Aaron Bedessem – NCA Minnesota Chapter

Aaron Bedessem is the Vice President of Marketing and Operations at Running Aces Casino, Hotel & Racetrack, where he has played a pivotal role since 2008 in establishing the property’s brand and reputation within the community and industry. With a strong philanthropic mindset, Aaron has served on numerous boards, including the MN Tourism Connection and the Twin Cities North Chamber of Commerce. He is also deeply involved in various CVB’s and associations around the cities.
In addition to his professional commitments, Aaron is a respected coach and member of the leadership committee for OMGAA Storm, the largest delegation of Special Olympics Minnesota. His dedication to making a positive impact extends beyond the sports field as he currently sits on the board of the Invisible Wounds Project. In this role, he contributes to providing therapeutic resources and mental health support to first responders and front-line medical staff.
Aaron enjoys spending his free time in the great outdoors, camping with his family, and engaging in thrilling activities such as snowboarding and mountain biking. His passion for adventure extends to coaching his daughter’s sports and cherishing memorable experiences together.
Email: abedessem@runaces.com
Website: www.RunningAcesHarness.com

Courtney Burton – NCA Minnesota Chapter

With effortless style and versatility, Courtney Burton brings her natural talent and presence to the music of the American Songbook and the swing era. For over 25 years, she’s performed regularly with big bands, jazz combos, and solo piano for events ranging from galas to setting the perfect mood at a private social gathering. She made her debut at the Twin Cities Jazz Fest in 2024. As creative director of Courtney Burton Music and Court’s In Session jazz combo, she leverages an extensive 30-plus-year business background in sales and retail to help event professionals create those sought-after moments of elevated client experiences. As a member of the NCA – MN Chapter since 2019, she served on the board of directors in two
positions, championed members’ professional growth, and is a passionate supporter of the organization.
Email: courtsinsession952@gmail.com
Website: courts-in-session.net/

Dee Dee Mittelstaedt – NCA Minnesota Chapter

With four decades of dedication to the craft, Dee Dee Mittelstaedt has elevated picture framing from a profession to an art form. Her career is marked by a relentless pursuit of excellence, resulting in rare certifications that set her apart in the industry. Dee Dee’s innovative approach and expansive skill set allow her to offer unique framing solutions unavailable
elsewhere. Recognized internationally for her award-winning designs, Dee Dee transforms ordinary items into extraordinary heirlooms. Her work transcends mere framing; it’s about creating lasting client relationships and preserving cherished memories. Dee Dee’s passion extends beyond the workshop. She delights in showcasing her masterpieces on social media, inviting art enthusiasts to witness her latest creations. Follow Frames to You, Inc. for weekly updates on Dee Dee’s remarkable framing artistry.

Email: framestoyouinc@gmail.com
Website: www.framestoyouinc.com

Felicia Miller – NCA Minnesota Chapter

Felicia Miller is a seasoned hospitality and event management professional with extensive expertise in event planning, operations, and strategic leadership. She currently serves as Senior Event Sales Manager for Punch Bowl Social, overseeing high-profile corporate and social events, driving revenue growth, and delivering exceptional guest experiences.
Felicia is also the Affiliate Liaison on the Board of the National Concierge Association’s Minnesota Chapter and was honored with the Best Affiliate Partner award in 2023 for her outstanding contributions to the industry. In addition, she owns a successful wedding planning company, Events by Fee, specializing in Day-of Coordination and Full-Service Wedding Planning in the Minneapolis market.

Known for her meticulous attention to detail and commitment to excellence, Felicia ensures every event is executed with precision and care. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her partner and their two dogs, attending live music events, and sharing memorable moments with friends and family.
Email: fmiller@punchbowlminneapolis.com
Website: www.punchbowlsocial.com

Jo Simmons – NCA Chicago Chapter

Specializing in professional sports marketing and event production, Jo has over 30 years of experience
managing, designing, and producing extraordinary events that communicate and achieve her client’s
objectives. A hospitality professional whose wheelhouse covers every part of event productions including scouting event locations/venues, managing vendor relationships, budgets, negotiating contracts, timelines, coordinating lodging, transportation, and food. Jo embodies her company’s mission of Passion, Pride, and Tradition in every event she spearheads. Jo’s proven track record in marketing and hospitality management for the Chicago White Sox includes producing high profile, visual events such as coordinating flyovers and fan entertainment at a major league baseball stadium, corporate hospitality at the MLB Hall of Fame Induction events in Cooperstown, client/fan road trips, player reunions, company presence at local festivals, and when opportunity presents itself — liaise with MLB as White Sox post-season coordinator. Creating relevant, custom, fun, and content worthy experiences is key to delivering premium client engagement that can transform the customer/fan’s journey. Client engagement is the cornerstone for
the tourism and hospitality industry. Jo considers the human connections she makes with every event among her biggest strengths and rewards.
Email: JSIMMONS@chisox.com
Website: www.mlb.com/whitesox

