Episodios

  • John Munsell, Author of “Ingrain AI: Strategy Through Execution

    John Munsell, Author of “Ingrain AI: Strategy Through Execution
    May 2 2025
    John Munsell, CEO of Bizzuka, joins Discover Lafayette to discuss his newly released book, Ingrain AI: Strategy Through Execution, which offers a practical guide for businesses looking to embed AI into their core operations and culture. John Munsell is a true pioneer in the world of AI, having spent over 10,000 hours mastering how businesses can use AI to achieve extraordinary results. His newly released book, Ingrain AI: Strategy Through Execution, offers a practical guide for organizations looking to embed AI into their core operations and culture, presenting actionable frameworks to facilitate effective AI adoption across all levels of a company. John shared the journey of Bizzuka’s evolution from a web development firm into a digital marketing agency and, ultimately, an AI strategy powerhouse. A pivotal conversation with colleague Jared Allardyce prompted him to sell off his prior business holdings and focus exclusively on the emerging opportunities in AI. Recognizing the profound shift on the horizon, John committed himself to studying how AI could genuinely solve market problems. Through weekly CXO AI Roundtables, he taught executives how to analyze AI tools, leading to Bizzuka’s full transformation into an AI training, coaching, and consulting enterprise. "We had been using AI and I was thought this was going to be the next frontier. At Bizzuka, we shifted to try to figure out what problem the market wanted solved with AI. So I spent a year studying that and had this thing called the CXO AI roundtable, where every Friday I would teach various C levels what I was doing in certain aspects of AI I would analyze AI note takers or I would analyze different AI tools, graphic design, copywriting, whatever it would be. And eventually I figured out what the problem was that the market wanted solved." John explains that today’s businesses are mostly riding AI “tricycles”—using tools at a surface level—without realizing the enormous potential awaiting them when they advance to higher levels of AI proficiency. To help bridge this gap, John developed the AI Strategy Canvas and a unique system called Scalable Prompt Engineering, enabling businesses to build scalable, repeatable AI frameworks that improve efficiency across departments like sales, marketing, HR, operations, and legal. John’s passion for training the Louisiana workforce led to a key partnership with LSU after meeting with Roy Haggerty, Executive Vice President and Provost of LSU. He now serves as an adjunct AI instructor at LSU, teaching businesses how to develop and execute AI strategy an utilize the AI Strategy Canvas® to help their teams master Scalable Prompt Engineering® to get the best results out of AI with maximum efficiency. The frameworks John developed are now required training for all undergraduates pursuing an AI designation. John emphasizes that while universities often focus on teaching how to build large language models (LLMs), the greater workforce need is learning how to use these models effectively. John Munsell teaches companies to prioritize AI safety, security, and ethics. He cautions against uploading sensitive information into free versions of AI tools without understanding the risk of that data becoming part of public training models. Teaching companies how to safeguard proprietary information is a foundational part of Bizzuka’s AI Skills Builder training, which also ensures employees across various departments learn AI skills customized to their job functions. In our conversation, John detailed how businesses can use different AI models—like Claude, ChatGPT, Gemini, and Perplexity—for specialized tasks such as deep research, proposal writing, and sales prospecting. He described how he uses AI note-takers like Fathom to generate highly personalized client proposals, saving significant time while ensuring each proposal reflects the company’s brand voice and the client’s specific needs.
