Lenny Talarico CSEP, CHE is the Chief Experience Officer for Lenny Talarico Events (LTE), an event management and consulting firm dedicated to enhancing businesses by telling a brand’s story through special events and engagements. Lenny is an award winning internationally recognized event producer, industry speaker, former Executive with MGM Resorts International and long-time instructor at The International School of Hospitality (TISOH) … but that doesn’t tell the whole tale.  

Everyone has a story that’s unique to them, and that makes them distinctly suited to a certain place in the world.  Lenny’s story is one, that in hindsight, has propelled him inevitably to the center of the special events world in Las Vegas, and indeed, around the globe.  

As a young vocalist, a chance two-week engagement at the world famous Caesars Palace, led to a performance career that spanned decades at some of the most famous venues along the Strip, including the Dunes, the Sands, the Desert Inn, and the Flamingo.  Through each successful iconic show, partly by accident, and partly because of a synergy between performance and production, Lenny was developing the skills required to become the event producer that he is now.  

2022 Lifetime Achievement Award Recipient, The Special Event

Parlaying knowledge, experience, and a business-savvy sense of story, Lenny was one of the first event professionals who married experience and product for companies like Calvin Klein and Estee Lauder, pioneering what we now call “activations.” Later, at MGM Resorts and MGM Resorts Productions, Lenny designed and produced high-profile international events like grand openings, entertainment launches, and industry meetings that delighted the senses, and left attendees with new, amazing stories of their own.  Those stories were heard by others, and Lenny was recognized for his work with ESPRIT and GALA Awards.  Credentials and additional accolades followed, including recognition as “Event Planner of the Year” through Event Solutions Magazine, named “One of the Most Influential People in Events” through Biz Bash Magazine, and the prestigious Certified Special Events Professional (CSEP) designation.  

Industry leadership is dear to Lenny’s heart. He has served on the local and national level with the International Live Event Association (ILEA) and the National Association of Catering and Events (NACE) who recognized him with their Industry Leadership Award. Over the years he’s played an active role with SEARCH where he served in an advisory board capacity and is a founding SEARCH 100 member. He’s been a supporter of Event Professionals Take Action (EPTA,), rebuilding homes post hurricane Katrina.

Through his career, Lenny has believed in sharing not only his story but his expertise.  He has taught at The International School of Hospitality (TISOH), and remains there today, dedicated to the development of future event professionals.  Partnering with industry executives, he founded TISOH’s Design lab to offer a tactile, experiential learning environment to inspire competence and creativity across a diverse hospitality curriculum.  

Lenny was proud serving as Show Ambassador for The Special Event (TSE) / Catersource during their inaugural Las Vegas collocation in March 2020. He continues his industry engagement through consulting and speaking engagements.

As an industry speaker he regularly travels to support numerous organizations and conventions including ILEA, NACE, IMEX, AIBTM, SITE and of course Catersource / The Special Event. He’s been recognized as One of the Most Influential Industry Professionals by Biz Bash, and in 2021 was named an industry Trailblazer in the Connect Corporate 15 Over 50.