These meeting photos courtesy of  Xavier Baily 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 April 2010 Meeting  by Chris Agrippe, CPCE

"Lunch and Elegance " at The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe

These meeting photos courtesy of  Xavier Baily Photography

Timeless, classic and elegant, the lobby of the Westgate Hotel is a magnificent re-creation of one of the anterooms at the Palace of Versailles, and it was here that NACE members and guests mingled and met to the lilting strains of harpist Tasha Smith and enjoyed butler-passed Heirloom Tomato Bruschetta, Goat Cheese Crostini with Basil, and Babe Farms Artichoke Hearts with Parmesan Reggiano.  Before dinner, we had the opportunity to explore some of the myriad of rooms and found to our delight that the entire hotel is graced with luxurious antiques and treasures such as paintings by Boucher, Fragonard and Gainsborough… the experience was like drifting into a Fabergé Egg adorned with golden cherubs and tapestries… all nestled in the heart of Downtown San Diego.

The Versailles Ballroom was set for dinner with luxurious fabrics accented by warm lighting, and the room absolutely glowed with comfort and goodwill as hues of gold and silver twinkled from magnificent chandeliers of hand-cut Baccarat crystal. Patrick Higgins of Artistic Florals used Yellow and White Ranunculus Florals which blended perfectly with the room.

Our speaker for the evening was Anita Boen of "Slow Food Urban San Diego", and her message was as simple and organic as the movement she represents.

Food should be 1) Good for you, 2) Good for the people who grow it, 3) Good for the planet, and 4) Reconnect regional food traditions. "In short, Slow Food is an idea, a way of living, and a way of eating." The Slow Food Urban San Diego website is www.slowfoodurbansandiego.org, and their goal is to create a dramatic and lasting change in our local food system by educating our community about the plants, animals, fertile soils and waters that produce our food.

The banquet team, lead by Catering Manager Rachael Osgood, performed a ballet of synchronized service with perfectly-timed courses. Executive Chef Fabrice Hardel locally-sourced as much of his produce as possible and presented a delightful Red & Green Pear Salad with Belgian Endive from Frog Hollow Farms, with Maytag Blue Cheese and Balsamic Dressing. The Truffled Petite Filet Mignon was accompanied with Haricot Vert & Pancetta Fricassee and Wild Mushroom Bordelaise from Weiser Family Farms, and the Potato Gratin was simply flawless. Dessert was a presentation equal to it’s setting, and the Westgate's French Pastry Chef Sylvan made one of the creamiest Crème Fraiche Cheesecakes that we've ever tasted. It was drizzled with Passion Fruit Caramel and served with a Blood Orange Sorbet from Petaluma, California. Wines were donated by the Dana Hotel, and of course, the ever-present beers of Stone were represented by Arlan Arnsten of Stone Brewing.

The first quarter of this year's NACE meetings have each held their own special magic and have certainly set the standard for creativity, education, and networking. As we begin our second quarter, please plan on joining us in April at the picturesque Inn at Rancho Santa Fe for our special daytime seminar and lunch where speaker Jorge Lopez's topics  will be "Generations: The World in Which We Sell", and "Communicating Sales Success". We hope to see you there!

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. 

Brunch for 2 at the Westgate Hotel – Compliments of Rachel Osgood, Westgate Hotel

2 tickets to the Steven Birch Aquarium – Melissa Darisay Thorpe, Eurobar

A Girl Scout Cookie Gift Pack – Nancy Changnon Baron, The French Gourmet

Gift Basket and $50 Gift Certificate for The Grove Pastry Shop – Teresa Johnson, The Grove Pastry Shop

Hand Held Video Camera – Toby Russell, www.TobyRussell.com

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

Membership News   by Melissa Darisay Thorpe

Greetings fellow San Diego NACE members!  We are 169 members strong this month.  Thank you very much for your continued support of our chapter.

 
Spring is in the air, and in celebration starting Monday, March 22^nd our annual Spring Membership Campaign begins.  So make sure to get the word out to all your peers who have shown interest in joining our great group of catering and event professionals that they can do so and get $100.00 off their membership.  Details are posted on the front page of our website.  New member discount is valid only March 22 – May 21, 2010.

In tandem with the NACE National Spring Membership Campaign, 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! 

You get to enjoy one free monthly dinner program, your referral gets to enjoy $100.00 off their membership (as long as they sign up by May 21, and NACE gets another catering or event professional member added to the ranks of the association. 

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. This rate is not part of the $100.00 Spring membership discount.

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

It was wonderful meeting, introducing and working with so many Event Professionals in 2009! 

