provided to The Santiva Chronicle
SanCap Chamber business meeting lunch attendees are in for a rare treat on Wednesday, Dec. 10, when a special guest panel from Avalon Hill games introduces the new board game “Sanibel” during a soft launch at Sundial Beach Resort on Sanibel Island, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Bank of the Islands will be sponsoring the event.
The panel will consist of five players in the development process of “Sanibel,” a shelling-themed, tile-placement game for ages 10 and older. They will afford attendees a sneak peek at the game before it hits shelves in January. Sanibel artist and entrepreneur Rachel Pierce will moderate the discussion.
Panel member Elizabeth Hargrave is the award-winning designer of Wingspan, Undergrove, Tussie Mussie, and now “Sanibel.” Her games are often inspired by a love of nature and desire to show people cool things in the world. When she’s not gaming, you can find her hiking, birding, or collecting mushrooms in and around Washington, D.C.
Samy Ventura is the award-winning, multi-dispensary creative director on the brand development team at Avalon Hill, a division of Hasbro. She has over 15 years of experience in the toy and game industry, focusing on brand, package, and event design. When she is not designing, she is tending to her carnivorous plants collection.
Avalon Hill narrative designer and game writer Tess Hogan dreams up the worlds and words for board games. In her spare time, she reads and hikes.
Tori Helm, manager of global consumer marketing for Avalon Hill, is passionate about building brands that resonate on a human level by crafting marketing that feels authentic, meaningful, and deeply connected to consumers. With 17 years of experience across the toys, games, and travel industries, Helm finds “Sanibel” offers the perfect opportunity to blend creativity with her profound understanding of what brings people joy and connection. Outside of work, Helm enjoys spending time with family, friends, and her two dogs; watching college football; and exploring her love of interior design.
Michael Scurti took the position of global brand and product manager for Avalon Hill last year. He works closely with the creative, narrative, design, and marketing teams to bring new games from concept to game store. Out of the office, Scurti loves bringing people together and playing games from his own collection he has curated over the years.
“The Avalon team is promising a special surprise for the Dec. 10 meeting attendees,” said John Lai, SanCap Chamber president and chief executive officer. “We have loved working with the team for this moment, and it seems we’re not the only ones excited by a game that takes players on a shelling walk along Sanibel beaches. It appears the gaming community, too, anxiously awaits its exciting launch. Sanibel’s world-renowned shelling is about to get more famous!”
The SanCap Chamber business lunch is a monthly networking opportunity held at various member locations. The chamber strives to provide speakers to discuss business topics relevant to the membership. SanCap Chamber members receive meeting invitations by email. Cost for luncheon attendance is $35.
Advanced registration is required to attend; walk-ins are not accepted. Register by 5 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 5, at sanibel-captiva.org or by contacting Aaron Walton at aaron@sanibel-captiva.org or 239-472-8759. Payment is due upon registration.
ABOUT SANCAP CHAMBER
The SanCap Chamber is dedicated to promoting the prosperity of its members and preserving the quality of life of our community. The Chamber plays a key role in facilitating communication and cooperation between business, residents, and government to enhance the economic health of the islands. Its website, sanibel-captiva.org, receives over 1.3 million visits per year. For more information about the chamber, visit sanibel-captiva.org or contact John Lai, president and CEO, at 239-472-2348 or John@sanibel-captiva.org.