About this Event
Have you ever wondered why the smell of a particular food can instantly transport you to another place or time?
In this Spark Salon, flavor chemist Melissa Conklin explores the surprising science behind taste and scent, revealing how deeply our sensory experiences are intertwined with perception. Although we often think flavor comes from our taste buds alone, much of what we experience is created by the brain, which draws on smell, memory, emotion, expectation, and personal experience to shape what we taste.
Blending chemistry, neuroscience, and storytelling, Conklin explores why the same flavor can tell a different story to each of us. She reveals how taste and scent become intertwined with memory, emotion, culture, and identity, shaping not only what we experience but also the meaning we make of it.
5:00 p.m.: Doors open, reception
6:00 p.m.: Program begins promptly, doors close no late admittance
7:00 p.m.: Reception
Prior to the event you will receive an email from Unlikely Collaborators’ building registration system (coming from: [email protected]) to confirm your attendance and to offer pre-check in for the event. During the in-person check in process each attendee will be required to:
- Present a government-issued ID
- Take a photo for the building registration system
- Review and sign a general liability waiver and a house rules agreement (can be completed during pre-check in)
- Wear an event badge that displays your first name
No exceptions.
Attendance is complimentary, full and completed registration is required. Admission is granted on a first come, first served basis until capacity is reached. Doors open at 5:00pm and close promptly at 6:00pm. Late entry is not permitted as the event is being filmed and livestreamed.
Attendance is limited to individuals aged 16 and older.
No pets allowed (except for service animals), no outside food or beverages allowed.
Event venue & nearby stays
1520 2nd St, 1520 2nd Street, Santa Monica, United States
Concerts, fests, parties, meetups — all the happenings, one place.