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    1 h y 7 m
  • Lafayette Travel: Celebrating 20 Years of Eat Lafayette & the Culinary Culture of Acadiana

    Lafayette Travel: Celebrating 20 Years of Eat Lafayette & the Culinary Culture of Acadiana
    Apr 25 2025
    Discover Lafayette welcomes Lafayette Convention & Visitors Commission's CEO Ben Berthelot and Jesse Guidry, Vice President of Communications, two of the most passionate advocates for Lafayette’s cultural and culinary identity. “You don’t have to go to a museum to experience our culture – you can be immersed in it. You can eat it, dance with it, and live it." Together, they explore the evolution of the Eat Lafayette campaign, which began over 20 years ago under the tutelage of Charlie Goodson of Cafe Vermilionville. Origniating with just 18 restaurants participating, Eat Lafayette has grown into a powerful initiative celebrating the unique flavors of Acadiana. The conversation dives deep into the importance of supporting locally owned restaurants, especially in a changing economic and tourism landscape. Restaurants wanting to participate in Eat Lafayette can visit https://www.lafayettetravel.com/eatlafayette/registration/ to sign up. Ben and Jesse share how Lafayette has become a destination for food lovers, and how LCVC continues to adapt, from creating searchable dining districts throughout Lafayette Parish on Eat Lafayette's website, to launching an upcoming Eat Lafayette mobile app expected to launch this summer that will spotlight local eateries and experiences for locals and tourists alike to rely upon. "It will be a one stop shop for all locally owned restaurants. It's an initiative that we're going to be launching by way of an app that's layered with some other things that we do with Lafayette Travel. But the goal would be when you download this app, you will have a direct source to locally owned restaurants in Lafayette." Lafayette Travel has established new collaborations such as the Acadiana Eats Festival to support our local restauranteurs. It also engages in year-round culinary promotions as a way to sustain mom-and-pop businesses as cultural ambassadors, as they are keepers of our local tradition. "Partnering with Acadiana Eats Festival is a great benefit in terms of promotion for local restaurants as well as that festival. The restaurants are able to sell their food and make money. We're trying to find different ways to partner with what is already existing in the community and how we can lift those things up. We're going to put our force behind this and our marketing, and leverage KLFY's presence and Gerald Gruening who is known for his passion for locally owned restaurants. That's just one example of some new things that we're doing, partnering with different festivals and other events throughout the year, and developing the new app." Key Topics Covered: The origin and growth of Eat Lafayette Why now is a critical time to support local restaurants How Lafayette’s culinary identity contributes to tourism and economic development The creation of a new app to help users discover local dining by location, cuisine, and occasion Strategies for year-round restaurant promotion Challenges facing restaurateurs today: staffing, rising food costs, and competition The power of community collaboration through events like Festival International Lafayette’s potential as a top U.S. destination Fun personal insights from Ben and Jesse, including hobbies like home cooking, dance, and coaching Visit https://www.lafayettetravel.com/food-drink/local-restaurants/ for a listing of all locally-owned, Louisiana-owned, and national favority restaurants in our community. Notable Quotes: Ben Berthelot: "One of my favorite quotes is by a colleague in Irving, Texas, which has really grown. She says if you build a place that people want to visit, you'll build a place that people want to live. And if you build a place where people want to live, you'll build a place where business wants to be. And if you build a place where business wants to be, then you're back to a place where people wamt to visit. It is a cycle. That's how I think and how I want to lead our organization...
