These meeting photos courtesy of Stewart Bertrand Photography

Click on this camera icon, over there to the left, to view the pics of the meeting.  and thanks to these sponsors for their contribution to our meeting:

Our July 2010 Meeting  by Chris Agrippe, CPCE

"Is we Chic, or is we ain't?" at The Red Circle

These meeting photos courtesy of Stewart Bertrand Photography

NACE members and friends joined the "downtown-after-work-chic"  set on July 14 at as we wound down from a busy Tuesday and did what we do best… meet, mingle and schmooz. Our chapter can take socializing to an art form, and the evening was designed to simply let it roll.

The Red Circle is located in one of the most desirable areas of San Diego's famous Gaslamp Quarter and offers 5,000 square feet of space that's perfect for events of all sizes featuring two large main rooms, a raised private VIP area, and an outdoor smoking patio.  The Red Circle provides party planners with many different options for private and semi-private events, and the San Diego nightlife is all the better for it.

We snacked on some of the more popular offerings from Red Circle's dinner menu including Shrimp & Scallop Ceviche, Chicken Lettuce Wraps, Hummus & Pita Triangles, Shrimp Quesadillas, and Skewers of Aged Ribeye, Sweet N Sour Shrimp, Chicken & Green Onion, and Vegetarian Caprese. The Dinner Station had Caesar Salad, Spinach & Artichoke Dip, Pink Vodka Pasta with Salmon and some of the finest Mini Cupcakes, Mini Fresh Fruit Tarts, Mini Éclairs, and Brownies we've ever tasted. (Provided by Teresa Johnson of Grove Pastry Shop)

The Specialty Drink Station was a signature Frozen Lemonade Bar featuring Classic, Strawberry, Mango, and Wild Berry non-alcoholic icy and refreshing lemonades (Provided by David Wasserman of Joes on the Nose)

Mobile Music Video DJ Spencer Bezy kept the vibe switched to "Happening" as he seamlessly mixed music videos from the '60's through '10's.  From the Doors to GaGa and all the sounds in-between, DJ Spencer made fabulous use of the Red Circle's EAW Avalon sound system, which allowed us to enjoy studio quality surround sound throughout the entire club. He kept the 3 large plasma screens filled with action, as the evening pulsed on into the night.

Our program for the evening was networking, and NACE members were the stars, as new and old business acquaintances were made and renewed. Some of the best techniques for starting a conversation: Look for ways that your resources and talents can help fulfill colleagues' personal and professional goals.

Think of networking as teaching what you're good at. Introduce people to one another. Explain what you do in a way that starts a conversation. Use conversations as a way to exchange business cards. That "always on" attitude is an important step toward making new contacts that can help build your business and career. "You never know when an opportunity will present itself, and when it does, you have to be ready and willing to act!"

Our next event will be filled with even more networking opportunities as NACE sets sail on August 3rd for the 6th Annual Summer Hospitality Industry Party aboard on of Hornblower's Yachts on Spectacular San Diego Bay. Come with plenty of business cards and dressed for FUN!!!

Raffle Kudos  by Spencer Bezy

You can get all kinds of visibility AND give to a good cause. Your raffle donations raise money for both the needy and our chapter scholarships.  We'll give you lots of special mention, and the membership can sample your product too.  We appreciate that. 

If you would like to make a raffle donation, and receive special mention and recognition at the dinner as well as here on the web site, contact email Spencer Bezy . 858-538-5740

President's Report  by Angie Kemp, CPCE 

Your NACE board has submitted the San Diego Chapter for two national awards; Chapter of the Year and Program of the Year. Your continued support and participation is the key to this success and we want to thank you for making the San Diego Chapter one of the best.  The winners are announced in July at the education conference, and many representitives of your board will be attending.

If you'd like to see all the other chapters and individuals and what they've presented for award consideration, click here.

EXPERIENCE! is where we're at right now,  in Austin, Texas July 25th – 28th.  Hundreds of industry professionals from all over the country, some of the best catered events, the latest culinary trends, and innovative educational courses taught by industry experts are just some of what's offered every year.! Go to www.nace.net for more details. 

See you soon.

