On June 16, a collection of the most innovative minds to grow and develop in the Burg will gather at The Mahaffey Theater to discuss their respective paths to success. The event, BurgBorn, is the brainchild of Keep St. Pete Local, an organization that has long championed rising businesses and locally inspired events in the Sunshine City, and the St. Pete Greenhouse. 

*Photo via Will Packer on Facebook

The keynote speaker is Will Packer. A native of St. Pete, Packer has produced the hit films Straight Outta Compton, Ride Along, Think Like A Man, and the critically acclaimed series Roots, currently airing on the History channel. 

Also speaking at the event is John Vitale of Vitale Bros., a family owned mural painting and lettering business. The artist has left his mark on the city with projects at Evil Don Tattoos, Daddy Kool Records, the 801 Conway Mural in the EDGE District and the epic War of the Worlds inspired mural on the side of Blue Goose. The Vitale Bros are currently leaving their artistic insignia all over the walls of New York City. 

Monica Leonard, founder of Molly's Suds, will speak on a panel that also features Ron Petrini, President and CEO of Great Bay Distributors, Mike Harting, owner/operator of 3 Daughters Brewing, and Jeffrey Jew, Executive Chef at Stillwaters Tavern. These juggernauts in their respective industries represent how connecting with your community can help relay a larger narrative about your passion and business to a curious national/international audience. 

*Photo via Pale Horse on Facebook

A true icon in the St. Pete arts and theatre community, Bob Devin Jones will be joined by Chris Parks of Pale Horse Design and Joel Malizia of Pilot Moon Films for a conversation about the booming arts scene in St. Pete. Discussing tech and online business will be Rachel Carpenter, Co-founder and CEO of Intrinio, Joe Bardi, Senior Content Strategist at Marxent and Kyle Nardo, Co-Owner of Nardo's Naturals. 

June 16 offers residents of the Burg the opportunity to learn how the staple businesses in our city came to prominence. It also serves as a chance to learn what motivates the assiduous natures of our local artists, chefs, business titans. BurgBorn is a celebration of all things local. More than just harboring a bubbled love for the city, this event is meant to express the portrait these individuals have helped paint of St. Pete and the entire Tampa Bay area to the world. There still time to get your tickets. Click HERE for further details on the event and to reserve your spot.