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    46 m
  • LFT Fiber’s Michael Soileau and Scott Prather

    LFT Fiber’s Michael Soileau and Scott Prather
    Apr 17 2025
    Michael Soileau and Scott Prather of LFT Fiber: Bringing Community-Owned Connectivity to Lafayette and Beyond This episode of Discover Lafayette features Michael Soileau, Director of LFT Fiber (formerly LUS Fiber), and Scott Prather, Public Relations Manager for the community-owned fiber utility. Together, they share the powerful story of how Lafayette’s local investment in fiber optics two decades ago has blossomed into a cutting-edge broadband network that now reaches into rural and underserved communities across South Louisiana. It also underscored Lafayette's long-standing commitment to serving as a leader in our region, state, and nation in providing top-notch services to our citizens. A Full-Circle Moment Michael Soileau, a Mamou native, reflects on how the expansion of LFT Fiber into Evangeline Parish—one of Louisiana’s most underserved and impoverished regions—feels personal. Thanks to strategic federal grants secured with the help of former Lafayette Mayor-President Monique Boulet during her time with Acadiana Planning Commission, LFT Fiber is fulfilling its mission to bridge the digital divide in rural communities. Celebrating 20 Years of Fiber Innovation Lafayette was one of the first cities in the country to build its own fiber optic network. What started as a utility communication system quickly evolved into a public broadband network. On June 16, LFT Fiber celebrates the 20th anniversary of the citizens’ vote to support this bold initiative. Expanding Across Acadiana Through federal funding programs such as the GUMBO grant, LFT Fiber has expanded into seven parishes: Evangeline, Iberia, Vermilion, St. Landry, Eunice, Jennings, and Acadia, focusing on homes that previously lacked access to true broadband. While they don’t yet serve 100% of these areas, the goal remains to connect as many people as possible. Workforce and Community Investment LFT Fiber employs 94 local professionals and partners with Lafayette-based contractors for construction and installation. Community pride runs deep, and their mission extends beyond internet access—they support local nonprofits, events like Festival International, and schools through digital access and sponsorships. Connection Essentials: Making Internet Affordable Recognizing that not every household can afford premium internet, LFT Fiber recently launched Connection Essentials, a $25/month plan offering 60 Mbps service to families receiving federal assistance with a student in the home. The plan includes a modem and is currently being rolled out in Evangeline Parish, with expansion underway in Lafayette and beyond. The "Connection Essentials" plan provides internet speeds 60 Mbps download and 60 Mbps upload for $25 per month, with unlimited data usage and no overage fees. Customer premise equipment is included at no additional cost. A one-time installation fee of $49 will be charged at the time of service activation. Everyday Pricing ("EDP") has also been introduced at affordable rates offered at 1 GBPS for $85.00 per month or 500 MBPS for $65.00 per month. "A commitment to fair, consistent pricing with no gimmicks, no surprises, and no limited-time promotions that leave you guessing." Digital Literacy and Safety Providing access is only part of the mission. LFT Fiber is actively partnering with school districts, library systems, and nonprofits to improve digital literacy, helping families understand how to safely and effectively use the internet for telemedicine, education, job searching, and more. Collaboration as a Core Value The recent Connectivity Summit, hosted by LFT Fiber on April 2, 2025, brought together business, nonprofit, healthcare, and education leaders to discuss shared challenges and foster partnerships. These summits help generate the kind of serendipitous, five-minute conversations that spark long-term innovation and community growth. On the Connectivity Summit, Michael Soileau shared,
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    55 m
  • Team Gleason – 4th Annual Fin Feather Fur Food Festival Fundraiser for People Living with ALS- April 24, 2025

    Team Gleason – 4th Annual Fin Feather Fur Food Festival Fundraiser for People Living with ALS- April 24, 2025
    Apr 11 2025
    Discover Lafayette welcomes Dale Clark, Ursula Quoyeser, and Harriet Hoag to discuss the upcoming 4th annual Fin Feather Fur Food Festival ("F5"). This event raises funds for the Team Gleason Foundation, which supports individuals living with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (“ALS”). Team Gleason, through its diverse and broad-reaching programming, brings assistive technology, equipment, and robust support services into the hands of ALS patients – to help individuals with ALS not just survive but thrive after a devastating diagnosis. Each of our guests has either been personally affected by ALS or has supported a loved one with the disease. Event Details: Date: April 24, 2025 Time: 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM Location: Blackham Coliseum, Lafayette, LA Tickets: $45 Website: https://teamgleason.org/f5/ Attendees can enjoy great food, beer, and wine while supporting a worthy cause. F5 is a cooking competition where teams compete in four categories: Fin, Feather, Fur, and Dessert. Awards will be given to the best