Membership News   by Melissa Darisay Thorpe

Greetings fellow San Diego NACE members!  We are 160 members strong this month.  Thank you very much for your continued support of our chapter.

San Diego NACE is pleased to announce our 2010 Membership Referral Program.  When you refer someone and they join NACE, you receive one complimentary monthly dinner program.  This is a win/win for all involved! 

When you have referred someone for membership, please email me at melissa@eurobarespresso.com and let me know the name of the person you’ve referred.  I will let you know as soon as they actually join NACE and you will get to enjoy the next month’s dinner program at no charge!

Also, please note that we have a new membership category:  Young Professional Member.   Annual dues are $195.00.  This membership is limited to those individuals under 25 years of age who are employed or self-employed in or who supply the catering, event, or hospitality industries. This rate is not retroactive for current under 25 years of age members, but applies to new or renewing young professionals.

Visit NACE to join online or Contact me at 619/295-2511 or via email at  melissa@eurobarespresso.com if you have any changes to your contact information, need a name badge, changing properties, questions, or have issues of concern.  See you often in 2010...right?

Event Professionals Corner  by Merrylin Brichmann

The feedback from last month’s Event Professional Showcase has been really, really wonderful! I so appreciate the kudos and thanks again to everyone who participated and totally got the “zen” theme in their displays.  Hopefully we’ll have one more joint Showcase later this year!

If you want to showcase your business such as the members showcased below,  at a  monthly meeting, please call 619-593-7367 or email me at Artistic-Productions@cox.net so I can get you on the upcoming schedule.  Happy Networking!

I want to thank everyone who participated in NACE’s Tuesday, May 11th Event Professional Showcase. 

Well be doing another one soon. Meanwhile, contact me to ensure that you have an opportunity to showcase yourself at an upcoming meeting. please call 619-593-7367 or email me at Artistic-Productions@cox.net so I can get you on the upcoming schedule.

Community Service by  Deborah Young

The NACE charter provides for us the inspiration to give back to our community. Each year, we create several events and opportunities for our members to participate in fundraising for worthy causes, and our chapter.

Everyone had such a meaningful time volunteering at the San Diego Food Bank (www.sandiegofoodbank.org ) in June that we want to do it again in September or October. The Food Bank distributes around 10 million pounds of food each year to those in need. They have a huge warehouse of food that needs to be sorted, packed and boxed. The Food Bank depends on volunteers to help keep it running and we want to help them out again so please let me know if you are interested, dates will be posted soon.

Board members and Isabella Baron volunteered on Wednesday June 9th, packing food into boxes on a conveyer belt. We packed 780 boxes to go to seniors at 30 lbs each, so 23,400 lbs of food were packed. The money went to the Food Bank.We all enjoyed working together and meeting new people plus the joy of helping out the Food Bank and our community.

You have another chance to give back to our community in the fall by helping out with The Pajama Program (http://www.pajamaprogram.org/Chapters/CA_SanDiego.html) which provides new pajamas and new books to children in need, many who are waiting and hoping to be adopted. Thousands of the children they serve live in group homes and shelters and are shuffled often between temporary living facilities???. Many of them have been abused or abandoned,??? and have never enjoyed the simple comfort of having a mother or father tuck them in at bedtime and read to them. Since 2001 they have provided more than 500,000 pajamas and books to children in need nationwide???. Please help these children by purchasing new pajamas, all sizes and/or books for them. We will be collecting them at our October meeting. If you want to drop them off before then contact me, Deborah Young at 619-239-3306.

Community Service is a great way to volunteer for the chapter. Take a look at some of the great things we've done over the years. Call or email me if you'd like to join my team. deborah@deborahyoung.com

