Staff Bios

David Heilbrunn

President of Lifestyle Events Inc.

David Heilbrunn joined Festivals Inc., in February 1992. Over the past 20 years, he has been instrumental in event creation, production, sales, marketing, promotion, advertising, public relations, venue selection, contracts and staffing for the Coffee Fest Trade Show and many other company events.

To date he has helped produce 62 Coffee Fest Trade Shows around the country. Prior to Festivals Inc., David was one of five marketing representatives for the Tri-Cities Chinook C.B.A. franchise. As one fifth of the marketing team, he was responsible for producing more than 55 percent of all sales. Prior to that, Heilbrunn had spent seven successful years in sales and sales management with Tandy Corporation Radio Shack. His leadership produced sales gains in excess of 25 percent and increased profits more than 15 percent. He won the coveted leaders club diamond ring (Tandy’s most prestigious management award) and was ranked in the top 2 percent of 6000+ sales managers nationwide in annual percent increase of sales and profits.

Heilbrunn became the second youngest district manager in the 75-year history of Tandy Corporation. A graduate of Dale Carnegie Sales Management and Public Speaking, Tandy Corporation Sales Management, Tom Hopkins’ Champions Unlimited “How to Master the Art of Selling” and numerous professional and technical courses, David brings 25 years of success in sales, marketing and management to Lifestyle Events, Inc., where he is charged with overseeing all aspects of daily operations. His vision, dedication and entrepreneurial energy has helped brand Lifestyle Events as one of the savviest and most successful special events companies on domestic and international fronts.



Marni Heilbrunn

Vice President, Lifestyle Events, Inc.

Marni Heilbrunn joined the Festivals team in 1992 after a sales career in cosmetics. It’s a family affair for Marni who was drawn to Coffee Fest by her father, who created the company and show. Over the past 20 years Heilbrunn has been instrumental in the creation and production of Coffee Fest Trade Shows. Under her direction and management she has streamlined the registration process -- from Exhibitors to attendees pre show and on site. With some show’s attendance levels nearing 10,000 people, it’s no small feat.

A Los Angeles native, Heilbrunn has called Seattle home since 1972. Marni enjoys spending time with Molly her puggle and socializing with family and friends.

Her coffee drink of choice? Double Tall Soy Latte.



Jacqueline Silverman

VP Finance/Office Manager

Jacqueline is a Coffee Fest original – she was keeping the books for the Coffee Fest show in the beginning, traveling around the country juggling numbers, de-mystifying computers and assisting with registration. She moved around the country for several years and finally returned to Coffee Fest in 2008.

It wasn’t just family ties that brought Jaqui back to Coffee Fest. Coffee was a draw as well. A true lover of coffee – hot and black, she looks forward to her morning cup. When feeling adventurous, Jaqui goes for a double shot of espresso with a dollop of whipped cream.




Lee Anne Thibodeaux

Senior Event Coordinator

Lee Anne thought it was a temporary gig when she came to Coffee Fest to do some temp work in pre-registration. That was in 2004, and she is still here. Thibodeaux is now Senior Event Coordinator and works on attendee registration and educational programming prior to and during the annual shows.

Born and raised in Seattle, and many points in between, Thibodeaux and her husband have raised 4 children and have 7 grandchildren to show for it. That and a dog named Romeo. Outside of work, Thibodeaux likes to board an RV and hit the open road, or closer to home you will find her in her garden or engaging in miscellaneous arts and crafts, and sewing projects. She is also a member of the Red Hat Society.

Coffee drink she can’t do without? Double-Tall, Almond Latte.




Jessica Rice

Marketing and Creative Manager

Jessica Rice brings 14 years experience in the specialty coffee industry, from her start as a barista to coffee shop management and ownership. Jessica also has a passion for food and wine, recently achieving her Level 2 Sommelier Certification from the International Sommelier Guild. For the past three years, Jessica transitioned into the technology industry learning web development and social media. She brings this knowledge back to the coffee industry. Amongst many other hats, Jessica now manages Coffee Fest’s dynamic web content and internet based marketing materials.

Each day for Jessica is fueled by a quad 12oz Americano with just a splash of cream.




Ken Bollman

Business Development Manager

Ken Bollman has been around coffee and espresso since 1989, beginning with training to run a sales route in Portland, OR with a major roaster and distributor. Helping people succeed in their business and achieve their goals in life are passions for him, and Ken’s consultative approach works well. He joins the Coffee Fest team with twelve years experience in the specialty coffee and beverage business, nine years in residential and commercial real estate, and eleven years in food and beverage operations. Ken has participated as an exhibitor/vendor in over 120 trade shows. And, he is a talented mixologist.

Ken’s job is to support of the needs of exhibitors, vendors and sponsors at Coffee Fest, including sales and marketing efforts, floor plan management, and related communications.

Beyond the career life, Ken indulges his interests in fun times with his wife, family and friends, road trips, good food and beverage, cool and fast cars, blues music, as well as community service with Boys & Girls Clubs and Habitat for Humanity.

A simple double short Americano with a raw sugar packet is Ken's favorite coffee beverage.