dishes, a "People’s Choice" winner, and a "Team Showmanship" winner chosen by a panel of judges. Additionally, a silent auction will offer a selection of valuable items. Teams also compete to raise the most funds for Team Gleason, with prizes awarded to top fundraisers. About Team Gleason Foundation: In January 2011, New Orleans Saints star Steve Gleason was diagnosed with ALS. Faced with this devastating diagnosis, Steve embraced a new mission: to show that people with ALS can not only live but thrive and to inspire others facing similar challenges. “People were simply expected to fade away quietly and die, that was not acceptable to me. That is not OK.” Steve and his wife, Michel Varisco, founded Team Gleason, a nonprofit dedicated to helping individuals with ALS lead purposeful and fulfilling lives. Team Gleason has provided over $55 million in resources to individuals with ALS. Their work includes supplying mobility equipment, power seat elevators, speech-generating devices, and essential home modifications. Personal Impact of Team Gleason: Ursula Quoyeser’s Experience Ursula has received significant support from Team Gleason. These resources have been life-changing, enabling her to maintain independence. Ursula reflects on how Team Gleason anticipates needs before they arise, ensuring that people living with ALS receive assistance promptly. One of the most important things that Team Gleason provides is pathways of communication to connect ALS families with each other so that resources that are no longer needed are generously shared. Many of you know Ursula as a superstar Volleyball coach! She is still a superstar and it is an honor to share her story so that the Team Gleason message may be distributed to a wide audience! Harriet Hoag’s Journey Harriet’s late husband, Monty, was diagnosed with ALS during the height of COVID-19, making the journey even more isolating. Doctors struggled to diagnose him, but Harriet’s own research led them to Baylor Hospital, where they received confirmation. She credits Team Gleason for providing invaluable resources such as a speech-generating device that allowed Monty to communicate with their granddaughter even in his final days. Dale Clark’s Commitment After being diagnosed with ALS, Dale was inspired to help others in the ALS community. Witnessing the challenges faced by fellow patients at his clinic in Houston, he saw the opportunity to make a difference. His dedication, alongside generous contributions from local companies like Badger Oil and Gas and Service Chevrolet, has helped F5 grow into a major fundraising success. For a more in-depth interview we did in 2024 with Dale and Ursula, listen here. Dale Clark says, "100% of the money goes to Team Gleason. In fact, we tell people to mail their check to Team Gleason so we don't have to handle any money. The Importance of Fundraising: Over the past three years,
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    Menos de 1 minuto
  • Kiki Frayard – Founder of Kiki, Children’s Book Author, Philanthropist, Lafayette Icon

    Kiki Frayard – Founder of Kiki, Children’s Book Author, Philanthropist, Lafayette Icon
    Apr 4 2025
    Discover Lafayette is thrilled to welcome Kiki Frayard, founder of Kiki, a boutique store known for its exquisite selection of fine jewelry, fragrances, handbags, and other carefully curated items from designers across the world. While Kiki is known for offering unique designs, Kiki says, "Anybody can walk in to buy fun or lower price point jewelry at $75 to $250. We also offer jewelry up to $65,000." In addition to her successful retail business, Kiki recently ventured into children's literature with her book Lila Says No, cleverly illustrated by Aileen Bennett. Her passion for beauty and creativity extends beyond retail, as seen on her vibrant Instagram page, where she shares colorful and inspirational table settings for various events. Kiki, an Opelousas native, has strong ties to the Lafayette community. She is the sister of Marilyn Castle, retired 15th JDC judge, and Joan Dubuisson of Cox Business. She graduated from UL-Lafayette with degrees in Art History and English, initially intending to become an art teacher before discovering her passion for advertising and retail. Her career has been a fascinating journey, including stints as a nightclub singer in New Orleans, a radio advertising executive, and an ad agency owner. Working alongside advertising legend George Graham, Kiki honed her skills in creative writing and marketing, ultimately paving the way for her entrepreneurial success. Kiki opened her boutique in River Ranch after gaining invaluable retail experience from Molly Flanagan, owner of Molly’s. She and her daughter, Katie, built the business together, expanding to Baton Rouge and establishing Kiki as a premier shopping destination. A life-changing car accident in 2007 prompted Kiki to embrace retail fully, leaving advertising to focus on her boutique. She and Katie meticulously designed the store, ensuring an elevated shopping experience comparable to high-end retailers in New York and beyond. Kiki says, "We knew we wanted to do something nice. We didn't want it to be a hodgepodge of display cases and just thrown together. We really wanted it to be the nicest store in Lafayette. "We had a vision of doing jewelry with designers in mind so that every case was dedicated to a designer. The handbags were displayed one on a shelf to make it seem really special