Professional Speaking & Corporate Seminars
Professional Presence Starts at the Table
Business relationships are built one conversation at a time, and so many of the important ones happen around a table. Meeting a client for lunch, networking at a conference, interviewing over coffee, entertaining a prospective customer — professionals are expected to navigate these moments with confidence, yet almost no one is ever actually taught how.
Drawing on a career that spans New York's premier restaurants, executive leadership in corporate America, and thousands of client dinners and executive events, award-winning author Debbie von Ahrens delivers programs that help professionals build confidence, strengthen relationships, and represent their organizations with poise, professionalism, and authenticity.
A practical, engaging seminar built to help professionals feel more confident, connect more genuinely, and carry a little more polish into business meals, networking events, client entertainment, and conferences.
Ideal For
Corporate learning & development
Human Resources
Leadership development programs
New hire onboarding
Sales organizations
Financial services
Law firms
Advertising & marketing
Hospitality organizations
Universities & MBA programs
Professional associations
Why This Matters
So many business relationships take shape over meals, networking events, conferences, and client entertainment — and yet many talented professionals were never taught the small, practical skills that shape a first impression, build trust, and deepen a working relationship.
This seminar leaves participants with strategies they can put to use that very same day.
Signature Programs
90-Minute Seminar
· Business dining confidence
· Professional presence
· Networking strategies
· Restaurant etiquette that matters
· Conversation and listening skills
· Hosting clients with confidence
Half-Day Workshop (3 Hours)
A deeper, more interactive seminar — discussion, exercises, and real scenarios participants can put into practice right away.
Participants Will Leave With
Greater confidence during business meals
Stronger networking and conversation skills
A more polished professional presence
Confidence ordering food and wine
A clear understanding of host and guest responsibilities
Practical strategies for client entertainment
The ability to join and leave conversations naturally
Better communication with restaurant staff
A deeper appreciation for hospitality and the dining experience
About Debbie
Debbie von Ahrens is the award-winning author of The Business of Dining. She began her career in New York's restaurant world, became the first female wine captain at the legendary One Fifth, and later served as Vice President and Director of Sales for FOX5 and MY9, hosting thousands of client dinners and executive events along the way. Her perspective weaves together hospitality, business, and leadership in a way few speakers can offer.
What People are Saying
"The Business of Dining provides practical and creative insight into becoming an elegant business dining host."
Richard Kampert
Vice President, Global Banking & Markets
Goldman Sachs & Co.
"A great educational and reference book to teach young sales professionals how to be wonderful restaurant guests and world-class hosts for their customers."
Steve Crowe
Fortune 50 Global Sales Executive
"I would buy this book for every person in management, any sales force or entertaining position."
Joanne Cini
Former Senior Vice President, Sales & Marketing
NBC Television Stations
"An outstanding primer for a young professional and an excellent refresher for all who enjoy fine dining and appreciate proper etiquette."
Cathy Taub
Senior Global Real Estate Advisor & Associate Broker
Sotheby's International Realty
"Bottom line: I would have loved a cheat sheet like this."
Walecia Konrad
Financial Journalist & Content Producer
"I only wish that I had access to something like this sooner."
Justin Hulbert
Director, Psychology Program
Bard College
Bring Debbie to Your Organization
Whether your organization is onboarding new professionals, developing future leaders, or strengthening client-facing teams, Debbie's seminars offer practical skills participants will carry with them throughout their careers. Every program is shaped around the goals of your organization, and the people in the room.