Welcome to our newest members in 2010

Jose Curiel-Handlery Hotel

Charles Wolford-Hilton San Diego

Earl Henry-My DJ'S

Anna Geiss- The Westgate

Stewart Marcano-Stewart Bertrand Photography

Meighen Snow-Mystic Snow Photography

Clint Griggs-Lounge Appeal

Lynda Earnest-San DIego Marriott Hotel and Marina

Janette Lampe-Kaiser Permanente

Anthony Paventi- US Foodservice Inc. San Diego

Jose Ramirez-Backdrops Beautiful

Nancy Stevens- Nancy Stevens Wedding Flowers

Robin Torre- Humphreys Half Moon Inn and Suites

Jarrod Williams-W San Diego Hotel

Kate Glenn- Abbey Catering and Event Design

Diogo Andrade- www.weddingguitarssandiego.com

Laura Parsons-Connect

Francisco Chairez-Mobile Photo Booth

Kristen Peele-Kristen Peele Photography

Lauren Lisker -SDSU Catering

Mariana Ogando-The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe

Jean Iuculano-The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe

Toby Russell-Velocity Webcasting

Samantha Espland- SDSU

Amy Hutchins SDSU

Brittanie Martinez-SDSU

Laura Parsons-Connect

Natalie Soulard- SDSU

Erik Waage- Blue Skies Cinema

Sara Wolf- SDSU

Brianna Kebo- CQ Mixers

If you know a prospective member who could benefit from NACE,  and through whom our chapter could benefit, please direct them to our website, and to the Membership Chair  melissa@eurobarespresso.com

Facility Description:
Developed and owned by the city of Carlsbad and managed by KemperSports, The Crossings at Carlsbad features an 18-hole, Greg Nash-designed golf course that debuted in August 2007. The championship- layout, ranked among GOLF Magazine's "Top 10 New Courses You Can Play," winds through a coastal terrain highlighted by views of the Pacific Ocean and surrounding shoreline. A 28,000-square-foot clubhouse features a fully stocked golf shop, Canyons restaurant with accompanying banquet facilities, a spacious dining room equipped with a full-service kitchen and an outdoor deck with ocean views. The Crossings at Carlsbad also features an extensive, fully lighted practice facility in addition to public trails linked to the city's extensive Trail System.

Job Summary/General Description:

Qualified candidate will be responsible for driving corporate banquet events and golf tournament food and beverage requirements while implementing the goals and objectives set forth in the Sales and Marketing Plan.  The ideal candidate will bring existing relationships with local corporate clients, meeting planners, Chamber of Commerce and San Diego and North County Convention and Visitors Bureaus.  Candidate will be directly responsible for the overall management and success of events through communication within all appropriate departments.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Create prospect list and conduct research calls to generate sales leads
• Research competition and current market conditions on a continuing basis
• Make appropriate site inspections and outside sales calls
• Maintain both hard copy and electronic client databases
• Update facility websites and send electronic newsletters as needed.
• Manage social networking sites Twitter, Facebook, etc.
• Will attend weekly meetings, such as Banquet Event Order Meeting & Marketing Meetings

Qualifications & Other Basic Knowledge Requirements:

• Bachelor's Degree in Business, Communications or Hospitality preferred.
• Minimum of 2 years applicable sales experience in the catering and golf industry
• Demonstrate excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills
• Must be proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint
• Solid organization and prioritization skills
• Ability to efficiently navigate the web and manage electronic files
• Ability to analyze and solve problems; efficiently handle multiple duties under pressure
• Positive attitude, professional manner and appearance in all situations

                 KemperSports is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Looking for a driven sales person.  Must be outgoing and enthusiastic.  Must work well in a social atmosphere as well as independently.  Self-motivation and organization are a necessity.  Must be proficient in Microsoft Suite, knowledgeable in social media and marketing experience is a plus.  Duties include sales, negotiating contracts, administrative tasks, networking, marketing and presentations.  For more information on the company please visit www.musicasyoulikeit.com .  Compensation is salary plus comissions.  Please contact Keith Danon with Music As You Like It for more information at 619-223-5732 or mayli@musicasyoulikeit.com

Set amidst swaying palms and lush gardens the Crowne Plaza San Diego is

Mission Valley’s tropical hidden treasure.

Our recent renovation coupled with the addition of a new ballroom makes this an exciting time for a Catering Sales Manager to join our team.

We are seeking a dynamic professional with 3 plus years hotel Catering Sales experience in both Corporate & Social Markets.