so that everything seemed a little elevated. That worked when people walked in the store. Also, with most merchandise, if you don't turn it, you got to put it on sale, you've got to get rid of it, you got to turn. But jewelry isn't like that. We could have an expensive piece of jewelry and it could be there for two years, and then someone comes in and and buys it. So you don't have to discount quite as much. The same thing with perfume." Beyond retail, Kiki has made a mark in the Lafayette community. She played a crucial role in the development of Lafayette's downtown playground, recognizing its value in revitalizing the area. Her passion for community enrichment continues to shape her contributions to the city’s cultural and economic landscape. Kiki’s love for creativity extends to her personal life, where she enjoys setting stunning tablescapes for family gatherings. Her collections of fine china and linens reflect her impeccable taste and appreciation for beauty. Her foray into children's literature has been met with great enthusiasm. Lila Says No is resonating with parents and educators, with notable endorsements from child psychologist Carolyn Helm. The book received a glowing review rom Kirkus as "quirky and entertaining, with a kid and parent-savvy message." Kiki’s deep admiration for children’s literature and her collection of over 500 books inspired her to finally write her own story, with more books potentially on the horizon. Though retired from store ownership, Kiki remains an integral part of Kiki, still attending market trips and influencing the store’s aesthetic.
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    46 m
  • Chris Cook, General Manager of KLFY – TV 10

    Chris Cook, General Manager of KLFY – TV 10
    Mar 28 2025
    In this episode of Discover Lafayette, we welcome Chris Cook, General Manager of KLFY-TV 10. With years of experience in the broadcasting industry both locally and nationally, Chris is at the forefront of delivering the news, weather, and community stories that matter most to Acadiana. Under his leadership, KLFY continues to evolve in the digital age while maintaining its deep roots in local journalism. The station signed on the air June 3, 1955 and has remained a CBS affiliate since day one. Chris shares his journey in television news, beginning right out of high school in his hometown of Alexandria, where he worked as a photographer. He later moved to Lafayette, a place that felt like a natural home due to family ties and frequent visits for Mardi Gras and Festival Acadiens. His early experiences exposed him to various aspects of the newsroom, from audio production to graphics, sales and marketing. Throughout our conversation, Chris provides insights into the evolving landscape of television news, the impact of local journalism on our community, and how KLFY stays connected with its audience in a fast-changing digital world. He emphasizes the importance of community engagement, civil discourse, and the responsibility of news organizations to serve their audiences with accurate and fair reporting. Key Takeaways: The Role of Local News: Chris believes that local journalism plays a crucial role in keeping people informed about what’s happening in their city and state. Unlike national news, which can sometimes push an agenda, local news provides facts that allow viewers to form their own opinions. The Digital Transformation of News: KLFY has embraced digital platforms to reach audiences where they consume content, whether through its website, social media, mobile app, or its upcoming streaming service, KLFY Plus, launching in late April on Roku, Amazon Fire, and Apple TV, which will focus solely on local news, podcasts. and interviews relating to the Acadiana. Behind the Scenes at KLFY: Chris discusses how news assignments are made, the collaborative effort required to produce a broadcast, and how breaking news can change the course of a reporter’s day at a moment’s notice. Journalism as a Craft: Whether through formal education or hands-on experience, Chris believes that journalism is a skill honed through practice, curiosity, and a commitment to storytelling with integrity. Navigating the Age of Misinformation: With more people consuming news from social media, Chris advises viewers to critically evaluate their news sources, asking who posted the content and why. First of all, this job is fun. We're working in television. So if you're not having fun, you're doing it wrong. And, there are few things in this world that are more collaborative than a newscast on a broadcast television station. There's so many different hands, so many different eyes, so many different brains that have to come together in order to put that newscast together. The journalists, the producer, the meteorologist, sportscaster, graphic artists, director, cameramen, and sales force." Connect with KLFY: Website: KLFY.com Facebook: KLFY News 10 Instagram: @KLFY Download the KLFY News App: Available on iOS and Android for real-time updates and push alerts. Chris Cook’s passion for journalism and serving the community is evident throughout this discussion. His commitment to upholding the integrity of local news in an ever-changing media landscape is inspiring. Tune in to this episode to learn more about how KLFY continues to innovate while staying true to its mission of informing and engaging Acadiana. Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite podcast platform!
