(WHIPPANY, NJ) -- Join Morris Arts for an evening of community and unexpected connections, while supporting the arts at Great Conversations happening Thursday, May 1, 2025 at Birchwood Manor in Whippany. In a world full of constant distraction from digital devices, this one-of-a-kind annual gala encourages guests to put their phones down and engage with one another face-to-face. The event runs from 6:00pm-9:30pm.
At Great Conversations, attendees are seated at dinner with one of 25 fascinating conversationalists. These individuals include an array of accomplished artists, prominent business leaders, influential media and communications executives, innovative food and wine entrepreneurs, esteemed scientists, and many more. Each conversationalist leads a discussion at their table about their field of expertise and encourages the guests seated with them to ask questions and share their own experiences. It’s a rare opportunity for attendees to unplug, make meaningful connections, and learn from one another.
“At its core, Great Conversations is about coming together and building community, a crucial part of our work at Morris Arts. We all spend so much time looking at screens and dealing with constant interruptions. It’s refreshing to take a step back and focus on connecting with each other in-person for an evening,” said Tom Werder, Morris Arts’ Executive Director.
L-R from Top: Jane Baj, PTC Therapeutics, Chantal Bilodeau, The Arts & Climate Initiative, Deborah Brevoort, Playwright and Opera Librettist, Scott Broadfoot, Broadfoot & Broadfoot art gallery, Chuck Cooper, Broadway Actor, Omar Crespo, Entrepreneur, Crypto Investor, and Global Strategist, Noelle Deihl-Harteveld, NJ PBS, Pamela Donovan, Ethan and the Bean, Gary Fisch, Gary’s Wine & Marketplace, Francis Giantomasi, CSG Law, Susan Hensley, Pfizer, Robin Kumoluyi, Thermo Fisher Scientific, Yina Moore, The Adams Theatre, Beth C. Natt, Atlantic Health System’s Goryeb Children’s Hospital, John Nosta, NostaLab. Brady O’Connor, FIFA World Cup 26 New York New Jersey™ Host Committee, Claudine Patel, Opella, Beth Roden, Bayer, Roger Smith, AIA, Gensler, Amy Shoremount-Obra, Operatic Soprano, Sanjay Subramanian, PwC, Joe Territo, NJ Hills Media Group, John Tompkins, JT’s Confections, and Steven Vitale, Valley Bank.
2025 Conversationalists: This year’s conversationalists include a Tony award-winning Broadway actor, a member of the FIFA World Cup 26 Host Committee, the founder of a technology think tank, an operatic soprano who has performed at the Met, and many more. Full bios for each conversationalist are available at morrisarts.org, where guests can also purchase tickets.
When purchasing tickets, guests select five conversationalists they are interested in sitting with at dinner. Upon arrival at Great Conversations, they find out which of their five choices they will be seated with. During the cocktail hour prior to dinner, guests have the opportunity to mingle with other conversationalists, colleagues, and community members while enjoying appetizers and an open bar.
Supporting the Arts: Proceeds from Great Conversations help Morris Arts continue their mission of building community through the arts in Morris County and beyond. The nonprofit provides quality arts education programs in schools, community arts events, and arts in health programming that make Morris County a great place to live, work, and play.
“Great Conversations is more than a fun night out. When you purchase tickets or sponsor the event, it truly makes a difference for our community,” said Dominique Tornabe, Morris Arts’ Director of Development and Marketing. “Through funds raised at Great Conversations, we facilitate community arts events like Pumpkin Illumination, the Arts in Health Breakfast, thought provoking exhibitions at the Atrium Gallery, programs for youth and seniors focused on the arts and wellness, and much more,” she continued.
Morris Arts would like to thank the following sponsors for generously supporting Great Conversations:
Premier: Community Builders
Conversationalists’ Reception: Finn Partners
Encore: Community Builders, Finn Partners, New Jersey Hills Media Group, NJ PBS, and Opella
Ovation: Mondelēz International, Valley Bank
Applause: Atlantic Health System, En Masse Coworking, Gensler, and PwC
Star: Morris County Chamber of Commerce, NK Architects, ShopRite of Greater Morristown, Sills Cummis & Gross, Viver Health, WB Wood, Melanie and Alan Levitan
Supporting Role: Consigli Construction, CSG Law, Kennedys Law, Kraus Marketing, Will Draper, Shital Kamble, Joanne and Tom McMillian, and Yahayra Mejorada
More information on Great Conversations is available at morrisarts.org where tickets are available for purchase.
Accessible parking spots are available by the main entrance of the venue and are marked accordingly. The main program portions of Great Conversations will be Open Captioned by TotalCaption. Those needing any other accommodations to attend should contact Dominique Tornabe at dtornabe@morrisarts.org.
Founded in 1973, Morris Arts has been building community through the arts for over 50 years. The nonprofit works to provide meaningful artistic experiences for all Morris County residents regardless of age, means, or background. They facilitate high-quality arts education programs for students, community arts events, and arts in health programs that improve participants’ well-being. Additionally, Morris Arts advocates for the arts and regrants state funds to local arts organizations, expanding access to arts experiences throughout Morris County.
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