The Team

It was a 7 year old Connie who spent her summer holidays organizing playmates to produce little neighborhood festivities in the tranquil Chicago suburb of Skokie. Fast forward to the present day where Connie is considered a pioneer of Northern Ireland events. Recently, when asked to describe herself in 6 words, replied 'I live from event to event'.

In 1991, she imported and adapted the concept of the Taste of Chicago to Belfast. The Belfast Taste Fest was the first taste and music event of its kind in Ireland or the U.K. and, as a summer blockbuster event for the City, ran successfully for nine consecutive years.

Additionally, she created and delivered two novel events whose objectives were the same as those of the Taste fest, expansion of public enjoyment and enhancement of the city image: Belfast Halloween Hullabaloo which was the first ever city-wide, public celebration of Halloween and Be Mine in Belfast… in the Heart of the City, a Valentine's Day public participation event. These events ran from 1996 to 1999.

She is committed to excellence in relation to all her events, and brings a wealth of experience to event organization.

Connie is supported by an experienced and enthusiastic team, including:

Brendan Cunningham Director of Culinary and Cultural Affairs, is responsible for the engagement of chefs in Chicago and cultural linkages between Belfast and Chicago.

Jim Freeland Chicago Chef Liaison, is Executive Chef for Lou Malnattis, the well -known Chicago restaurant chain.

Victor Allister with background in public administration, is Event Manager.

Bob McDonald Head Chef, Deli on the Green, Moygashel, is the Northern Ireland Chef Mentor, with responsibility for chef coordination and orientation.

Paul Smyth who has as worked as both a participant and manager on the Belfast Taste team since its beginning in 1991, is the Event Culinary Coordinator.

Tony O'Neill Executive Chef, The Merchant Hotel, is Coordinator of Taste Fest Kids' Cuisine.

Liz Cunningham who has extensive experience in the hospitality business, is the Belfast Coordinator for the Chicago ambassador chefs.

Joe Grant who has worked as a manager on the Taste Fest team since 1991, is Event site Coordinator.

Megan Cunningham Caplan is the Chicago Administrative Assistant.

David Hull Promotions engages the best music entertainers.

Brian Moore Event Compere, co-ordinates the entertainment.