• Team player with demonstrated Sales Drive and People Skills.
• Must demonstrate excellent written, verbal & interpersonal communication skills
• Proficiency in DELPHI and Microsoft Office Outlook, Word and Excel.
• Knowledge of Menu Planning, Food & Beverage
• Flexible Schedule
• Diana Roger
  Director of Catering
  Crowne Plaza San Diego
  2270 Hotel Circle North
  San Diego, CA 92108
  Ph: 619-819-7133
  Fx: 619-297-0555
  e-mail: droger@cp-sandiego.com
  

Facility Description:
Developed and owned by the city of Carlsbad and managed by KemperSports, The Crossings at Carlsbad features an 18-hole, Greg Nash-designed golf course that debuted in August 2007. The championship- layout, ranked among GOLF Magazine's "Top 10 New Courses You Can Play," winds through a coastal terrain highlighted by views of the Pacific Ocean and surrounding shoreline. A 28,000-square-foot clubhouse features a fully stocked golf shop, Canyons restaurant with accompanying banquet facilities, a spacious dining room equipped with a full-service kitchen and an outdoor deck with ocean views. The Crossings at Carlsbad also features an extensive, fully lighted practice facility in addition to public trails linked to the city's extensive Trail System.

Job Summary/General Description:

Qualified candidate will be responsible for driving corporate banquet events and golf tournament food and beverage requirements while implementing the goals and objectives set forth in the Sales and Marketing Plan.  The ideal candidate will bring existing relationships with local corporate clients, meeting planners, Chamber of Commerce and San Diego and North County Convention and Visitors Bureaus.  Candidate will be directly responsible for the overall management and success of events through communication within all appropriate departments.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Create prospect list and conduct research calls to generate sales leads
• Research competition and current market conditions on a continuing basis
• Make appropriate site inspections and outside sales calls
• Maintain both hard copy and electronic client databases
• Update facility websites and send electronic newsletters as needed.
• Manage social networking sites Twitter, Facebook, etc.
• Will attend weekly meetings, such as Banquet Event Order Meeting & Marketing Meetings

Qualifications & Other Basic Knowledge Requirements:

• Bachelor's Degree in Business, Communications or Hospitality preferred.
• Minimum of 2 years applicable sales experience in the catering and golf industry
• Demonstrate excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills
• Must be proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint
• Solid organization and prioritization skills
• Ability to efficiently navigate the web and manage electronic files
• Ability to analyze and solve problems; efficiently handle multiple duties under pressure
• Positive attitude, professional manner and appearance in all situations

                 KemperSports is an Equal Opportunity Employer

        HARD ROCK HOTEL SAN DIEGO: As authentic, passionate, irreverent and unpredictable as music itself.
      
        Hard Rock Hotel San Diego is auditioning for professional, out going, and outrageous personalities to fill the roll of full time Director of Catering to oversee the Catering team in preparation of hotel functions with a seamless turnover through communication and coordination with events, sales, hotel departments and customer. Apply at https://careers.hardrockhotelsd.com/detail.asp?tar839
      
        ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
        -Train, supervise and work with all Catering and Group Sales staff in order to solicit and book Group Rooms & Catering functions resulting in customer satisfaction and profitability according to the Signature Service Standards. Utilizing Strategic Sales Planning & Probing Process.
        -Ensures compliance with Hard Rock Standards to maintain brand integrity. Helps build customer loyalty through product and service excellence. Recommends specific Hotel improvements of services for banquet and catering clients, resulting in greater group bookings and client satisfaction.
        -Consistently analyzes and manages opportunities to maximize group revenues for the Hotel. Ensures event associates strive to meet or exceed customer expectations.
        -Analyze business opportunities on a daily basis via revenue management daily meeting. Sign off on all group & Catering proposals.
        -Responsible for completion of all end of month reports. Formulate and make revisions to annual and monthly forecasts.
        -Schedule and assigns in detail, specific duties to all employees under supervision for the efficient operation of the Catering Sales Department, coverage of functions in accordance with productivity standards.
        -Conduct weekly one-on-one meeting & Key Success Factor review for Catering Sales team.
        -Conducts and attends BEO, stand ups and operational meetings.
      
