Thank you for a phenomenal 1st year

Leanne "Elrod" Rodriguez is a fine art sculptor, vintage snacksidermy specialist and award-winning table setter known for her distinctive fusion of elevated design and imaginative storytelling. Drawing inspiration from mid-century aesthetics and theatrical presentation, her work transforms the table into an immersive visual experience. Her artistry has earned recognition for its originality, technical precision, and ability to evoke both nostalgia and sophistication in equal measure.

As Co-Chair and Founder of the International Table Setting Competition (ITSC), Leanne brings a refined curatorial eye and a deep commitment to excellence in the decorative arts. Her leadership reflects a dedication to celebrating innovation, craftsmanship, and the evolving language of tablescape design on an international stage.

Elliott C. Nathan is a fine artist and celebrated as one of San Francisco’s premier party producers. As Co-Chair of the International Table Setting Association (ITSA) and co-founder of Electroluxx, he is known for creating immersive, large-scale experiences that blur the line between art, design, and entertainment. His events are distinguished by their bold vision, theatricality, and meticulous execution, earning him a reputation for transforming gatherings into unforgettable cultural moments.

From the grandeur of the Palace of Fine Arts to the industrial edge of The Midway and the historic elegance of the San Francisco Mint, Elliott has produced some of the city’s most iconic events. His ability to activate storied venues with dynamic energy and refined spectacle underscores a career defined by innovation, scale, and an unwavering commitment to experiential excellence.delivering exceptional results.

Alyse Whitney is the Dip Queen and author and creative mastermind behind cookbook Big Dip Energy. She was Cosmopolitan’s first-ever food columnist (Doing the Least with Alyse) and has a series called “Amused Bouche” at SAVEUR magazine (a culinary proust questionnaire for celebs and chefs). She is a TV personality who has hosted and judged on Netflix’s Easy-Bake Battle, The Big Nailed It! Baking Challenge, and Pressure Cooker, and is a three-time judge on Food Network’s Chopped.

She has been cooking ever since she could reach the countertop, and spent most of her 15-year journalism career in magazines (Bon Appétit and Rachael Ray Every Day), entertainment publications (TVLine, POPSUGAR, Glamour, The Hollywood Reporter), and food-focused brands (Cooking Channel and Cravings by Chrissy Teigen).

As a food and entertaining expert, she uses her gift of gab and fun and funky approach to food to get people cooking and finding community together. She is a Korean American Jewish adoptee who resides in Los Angeles with her two rescue pups, Miso and Ritz, and is always looking for a new dish to transform into a dip—and her next go-to karaoke song. She even wrote and released a theme song for “Big Dip Energy,” streaming everywhere now.

Serita Sangimino is an accomplished event designer and Chief Student Affairs Officer at the Academy of Art University, renowned for orchestrating some of the institution’s most prestigious and visually striking events. With a background in fashion and merchandising, she brings a sophisticated understanding of color, texture, and spatial composition to every production, seamlessly blending style with precision. Her work is distinguished by its elegance, innovation, and meticulous attention to detail.

In her leadership role, Serita oversees the planning and execution of the university’s largest and most refined gatherings, setting a standard of excellence that reflects both creativity and professionalism. Her expertise in transforming environments into immersive, elevated experiences has established her as a respected authority in the world of event design and presentation.

Marco Braun is the creative force behind marcobraun.com and the widely followed @marcosfunhouse on Instagram and TikTok. Known for his hilariously bold, whimsical aesthetic and immersive visual storytelling, his work spans digital media and experiential design. With a keen eye for color, form, and playful spectacle, Marco has cultivated a distinctive creative voice that resonates across both physical and virtual spaces.

Through his dynamic online presence and willingness to make and eat the most atrocious vintage recipes, Marco continues to push the boundaries of contemporary art and entertainment. His ability to blend humor, fantasy, and design has positioned him as a compelling figure in modern creative culture, bringing a fresh, energetic perspective to the world of visual experience and event artistry.

Tony OMFG @tonyomfg is a San Francisco-based nonbinary trans femme drag artist, event producer, and DJ celebrated for bringing high-energy glamour, theatricality, and fearless self-expression to the stage and beyond. Known for her bold visual identity and electrifying performances, Tony has become a standout presence within the Bay Area’s nightlife and creative communities, blending drag, music, and immersive entertainment into unforgettable experiences.

As both a performer and producer, Tony OMFG has cultivated a reputation for creating vibrant, inclusive spaces that champion artistry, individuality, and spectacle. Her dynamic approach to presentation and performance makes them a compelling addition to the judging panel, offering a contemporary perspective rooted in creativity, transformation, and unapologetic style.