Crepes & Connections: Serving Up Smiles at Rakuten Optimism
We brought the magic of made-to-order crepes to Rakuten Optimism 2025, one of the year’s biggest marketing events. From setup to sizzle, this post takes you behind the scenes of our crepe station as we served up warm bites, connected with attendees, and became an unexpected highlight of the day.
This May, I had the sweet pleasure of bringing the Crepe Valley experience to one of the biggest marketing events of the year—Rakuten Optimism 2025, held at the Omni La Costa Resort in Carlsbad, CA. With over 1,000 marketing professionals in attendance and a theme centered around "Fueling Meaningful Connections," the event buzzed with energy, insight, and innovation—and I was thrilled to serve up something delicious in the middle of it all.
The Setup: A Time-Lapse Transformation
I brought my full crepe station to life in a compact footprint—complete with custom signage, fresh ingredients, and a whole lot of heat (in the best way). The time-lapse video captured it all! It’s always fun to see a blank space turn into something that draws a crowd.
"Wait... are those fresh crepes?"
Yes. Yes, they were.
The Crowd: Crepes as Conversation Starters
Throughout the event, I served sweet and savory crepes to attendees between sessions, during networking breaks, and in the chill zones near other interactive experiences. One thing I love? Watching people bond over food—whether they were talking about AI, affiliate marketing, or which crepe to order.
The Experience: From Sizzle to Smile
I captured some great photos and moments attendees waiting in line, smiling mid-bite, and even filming their own stories. The scent of browning butter and vanilla hung in the air, and before long, I wasn’t just serving crepes, I was part of the event’s rhythm.
Why It Mattered
Rakuten’s theme was about creating connections that matter. And food, especially handmade on the spot, is one of the oldest (and best) ways to do just that. It was an honor to be a small part of that bigger picture and to see people take a pause in the middle of a busy event to enjoy something simple, warm, and made just for them.
Want to See It?
I’ll be sharing the time-lapse, some behind-the-scenes clips, and favorite crepe reactions on Instagram @crepevalley and TikTok . Stay tuned!
Daniela