        In addition to performance of the essential functions, this position may be required to perform a combination of the following supportive functions, with the percentage of time performing each function to be solely determined by the supervisor based upon the particular requirements of the Hotel.
        -Maintains vacation schedule for proper staffing.
        -Performs other duties as requested, such as attending outside VIP parties and social events.
        -Attend staff, and other Hotel meetings.
      
        Ideal candidate must have two years combined prior catering, event management and group sales supervisory experience preferred. Minimum of one year supervisory experience or 2 years comparable catering, hospitality or related experience to similar size hotel.
      
        The individual must possess the following knowledge, skills and abilities and be able to explain and demonstrate that he or she can perform the essential functions of the job, with or with reasonable accommodation, using some other combination of skills and abilities.
        -Thorough knowledge of food and beverage products, proper preparation and presentation of foods and beverage items.
        -Must have working knowledge of MS Word, Excel, DELPHI.
        -Ability to effectively deal with internal and external customers, some of whom will require high levels of patience, tact and diplomacy to defuse anger, collect accurate information and resolve conflicts.
      
        Equal Opportunity Employe

Job Opportunity: Wedding Designer and Decorator
Job Title/ Responsibilities:

To create beautiful and creative wedding designs for todays unique brides.  Meeting the  financial goals of the company and surpassing the customers expectations.   This is a career opportunitty to become part of a growing company where excellence is appreciated and compensated.

Education/ Experience:
Minimum of 3-5 years of  experience in designing and decorating wedding cakes.  Experience to include fondant, three dimensional, and designs from your own imagination and our clients.  Be able to work with a team,  flexible, and willing to embrace a challenge with a can do attitude.

Resume can be submitted by e-mail to grovepastryshop@sbcglobal.net

We offer competitive pay & benefits.


Teresa Johnson
Owner/Manager

Direct: 619-466-3277 | Fax: 619-466-3279

3308 Main Street, Lemon Grove, Ca 91945

<-- Return to list

210 Room Hilton Hotel with beautiful views of San Diego Bay seeking an experienced Catering Manager to maximize revenues and exceed guest expectations.

 Job description:

Candidate will  be responsible for the following:
*Develop and implement strategies to increase business.
*Act as a liaison between client and operating departments to ensure a successful event and complete customer satisfaction.
*Develop the local catering market with heavy focus on Social Catering (Weddings, Receptions, Dinners, etc...). 
*Solicitation of new customer relationships while maintaining existing ones with social and corporate markets.   


Job Requirements:

The ideal candidate will possess:
*2 years of catering management experience with Corporate, Wedding and Social Segments.
 *Catering Knowledge  and experience with Local San Diego Market
*Excellent communication and negotiation skills.
*Ability to multi task while maintaining a positive and professional manner at all times.
*Creativity and problem solving skills.
*Proficiency in STS/Delphi
*Menu planning for guest satisfaction while ensuring maximum profitability.
*Demonstrated Successful upselling techniques.
*Flexible Schedule

Candidates should forward resumes to ruby.mendoza@hilton.com
or Fax to (619) 542-5115

If you would like to apply in person we accept applications between the hours of
10am – 4pm Monday through Friday.  

The Hilton Harbor Island is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Job Opportunity: Director of Catering – La Costa Resort and Spa

Job Title/ Responsibilities:

To create an environment and culture of leaders with dynamic selling skills and asense of customer urgency that meets the financial needs of the organization and surpasses the customer expectations. Directs the day-to-day Catering department to achieve the property mission and goals. Actively defines, refines, and continuously improves processes, systems, and performances to foster an environment of leadership, innovation, education, and growth of each individual team member.

Education/ Experience:
Minimum of 3-5 years of Director Catering experience in high volume hotel/resort operations. CCE, CMP, CMM, Culinary Degrees a plus. Excellent computer skills

For a full job description and resume submission you must apply at http://www.lacosta.com/job-application.aspx

We offer competitive pay & benefits.

EOE/M/F/V/H. We are A Drug Free Workplace


Deborah Batchie, PHR

Employment Manager

Direct: 760.931.7596 | Fax: 760.929.6305

2100 Costa del Mar Road, Carlsbad, CA 92009