Presented by Sven Kirsten

For every image selected for a visual book like Palm Springs Tiki there are a dozen more that don't make it. For every tall Tiki tale there are side stories that get cut for space reasons. Follow Sven Kirsten down the unpublished paths of Palm Springs Polynesia with stories like: The Wondrous World of Theme Restaurant Designers Pat & Lou Sawyer; The Silly Socialite Stylings of the Palm Springs set featuring the Chi Chi's Hat Parade; Murder and Mayhem in Motel Land with Ken Kimes’ Killer Family; and more!

A love of visuals inspired Sven Kirsten to collect and photograph the remnants of the forgotten culture of Polynesian pop in America, leading him to identify the Tiki as its icon. In 2000, he published his findings in The Book of Tiki, which presented all aspects of Tiki style — its design, graphics, architecture, social culture, culinary and cocktail mixology — and put Tiki firmly on the map of American pop culture. Kirsten followed with Tiki Modern, Tiki Pop, The Art of Tiki and now his most recent book, Palm Springs Tiki.

Presented by Kristen James & Jenniffer Watson

Create your own tropical headpiece in a fun, hands-on workshop led by designers Kristen James (aka Piña Colletta) and Jenniffer Watson. Choose between a clip or headband style and enjoy a vibrant selection of artificial tropical flowers, drink umbrellas, and stir sticks to make a fabulous wearable creation. Supplies such as glue guns, glue sticks, clips, felt pads, flowers, and other accessories will be provided. Attendees are welcome to bring their own swizzlesticks or other embellishments to personalize their design!

Kristen James and Jenniffer Watson are excited to share their hands-on crafty knowledge at Arizona Tiki Oasis. James passion for Tiki culture began on her honeymoon in Hawaii 20 years ago, sparking her collection of Tiki masks, floral creations and more. Watson, is currently planning her own creative Tiki-themed wedding. Together, they’ll teach you how to craft your own unique tropical inspired headpiece, perfect for adding that special flair to any occasion!

Presented by Ace Bailey

Did you know that Hotel Valley Ho was once a Hollywood hideaway? In its heyday, the hotel was host to Bing Crosby, Tony Curtis, Janet Leigh, Natalie Wood, and Zsa Zsa Gabor, among others! Designed by acclaimed architectural firm Edward L. Varney Associates, Hotel Valley Ho is considered one of the best-preserved Mid-Century Modern hotels in the country. Explore the hotel’s classic design elements during a 90-minute walking tour of the buildings and grounds with resident historian Ace Bailey.

Ace Bailey has worked in the arts and tourism fields for over 20 years. Prior to establishing Ultimate Art & Cultural Tours she designed and conducted art tours both locally and throughout the Southwest, Seattle, and the Northwest. In 2010, Ace was appointed to the Scottsdale Tourism Development Commission. Currently she hosts the Magical History Tour at the Hotel Valley Ho.

Presented by CyndeLicious

Sexitecture envelops your body, delights your senses, and tickles your fancy! Learn about the world of Southwest architecture through the feminist lens of CyndeLicious’ all-seeing eye! CyndeLicious will take you on a tour of still standing, historic buildings designed by women architects of the Southwest, including Mary Colter, Judith Chafee, Anne Rysdale, Annie Graham Rockfellow and others!

CyndeLicious is an eternal student of architectural history and is currently studying to become a licensed architect. CyndeLicious is a former pin-up photo model winning many contests in Los Angeles and San Francisco including Glamourcon's Bettie Page Look-Alike Contest! CyndeLicious has a degree in Architecture at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and a Master’s degree in City and Regional Planning. She is currently serving on the board of directors of the local chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA).

Presented by Scott Schell (aka Dustycajun)

Learn how authentic South Seas adventurer and Tiki bar pioneer Frank "Skipper" Kent enabled Stephen Crane to become the successor to the title of Tiki King of America. Kent opened The Skipper, Zombie Village, and Skipper Kent's, going toe to toe with Trader Vic in the Bay Area and beyond. Kent eventually opened seven establishments. The Skipper then set up Crane to expand across America competing with Vic and Don the Beachcomber, opening seven over-the-top restaurants attached to a major hotel chain.

Scott Schell, aka Dustycajun, has been an enthusiastic Tiki ephemera collector and researcher for over 25 years, inspired by Sven Kirsten's original Book of Tiki. Highlights from Scott's collection have been featured in many Tiki book projects and he contributed a number of artifacts displayed at the Tiki Pop exhibit at Quai Branly Museum, Paris.

