We recently connected with Mark Certonio and have shared our conversation below.
Mark, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?
I have been in the industry for more than 40 years. I have served as the director of catering for the New York Marriott Marquis from 1995 to 2000 as the youngest director to ever serve in his position. I have subsequently taught at the Centre De Management Hôtelier International in France, was an international director of sales in Brussels, Belgium, for a hospitality software company through which I sold hotel software to major European hotels for ballrooms and catering spaces, and was a fine dining general manager in the U.S. at Café Marquesa and Latitudes on Sunset Key.
Focusing my work on creating unique and once-in-a-lifetime experiences, I am known for my expertise as an established event director in South Florida. Since 2009,I have been representing the award winning Key West Food & Wine Festival as the director of events and co-founder, an annual event that takes place each year in late January in Key West.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I have served as the director of event management for Dolce Events & Marketing since 2015, an organization that produces the Key West Food and Wine Festival, Mango Fest Key West, Key West Rum Festival, Dartmouth College Reunion and many other events.
My extensive background has included organizing more than 50 annual events, primarily in the food and beverage sector. These events require considerable planning, from conceptualization to creating and executing these events. I also coordinate with various teams, vendors, and volunteers. I also have ticketing, website management, marketing, and media expertise, which all contribute to the success of these events. Looking toward the future, I aim to continue producing world-class, high-quality events as one of the most recognized festivals in the country.
My creativity comes from my travels throughout the world, experiencing authentic food & drink as well as art & culture. Learning the history and customs of the local people.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
I like to keep it basic. Show up on time for work, work hard, pay attention to detail. Find your passions and always keep it in front of you.
Any advice for folks feeling overwhelmed?
Breathe ~ Eat ~ Drink
Contact Info:
- Website: KeyWestFoodandWineFestival.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/keywestfoodwinefestival/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/keywestfoodandwinefestival/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-certonio/
Image Credits
Mark Funkhouser Photography
