Making Waves Story Slam — A Special Meet the Author Evening
July 29, 2026 | 6:00PM
Pyramid Club, Philadelphia
Overview
Some stories inspire. Some surprise. Some make you laugh out loud — or catch your breath. All of them move you.
On Wednesday, July 29th, join us at Philadelphia's iconic Pyramid Club for a special edition of Meet the Author — reimagined as an electric Story Slam evening of true stories, unexpected connections, and the kind of energy that reminds you why stories matter.
The Theme: Making Waves
Moving forward. Making things happen. Overcoming obstacles. We want the stories that changed everything.
YOU HAVE TWO WAYS TO JOIN US:
★ Come to enjoy.
Settle in and let great storytellers take you somewhere real. Light refreshments included.
★ Come to share.
Got a Making Waves story? Register as a storyteller, and you could take the stage. Stories are 3–5 minutes, scored by our panel of Master Storytellers on content, delivery, and timing — in the most supportive room you've ever stood in.
How it works: When you register, simply indicate whether you'd like to be considered as a storyteller. If more than 8 guests sign up to share, we'll hold a drawing at the event to select our storytellers. Everyone has a shot.
Doors open at 6:00 pm for networking, wine, beer, and light refreshments.
Stories begin at 6:30 pm. Evening wraps at 8:30 pm.
Prizes awarded. Memories guaranteed.
Hosted by Theresa Hummel-Krallinger and Julia Taus
AGENDA:
6:00–6:30 | Networking, wine, beer, light refreshments
6:30–6:35 | Welcome — Theresa & Julia
6:35–7:10 | Showcase: Three Master Storytellers set the tone. Pure inspiration — no scoring for this segment.
7:10–7:20 | Intermission
7:20–8:00 | Open Floor: Up to 8 storytellers, 3–5 minutes each, scored by our Master Storytellers
8:00–8:10 | Entertainer performs while scores are tallied
8:10–8:20 | Results, prizes, celebration
8:20–8:30 | Closing + open networking
MEET OUR HOST:
Theresa Hummel-Krallinger | High Five Performance
Theresa Hummel-Krallinger is a keynote speaker, author, professional comedian, and leadership consultant who helps individuals and organizations create healthy cultures, stronger leaders, and more meaningful careers. A two-time Emmy Award winner for her work on PBS and host of the Pyramid Club's Meet the Author series for more than 12 years, Theresa brings humor, insight, and energy to every stage she steps onto. Tonight, she'll keep the stories flowing and the audience engaged as co-host of our Story Slam.
Learn more: https://www.highfiveperformance.com/
MEET OUR MASTER STORYTELLERS:
Julia Taus | JT's Ideation Center
Julia is the founder of JT's Ideation Center, where her mission is simple and powerful: Own Your Story. Maximize Your Stage. She helps entrepreneurs, authors, and speakers shape unforgettable personal brand stories — and she's the visionary co-host who brought this evening to life.
Learn more: https://jtideationcenter.com/
Craig Smith | Craig Smith Speaks
Craig is a keynote speaker, live TV host, and communication expert who helps brands and individuals build trust through powerful storytelling and authentic connection. He knows what it takes to command a room — and he'll show us.
Learn more: https://www.craigsmithspeaks.com/
Erica Chen | Unicorn Dynasty
Erica is a keynote speaker, identity coach, and founder of Unicorn Dynasty, a community supporting mothers as they navigate identity, purpose, and belonging. Through humor and vulnerability, Erica encourages audiences to step into their main character energy and rewrite the stories holding them back.
Learn more: https://ericashimmies.com/
MEET OUR ENTERTAINER:
Justin Gonzalez | Tenor
Justin Gonzalez is also a storyteller, comedian, and practitioner of the American Song Book and the music of Broadway. Justin uses all of this to entertain, educate, and share his story.
When Justin isn’t singing with the world’s best classical musicians, popular music performers, writing his own music to perform with the Justin Gonzalez Trio, and singing the music of Frank Sinatra and the rock band Queen with Justin Gonzalez and the Jukebox, he is also one of the creators and performers in the Laugh Pack, a comedy variety show.
Learn more: https://justingonzaleztenor.com/
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PARKING GARAGES
The Pyramid Club offers discounted parking at both Sonesta Hotel and Standard Parking Garage "1700" across the street.
Sonesta Hotel offers Valet Service while Standard Parking Garage is Self Park.
Discounted tickets are provided at the Pyramid Club Reception desk.
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ARRIVAL INSTRUCTIONS
The Pyramid Club is located in the BNY Mellon Bank Center at 1735 Market Street. Before arriving please make sure you bring a form of Photo ID. Upon entering please show your Photo ID to the Security booth in the lobby and sign in. Take the elevators up to the 51st floor. There you will see the Entrance to the club. You may either walk up the Spiral Staircase or there is another elevator to the 52nd floor. Our Receptionist will then direct your Private Event Room. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
CLUB ATTIRE
Business dress or business casual is recommended in all areas of the Club. Please no sneakers or flip flops.
More Information and Registration
PACDA Members: register at a discount using the promo code in Member Resources.
