Here’s What Last Night’s James Beard Awards Might Be Telling Us About Events

An observational walk-through of experience design, service, storytelling, and hospitality—through the eyes of a curious event mind

Last night at Chicago’s Lyric Opera, the James Beard Awards delivered more than medals—they offered a masterclass in cultural influence, emotional storytelling, and sensory design. While many of the elements highlighted here may not be the central focus of most conferences or trade shows, each one—when considered with care—can elevate the overall experi…