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Event Details
In the thick of peak season, time is your most valuable asset. This engaging panel discussion is designed to help busy event professionals work more efficiently by leveraging everyday AI tools like ChatGPT, Gemini, and more.
Through a practical conversation, our panel will share how they use AI to stay organized, craft timely communications, and manage content creation without burning out. Whether you're just getting started or looking to take your AI skills to the next level, you'll gain insights to help you streamline your day and stay ahead of the curve.
Moderated by Keith "K.C." KoKoruz, entrepreneur and producer of The Marquee Show, this Q&A-style session of panelists brings together voices from across the industry:
- Jessica Dalka, founder of Chicago Planner Magazine, brings insight on brand-building, industry trends, and the business side of events.
- D. Channing Muller, principal and found of DCM Communications, will share how she connects marketing and PR strategies to outcomes, helping service-based businesses communicate more effectively and authentically.
- Thomas Schabow, VP of NACE Chicago and co-owner of See It Media, will speak on using AI to streamline operations, communications, and marketing workflows.
- Madison Gardeakos, Marketing and Creative Specialist at Quest Events, shares how she uses AI tools to stay organized and consistently creative in content production.
Whether you're an event planner, marketer, business owner, or operations leader, this panel will offer practical insights tailored to your day-to-day challenges—no technical expertise required.
After the luncheon and program, guests will receive complimentary zoo admission to enjoy the grounds and connect with peers in a more relaxed setting.
This event combines education, networking, and a touch of summertime fun.
Venue Description & Details
Our event is taking place in the ITW Bramsen Ambassador White Oak Room. It's the building located between Wild Encounters and the Play Zoo just east of the South Gate. Check in begins at 11 am with food and beverages to follow. You are welcome to arrive at the Zoo when it opens at 9:30 and stay until it closes at 6pm.
Please come to the Zoo via the South Gate, located at 3300 Golf Rd Brookfield IL 60513. Please let the attendants know you are here for the NACE Chicago event. Parking and admission will be complimentary.
Map of the Brookfield Zoo Chicago
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Speakers
Keith "K.C." KoKoruz is a serial entrepreneur and currently the owns the Keith Christopher Entertainment Group, The Party Company, Fred Fox Studios, Aberdeen's Wedding Florists, the Windy City Wedding Show, as well as Buddy's Carts and Catering. He is also the producer of The Marquee Entertainment and Hospitality Conference which is an annual conference held in Chicago each year for Entertainment and Hospitality professionals to learn how to earn more money and grow their businesses. He is also the director of the Chicago Disc Jockey Network which hosts monthly meeting for DJs. CDJN averages 100-150 DJs at each meeting. He is also transitioning to become the Director of the American Disc Jockey Association which is a national association to help DJs with education, vendor relationships, insurance, etc.
"K.C." has a passion for business, most notably sales and marketing. He also loves helping other small business owners grow this business with his conferences, meetings, and weekly podcasts.
Jessica Dalka is the founder of Chicago Planner Magazine, a media platform for the events industry. She has produced over 1,000 events and brings experience from The Obama Foundation, the University of Chicago, Crain's Chicago Business, and hospitality venues including theWit Hotel and Mastro's Steakhouse. Her clients range from Fortune 500 executives to celebrities, politicians, and other public figures. Jessica has been featured in Forbes for her insights on business development, has spoken at The Women’s Club of Chicago, and moderated “How to Get More Convention Business,” a panel featuring Choose Chicago and PCMA. She created and taught a six-week event planning course and is a graduate of Loyola University Chicago.
Channing Muller is an award-winning marketing consultant and avid public speaker - both professionally and personally. As Principal and Founder of DCM Communications she works with event professionals and service-based business owners to connect their marketing & PR strategies to sales through effective communications.
Channing has more than 20 years of experience in the communications industry serving in top roles within marketing, magazine & web editorial, advertising, and business development.
She has been recognized as a “The BizBash 500 Most Influential Event Pros”, “40 Under 40” by Connect and “25 Young Event Pros to Watch” by Special Events magazine.
She has been profiled by Business Insider, Parade, and the American Heart Association and quoted in BizBash, SUCCESS and Forbes, among other business and event publications.
Born and bred in the South, this New Orleans native now resides in Chicago with her rescue cat and two labradors. She’s a 2x heart attack survivor, marathoner (x12), certified running coach, lover of spicy food and is always on board with a costume or Photo Booth opportunity.
Thomas Schabow is a seasoned marketing and business development professional with a strong background in strategic operations, branding, and digital marketing. As Vice President of the NACE Greater Chicago Chapter, he plays a pivotal role in fostering community engagement and professional growth within the events industry.
In addition to his leadership at NACE, Thomas is the Director of Marketing & Business Development at See It Media, a Chicago-based, Emmy-nominated video production and digital marketing agency. His diverse experience spans various industries, including hospitality, education, and media, where he has successfully managed marketing campaigns and driven growth.
Thomas is passionate about leveraging AI tools to enhance productivity and streamline workflows. At the upcoming panel, he will share practical insights on integrating AI into daily operations to help professionals work smarter and avoid burnout.
Madison Gardeakos is a creative strategist with a passion for storytelling, design, and digital engagement. As Marketing and Creative Specialist at Quest Events, she brings event experiences to life through compelling visuals and innovative content strategies. Her work highlights the power of design and detail to transform spaces and inspire clients in the events industry.
In her role as Social Media Chair for the NACE Greater Chicago Chapter, Madison helps elevate the organization’s voice across platforms, blending creativity with consistent messaging. With a strong grasp of visual branding and a deep appreciation for the fast-paced nature of event marketing, she understands the importance of tools that save time and support creative flow.
At this panel, Madison will share how she uses AI to simplify content creation, stay organized across campaigns, and keep inspiration flowing—especially during peak season.
Sponsors and Partners
Venue
Brookfield Zoo Chicago
Since the opening of the Zoo in 1934, we have had an international reputation for taking a cutting-edge role in animal care and conservation of the natural world. Today, there is an increasing need for conservation leaders to guide, teach, and motivate people to protect the world’s threatened wildlife and ecosystems. In addition to conservationists, the Zoo inspires and engages children, students, teachers, and others among the general public to make a positive impact on the natural world around them.
https://www.brookfieldzoo.org/
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