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    Menos de 1 minuto
  • Fred Reggie, Author of the soon to be released “Tell Me: How to Initiate and Nurture Meaningful Conversations With Anyone, Anywhere, Anytime”

    Fred Reggie, Author of the soon to be released “Tell Me: How to Initiate and Nurture Meaningful Conversations With Anyone, Anywhere, Anytime”
    Mar 12 2025
    Fred Reggie is the author of the soon-to-be-released book, Tell Me: How to Initiate and Nurture Meaningful Conversations with Anyone, Anywhere, Anytime. Throughout his career, Fred has worked with Fortune 500 companies and service organizations across the U.S., helping leaders cultivate meaningful connections and drive success. Fred Reggie is an executive coach, international speaker, and expert in leadership and service culture development. He is well-known in our community and for years spent his time building funding resources for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, a cause dear to many of our hearts. The Power of Communication Fred believes that genuine communication stems from an internal motivation to share a message with others. However, many people struggle with seeing the value they bring to conversations, often due to deep-seated self-doubt and imposter syndrome. He explores how, from an early age, we are celebrated for speaking but later conditioned to limit our expressions, being told to quiet down or avoid talking to strangers. This conditioning, Fred explains, creates subconscious barriers. As adults, many of us hesitate to speak up because we question whether our words have value. Moreover, societal norms and technology have reshaped how we communicate, further distancing us from authentic, face-to-face interactions. The Disruption of Conversation Fred discusses how technology has altered human connection. Younger generations, he notes, often prefer texting over direct conversation, avoiding phone calls altogether. "Cocooned communication," as Fred calls it, has been evolving for decades—beginning with the automobile, which removed people from their porches and into isolated vehicles, and continuing with the rise of television, personal computers, and smartphones. Today, many people live in bubbles of self-communication, limiting the organic conversations that once thrived in everyday life. The Art of "Tell Me" At the heart of Fred’s book is a simple yet profound concept: using the phrase "Tell me" to invite others into meaningful conversations. Rather than asking closed-ended questions, this approach encourages people to share freely, fostering deeper connections. He recalls a powerful moment when James Earl Jones, upon meeting an adoring fan, responded not with a simple "Who are you?" but with, "Tell me your name." That small shift in language made the woman feel seen and valued. Fred encourages using this technique in all conversations, whether personal or professional, to create an environment of trust and engagement. The Neuroscience of Connection Fred emphasizes that engaging conversations have a physiological impact. When we participate in meaningful discussions, our brains release oxytocin, dopamine, and serotonin—chemicals that enhance emotional intelligence, empathy, and overall well-being. Conversely, negative or disconnected conversations can leave us feeling drained and isolated. The Legacy of Storytelling Growing up in a Lebanese family, Fred was surrounded by master storytellers who didn’t just recount events but embodied the characters they spoke about. He believes that storytelling is fundamental to great conversation—it transforms the exchange of information into a compelling, memorable experience. Fred encourages people to embrace storytelling in their daily interactions, whether through professional networking or personal relationships. He also urges listeners to recognize the ripple effect of their words, as every interaction has the power to uplift or deflate another person. A Call to Action: Create Conversational Moments Fred concludes with a simple yet powerful challenge: create conversational moments. He encourages listeners to step outside their comfort zones, engage with strangers, and make genuine connections. By doing so, we can break the cycle of disconnected communication and bring back the lost art of conversation.