I'm the person who can enable you to showcase your unique style and business in front of NACE members ~ help me exceed expectations by your involvement and commitment!  My goal is to create interest and business for you ~ all I need is your willingness to succeed and active participation in all opportunities presented to Event Professionals.

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!

Member Spotlight

Xavier Bailey Photography

Xavier Bailey is a photographer, artist and storyteller.  He lives in Escondido with his 14 year old daughter.  He’s engaged to marry a beautiful artist, with whom they have a lovely 7 year old daughter . His life is beautiful, happy and fulfilling.  He also enjoys creating abstract fine art photographs and has participated in several gallery shows. Although he’s no longer a bass guitartist in a band, he still plays whenever he can, just for fun.  He’s been photographing for over 15 years, specializing in weddings as a full time business for the last four years.  He’s been an active NACE member since August 2009.  Xavier also took the pictures at the March NACE event so everyone please check out his unique style on the web site!

Grant Brickner: Complete Music Service

Grant Brickner has been a DJ for over 30 years and the owner of Complete Music Service since 1993.  A native Californian, hailing from Huntington Beach, Grant grew up surfing the shores of California.  He served in the U.S.A.F. for ten years.  He has tried many avenues of work, including a short but unfulfilling career as a stand up comedian, using his 104 voice impressions.

He and his wife Nancy just celebrated their 10th wedding anniversary.  They have three “boys”:a Siberian Husky, a Dashshund and a cat.

While some people mistake his long hair as a fashion statement, it is actually part of his practiced religious belief as a member of the Native American Church.   Specifically, he follows the teachings of Lakota Sioux Tribe from Pine Ridge, South Dakota.  He is also a Northern Tradition Dancer at powwows and supports many Native American causes.  Last year, he and Nancy adopted and pledged their support of a Lakota family of 14.  Grant says, “it is unquestionably the most fulfilling an rewarding decision we’ve ever made”. He’s been a NACE member for two years and really enjoys every meeting.

Want to get your face and company product in front of the NACE attendees?  It’s easy .  Please call Merrylin at 619-593-7367 or email Artistic-Productions@cox.net to get yourself on the upcoming schedule.   I’m lining up showcasers for 2010 ~ don’t miss this wonderful opportunity to shine, to sell, to succeed!

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.

It is always rewarding to give and make a difference in someone’s life. NACE is proud to give back to the community with our time, donations and money to help our fellow neighbors. There will be several exciting ways we will do this in the coming year starting with springtime. 

We have chosen an organization called Second Chance, which was founded 17 years ago to assist men, women and youth who need a second chance in life. Perhaps they were homeless, unemployed, coming out of incarceration or just needed a helping hand to start again. Second Chance provides a two year program that helps with job readiness and attitude training, job placement, affordable housing, counseling and support services.

They need clothing items for their job interview and to wear for their new employment. We always feel more confident when we know we are dressed well so help Second Chance give a helping hand to those who are brave enough to start again.

As you do your spring cleaning, go through your closets and donate any of your business attire to the Second Chance Program.

We will be collecting your items at the April 13th daytime meeting at The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe, so bring your items in a plastic bag. Thank you so much. Here is their website for more information http://www.secondchanceprogram.org/history.html

Items needed: this is just a guideline – any professional attire will be great.

• Women’s professional attire
• White, beige & light color blouses (all sizes)
• Black and navy blue women pumps (sizes 7 through 11)
• Women’s nylons sheer black/flesh (all sizes)
• Men's suites: black, navy blue, gray & brown
• Men's dress white shirts (medium, large, x large, 2x)
• Men's black and dark brown shoes (all sizes)
• Solid black, navy blue & brown men’s ties
• Men’s socks- black & brown
• Hair brushes & combs
• Tooth Paste/ tooth Brushes (medium & hard)
• Disposable Razors
If you have any questions or ideas for community service, please contact me at deborah@deborahyoung.com or 619-239-3306. Thank you.

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

President's Report  by Angie Kemp, CPCE 

Welcome to 2010. Planning events that meet our industry’s high standards is especially challenging  in this tough economy but I have enjoyed the process, and hope that you have been able to enrich your company and career through the education and contacts you've developed.

Looking forward to 2010, I am excited for the programs that have been planned thus far. We will focus heavily on education and networking with a goal to create strong and educated leaders in this industry. Your selected board is excited and committed to serve you in the coming year.

The  San Diego Chapter of NACE is a team effort and I am looking forward to all of us working together, facing the economic challenges, and pulling through to have an incredibly successful year.

New Members

Welcome to Our Newest Members in 2010

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