Workshop leaders (left to right) Ed Yanez, Amanda Nicassio, Carla Perez, Stephanie German, and Roman Rubio, marketing coordinator for Cocktails & Connections. Courtesy of Cocktails & Connections
published on July 9, 2026 – 1:42 PM
Written by Frank Lopez
Business and community leaders gathered June 24 at the Wyndham Garden Fresno Airport for a networking workshop hosted by Cocktails & Connections.
The event, titled “Growth Lab: A Business Workshop,” brought together entrepreneurs, executives and professionals to exchange ideas, discuss business growth strategies and build new connections.
Workshop presenters included:
Ed Yanez, owner of Only the Best Visuals
Stephanie German, owner of German Business Consulting
Amanda Nicassio, account executive with Dumont Printing
Sean Begen, educator at the Patiño School of Entrepreneurship
Cocktails & Connections describes itself as a community-focused event platform that brings professionals together through networking, storytelling, business, culture and collaboration. The organization was founded by Carla Perez, founder and CEO of Brightly Consultant in Fresno.
Event highlights
Photos from the event include:
Carla Perez, founder of Cocktails & Connections and CEO of Brightly Consultant.
Workshop leaders Ed Yanez, Amanda Nicassio, Carla Perez, Stephanie German and Roman Rubio, marketing coordinator for Cocktails & Connections.
Cocktails & Connections brought together professionals at the Wyndham Garden Fresno Airport on June 24, 2026. Courtesy of Cocktails & Connections 
Workshop leaders (left to right) Ed Yanez, Amanda Nicassio, Carla Perez, Stephanie German, and Roman Rubio, marketing coordinator for Cocktails & Connections. Courtesy of Cocktails & Connections 
A raffle winner at the networking event excitingly accepting one of the prizes. Courtesy of Cocktails & Connections