2026 Speakers
Browse the thought leaders who will be appearing at LCAES2026!
David Porto, Partner & General Manager, Blue Plate Madison
David lives in Madison, WI, with his wife Nicola and their son, Maverick. Joining Blue Plate in December 2004, and a managing partner since 2014, the years have seen him in nearly every position possible. Currently, he leads the company, guiding Blue Plate to be named Wisconsin's best caterer by Wisconsin Bride Magazine in 2017, 2020-2022, and 2024-2026, as well as Wisconsin Bride Magazine's Member of the Year in 2024 and Top Overall Wedding Professional in 2026. Since 2018, David has traveled to Scottsdale, AZ, to partner with M Culinary Concepts for the Phoenix Open, one of the largest-attended annual sporting events in the world, managing a team of 50 staff at the iconic Bay Club and working with a total team of over 800 for the 6 day event. David was Awarded NACE's inaugural Frontline Hero Award in 2021 for his Feed the Front Lines initiative, helping to feed both frontline healthcare workers and Madison residents struggling with homelessness during the COVID-19 pandemic.