizations, directed operations, built high-performing teams, and grown businesses ranging from entrepreneurial startups to multi-location organizations. Before joining SSA Group, she founded and scaled her own event company from a single venue to a multi-million-dollar business before leading regional sales and operational teams across the event industry. Known for blending customer psychology with practical business strategy, Adrienne delivers engaging, high-energy sessions that help professionals improve sales performance, strengthen collaboration, and create systems that support both exceptional guest experiences and healthy teams. Her presentations are filled with real-world examples, audience participation, and actionable tools attendees can implement immediately. Adrienne holds an MBA in Strategic Innovation and Change Leadership, is a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, and is passionate about helping hospitality professionals build organizations where sales, operations, and service work together to create remarkable experiences.