Lise Schleicher – NCA Chicago Chapter

Michael Vann – NCA Washington D.C. Chapter

For over 10 years, Black Tie Martini has brought food, fun/games, decor, and a live DJ to create the perfect events for private, state and local government, and commercial events. Black Tie Martini specializes in creating and executing fabulous Wine & Cheese Socials within every price point and market. Black Tie Martini is one of the most sought-after social caterers in the residential/commercial industry for resident or tenant public and private events. For commercial buildings and residential spaces, Black Tie Martini is a go-to organization who can plan and create an atmosphere of memory-lasting fun. Working with budgets big or small, we will captivate your partners, guests, residents and/or tenants alike. We blend upscale style into our menus by using the freshest ingredients, produce, and meats while presenting whimsical fine dining appetizers, drinks, and platters.

At Black Tie Martini, we are passionate about creating unforgettable events that leave a lasting impression. With years of experience in the concierge and event planning industries, we have the expertise and resources to handle every aspect of your event, from the initial consultation to the final execution. Our team of experienced planners will work with you every step of the way to ensure that your event is a reflection of your personal style and taste, and that every detail is taken care of with precision and care. Whether you’re planning a corporate event, wedding, or a birthday party, we have the creativity and knowledge to make your vision a reality.

Our menus can be chosen by our consultants or given to us in a recipe to suit your needs and taste. Whether it be a party, gathering, social event, a night of entertainment, or a grand opening… Consider doing it “Black Tie” and let Black Tie Martini creates an unforgettable event for you and your guests.

Email: black.tie.martini@gmail.com
Website: www.blacktiemartini.com

Stephanie Long Turner – NCA Arizona Chapter

Watching her family run a successful hot air ballooning business, from a young age Stephanie was always intrigued by both ballooning and the business behind it. She furthered her knowledge of both, working in a variety of capacities at the ballooning business, as well as obtaining a BS in Business Finance from Arizona State University, and certificates in Global Leadership and International Business. Now, Co-Owner of that same business she grew up working in, Hot Air Expeditions, Stephanie is putting her education and hands on experience to work, and enjoys promoting ballooning, tourism and all things Arizona. Stephanie thrives on relationships with both the concierge and other vendors in the tourism industry, and is currently serving as a liaison between the two.
Email: stephanie@hotairexpeditions.com
Website: www.hotairexpeditions.com

Susan Breen – NCA Minnesota Chapter

Susan Breen has been employed at Bloomington Minnesota Travel & Tourism for 30 years, she is member of the Event Service Professionals Association (ESPA), National Concierge Association (NCA) and Bloomington Chamber of Commerce. Throughout Susan’s career she has participated in the Republican National Convention, PGA Open, Ryder Cup, Super Bowl LII, NCAA Men’s Basketball and several community wide events. She regularly volunteers in the community of Bloomington at Cornerstone, Bridging and at Mount Olivet Lutheran Church. She is married and the proud parent of two young adult sons. She enjoying walking, running, yoga, reading and enjoys nature with her family and friends especially in Brainerd – northern Minnesota. Susan is a longtime pet lover and has recently welcomed Murphy, a pug into their home.
Email: sbreen@bloomingtonmn.org
Website: www.bloomingtonmn.org

Tim O’Malley – NCA Chicago Chapter

A veteran of the hospitality industry, Tim O’Malley founded Concierge Preferred 17 years ago with his business partner, Mike Magnusson. From the very beginning Tim was involved with the NCA helping to grow the organization into what it is today. In August of 2017, Concierge Preferred was officially recognized as an NCA Endorsed Partner Gold. They were also recognized as the International Partner of the year several years running for their generous participation in the NCA and their philanthropic efforts. From hosting the board in the Concierge Preferred conference room for monthly board meetings to donating space at the ever-growing Concierge Preferred Trade Show for the NCA Silent Auction, Tim is a champion of the hospitality and tourism industries and strives to make the NCA the best it can be.
Email: tomalley@ateema.com
Website: www.ateema.com

Tyrone Spencer – NCA Washington D.C. Chapter

Tryone Spencer better known as “DJ Suspence” is more than just a man that Spins CD’s and Records; he is a self-proclaimed Bi-Product of a Music Dream gone Right! He has