Mendocino

Confirmed Speakers

• Dante Di Loreto
  Among many other inspiring accomplishments, Dante Di Loreto is the Executive Producer of the hit TV shows Glee! and American Horror Story. He's one the most prolific producers currently working in the world of television.
• John Scharffenberger
  Founder of ScherffenBerger chocolates, and Scharffenberger sparkling wine, the entrepreneur — who was last seen traveling the world as a “chocolate expert” — has been named the new CEO of Oakland-based Hodo Soy Beanery. John will discuss ethical sourcing of food, fair trade, third party ratings for 'organic' and 'non-GMO' foods. He will debunk some of the common conceits we have about what we put on our plates.
• Pier Carlo Talenti
  Pier Carlo Talenti, is the Los Angeles-based Center Theatre Group’s Resident Dramaturg and Literary Manager, who is intimately involved in the development of many productions presented on their stages. He is an integral part of the research process, providing historical and social context for each work and keeping an independent and critical eye on their creative activities.
• Stephen McCabe
  Stephen is a prolific production designer and art director for film and television and a very talented artist originally from London, England. He will discuss his current work and the geometry that is required to accomplish it.
• Matthew Schoening
  Matthew plays electric cello through a complex process of live looping. He records himself live, and instantly plays back what was just recorded while playing on top of it or adding to it. This results in a solo performance that can sound like a full band, or even an entire symphony.
• Tom Costello
  Tom Costello has been giving seminars and keynotes for over 23 years. Having been in the hospitality industry for over 30 years, he has taken the “hands-on” approach towards building his career. Tom is the past president of the prestigious Foodservice Consultants Society International, which establishes high standards of professional consultation. He was recently elected into the Council of Fellows in recognition of his meritorious service and leadership in the hospitality industry and has received the Antonin Carême award for contributions to culinary education. Since 1990, as director of the Hospitality Management Program at the University of San Francisco, he has received the St. Ignatius Faculty Service and Outstanding Teaching awards.
• Myra Joy
  Myra Joy began playing cello at six years old, but advocates cello playing for all ages. She holds a degree in cello performance from San Francisco Conservatory of Music. Following her graduation, she ran around performing and teaching music outreach programs for S.F. Conservatory and the Community School of Music and Arts in Mountain View, CA until moving to California's north coast. She has performed nationally with artists such as KITKA vocal ensemble, Hamed Nikpay, the pickPocket Ensemble, The Black Brothers,Harvey Wainapel, and Carlos Oliveira, and she is a founding member of Elameno Quintet and Sweet Moments of Confusion. Myra resides in Fort Bragg, CA and drives in circles to perform across California.
• Karin Uphoff
  Karin holds a B.S. in science (zoology/animal behavior) and a minor in cultural anthropology (Native American emphasis), providing a strong background in physiology and ecology. After years interning as an animal behaviorist, she earned a master of science (zoology/animal behavior). Her graduate research involved plant-animal relationships. She moved from Santa Barbara, California to England to earn a diploma in herbal medicine and iridology from the Selfheal School - a Dr. Christopher based school of natural healing. Upon returning to the US she set up a private practice in Santa Barbara and taught the first western herbal classes in the SBCC Adult Education Program. She later moved to the Mendocino coast where she authored the book Botanical Body Care. Karin currently serves as a holistic health consultant and co-hosts the popular radio talk show, Holistic Health Perspectives.