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    38 m
  • Denise Giosa – Special Events Coordinator at Warehouse 535

    Denise Giosa – Special Events Coordinator at Warehouse 535
    Mar 7 2025
    Denise Giosa: A Journey in Fashion and Events Denise Giosa’s journey in the world of fashion and events began while she was still in high school, when she joined the Junior Fashion Board at D.H. Holmes in Baton Rouge. It was during this time that she met Beth Phillips, a wonderful mentor who played a significant role in shaping her career. Recognizing Denise’s potential, Beth invited her to be the Youth Coordinator, marking the beginning of her involvement in fashion special events. After college, Denise moved to Lafayette and began traveling for Estée Lauder. It wasn’t long before she received a call from the manager of the Lafayette D.H. Holmes store, offering her a job. She accepted and continued working with the company for five years, further establishing herself in the industry. She thereafter worked for Maison Blanche, and eventually began freelancing in fashion and bridal shows. Her career took another turn when Mark Falgout of Warehouse 535 reached out to her. Originally envisioned as a live music venue, Warehouse 535, located at 535 Garfield Street in the Freetown neighborhood near downtown, has evolved into a multi-purpose event space. Over time, it has expanded beyond live music to host a variety of events, and Denise has played a crucial role in that transformation. Guiding Clients in Event Planning Denise takes a structured approach to helping clients determine their event needs. Before a client even books a date, she ensures they go through a detailed planning process. She asks key questions such as the date, type of event, expected size, and any special requirements. She also helps them visualize how the space will be used, ensuring that all elements—such as a photo booth or seating arrangements—are carefully considered. Her meticulous attention to detail means that by the time an event day arrives, she has already coordinated all aspects. She knows every vendor, delivery time, and setup detail, ensuring that clients never have to scramble at the last minute. Her hands-on approach means that every table, chair, and decoration is in place before the event begins, allowing clients to enjoy their special day stress-free. Additional Services and Wedding Planning Warehouse 535 offers comprehensive event services as part of the venue rental. However, additional services, such as hiring a wedding planner, are to be handled by the client. Some clients choose to bring in a planner midway through the process or hire a "day-of" coordinator to handle last-minute details. Denise ensures that clients understand what each wedding planner offers, as different planners provide different levels of service. She also educates clients on the finer details of event planning. For instance, if a couple is handling their own décor, she ensures they have a plan for setup. She also helps them clarify their expectations with vendors, such as ensuring photographers are booked for the right amount of time so they capture key moments, including the end of the event. Catering, Beverages, and Entertainment Warehouse 535 has certain requirements for event vendors. Caterers must be licensed and insured, and all beverages are provided through the venue. Clients can choose from various beverage packages, ranging from domestic beer and wine to premium selections. Entertainment is another major consideration. Some couples prefer DJs over bands because they want to curate their own playlists, while others love the energy of live music. Denise emphasizes that entertainment is key to keeping an event’s momentum going, and she ensures that DJs and bands are properly set up and integrated into the event timeline. The Evolution of Warehouse 535 Denise has witnessed the growth of Warehouse 535 firsthand. What started as a music venue has expanded to host diverse events, including weddings, corporate functions, and creative experiences like an Edgar Allan Poe-themed speakeasy.
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    1 h y 5 m
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