During this sit-down event, Arizona Tiki Oasis has curated a unique collection of rum and other spirit brands that go well in tropical cocktails! Interact with makers representing new products and some of our old favorites (brands TBA). Choose between Two Sessions per day; each Tropical Tasting Day (Fri/Sat) is different! Includes your very own complimentary tasting glass! This event is 21+

Presented by Scott "Cush" Cushman

Scott "Cush" Cushman is ready to reveal all the secrets! Want to whip up the perfect cocktail in your home bar? Want to have a deeper understanding of cocktail archetypes? In this seminar, Cush unlocks the "Secret of the Seven Cocktails" (with samples!), explores the history of how each of the seven cocktails came to be, and unveils how you can use these blueprints to create perfect tropical libations. Note: must be 21+ to attend. Includes cocktail samples.

After leaving his job as head of beverage for a large LA based bar company, Scott "Cush" Cushman started his show Dr. Cush's Exotic Drinks on YouTube and hosted MIX Cocktail Hour on the Hungry Channel. He invites the world to his virtual bar three nights a week to discuss history, technique and recipes. Cushman has won several bartending awards and has taught mixology for over 10 years.

Presented by Jason Doo

Join this enlightening seminar on the significant contributions of Asian Americans to Tiki culture. Doo will explore how Asian Americans, particularly those working in Tiki bars and Chinese restaurants, popularized tropical cocktails in suburban America. Discover the pivotal role suburban Chinese restaurants played in introducing the general public to Tiki culture, blending strong drinks and unique presentation with Cantonese cuisine. This seminar highlights the cultural fusion that created iconic Tiki experiences, celebrating the creativity and influence of Asian Americans from the dark age of Tiki through today.

Chef Jason Doo owns Wusong Tiki Bar in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Growing up in his parents' Chinese American restaurant, he was surrounded by classic Tiki culture. After working in Michelin-starred restaurants and in Asia, he returned home to open Wusong Tiki Bar. It has been named one of Boston’s best bars, one of People Magazine’s most beautiful restaurants, and a top Massachusetts restaurant by Condé Nast Traveler Magazine, and is the leading non-package distributor of Jamaican rum in the USA.

Presented by Julio "Jules" Gutierrez

Be inspired by desert life and culture with Julio "Jules" Gutierrez, AKA Chuntikis. Chuntikis shares his knowledge of spirits from the desert, including agaves, bacanora, sotol, and more. He discusses the unique tastes of desert spirits and shares tips about how to use them in delicious tropical cocktails. As a first generation Mexican-American with roots descending from the Sonoran Desert, this taste adventure includes suggestions of desert locations to visit where you can find your own (Tiki) oasis. Note: must be 21+ to attend. Includes cocktail samples.

Julio "Jules" Gutierrez is a passionate curator, mixologist, and cultural enthusiast. Drawing upon his Mexican heritage, Gutierrez created a pop-up bar, Chuntikis, in Long Beach, California where he blends vibrant tropical cocktail culture with a deep appreciation for Latino and immigrant history. Through Chuntikis, Gutierrez showcases his storytelling and celebrates his Mexican and Native roots, providing an immersive sensory experience. His notable media coverage includes: inclusion on the Imbibe 75 list; local LA Fox 11 News; Long Beach Post; Spectrum News; KCRW ‘Good Food’; and more.

Presented by Kenn Watson

Little information has been compiled on the men’s fashion line Sandwich Isles Sportswear from the Malia brand of Honolulu, until now. Kenn Watson has excavated long forgotten archives and collected first-hand family stories to reveal the rich and colorful past of Malia (also known as Malia-Hawaii and Malia-Honolulu) the brand behind the beloved Aloha Coat. Watson will take you on a journey to the “Isle with Tropical Style” where he will share all the history of this unique Hawaiian fashion brand with special focus on the Sandwich Isles Sportswear line. Attendees are encouraged to wear their favorite Aloha Sportscoats or other Malia desgined clothing for a colorful group photo!

Kenn Watson is a devoted father and husband, creative designer, adventurous carver of wood, and an enthusiastic collector of Aloha fashions from the 1960s and 70s. He has taken his passion for all of these characteristics and blended them into a compelling exploration of the Aloha Coat. His research has led him to befriend the founding family of the Malia-Hawaii brand and become the de facto expert on the Sandwich Isles brand.

During this sit-down event, Arizona Tiki Oasis has curated a unique collection of rum and other spirit brands that go well in tropical cocktails! Interact with makers representing new products and some of our old favorites (brands TBA). Choose between Two Sessions per day; each Tropical Tasting Day (Fri/Sat) is different! Includes your very own complimentary tasting glass! This event is 21+