These meeting photos courtesy of Brant Bender 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 Break From Reality" at The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe

These meeting photos courtesy of Brant Bender Photography

It was an afternoon getaway that reminds us why we live in Southern California… when a short drive north can lead back into the age of pastoral elegance just a few miles from the ocean and a million miles away from our worries and cares.

Our April meeting was a daytime event hosted by Director of Catering Marianna Ogando of The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe. Her Catering Team, led by Banquet Manager Tim St. Julien, produced a well-paced yet relaxing luncheon, with timing and service that was perfect for over 100 of our Affiliates and Caterers who relaxed in a secret getaway from their hectic daily pace.

The noon-time reception began on the patio with butler-passed Champagne, Ginger Chicken Salad, and decadent Brie in Papaya Quesadillas accompanied by the incredible flamenco guitar of the Anthony Garcia Trio. Some attendees chose to take a walking tour of the property and were treated to the fragrances of lush flowering gardens nestled amidst the distinctive old-world charm of the romantic Spanish-styled Inn.

Our speaker was Jorge Lopez, whose down-to-earth delivery and enthusiasm was perfect for an afternoon event. Jorge also presented a full morning session entitled "Generations: The World in Which We Sell", and his message appealed to both Affiliates and Caterers alike. Mike Hogan of Entertainment at Large was our emcee for the afternoon and provided all AV equipment.

For lunch we moved into the lovely Garden Room set with Gold Chivari chairs and tables draped to the floor with rich Champagne Linens that complimented the celadon and amber-accented decor. Beautiful yellow rose centerpieces were donated by Patrick Higgins of Artistic Florals, and the arrangements added Patrick's trademark "Essence of Zen" to the room.

Lunch was well-designed by Executive Chef John Beriker, and began with a duo of Soup and Salad featuring  Strawberries with Mesclun Mix, Feta Cheese, Roasted Pistachio, and Strawberry Vinaigrette, served along with Cream of Asparagus Soup. This was followed by Sundried Tomato-Basil Crusted Chilean Sea Bass with Mashed Potatoes and a Citrus Beurre Blanc Sauce. Dessert was Buttered Cookie Crust filled with Lemon Curd and topped with Italian Meringue. It had just the right amount of sugar to get us back on our feet for an afternoon at work, and the entire meal was designed to be eaten during a presentation, so there were very little interruptions of sliver on china.

We also had the pleasure of meeting General Manager Kerman Beriker who gave us a little history of his property. He presented his Executive Chef's Cookbook, and announced that we could pick up a free copy on the way out. It's not often that General Managers take time from their busy schedules to address us, let alone present gifts, and so we were equally honored to have the pleasure of meeting him. And just to perk up the rest of our afternoons, along with the cookbooks, we had spectacular and delicious "cupcakes to go" by Cupcakes Squared along with pastries by Le Chef Bakery. 

It was a wonderful afternoon that we won't soon forget… see you next month at The Westin Gaslamp when world-class Speaker and Chef, NACE Past President, Jerry Edwards shows us "The Many Facets of a Well-Rounded Chef". 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. 

1 Night Stay for two at the Inn at Rancho Santa Fe – Marianna Ogando

Gift Bag & $50 Gift Certificate for The Grove Pastry Shop – Teresa Johnson

5 Tickets to the Bahia Belle Cocktail Cruise – Tracey Amernick

$50 Gift Certificate to The Islands Sushi & Pupu Bar at the Crowne Plaza –  Laura Solong

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 

Spring has sprung and it’s my favorite time of year. What’s not to love about sunny days, daylight savings, and spring cleaning

 I also love the spring because NACE offers a new member discount. This is a great way to join an amazing association that helps to further your career, business and relationships. This year there is a $50 discount that applies to all new members. This discount is good until May 22 so be sure to take advantage of this special offer!

Your NACE board is excited to submit 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.  We are currently working hard to complete the award submission process but are confident that San Diego stands a good chance to outshine all other chapters. The winners are announced in July at the education conference.

Individual and Industry Awards are available as well. If you are interested in entering an event, you still have time to submit it for consideration! Please check out www.naceawards.com.

EXPERIENCE! is coming up in the month of July in Austin, Texas July 25th – 28th. If you attend, you will have the chance to network with hundreds of industry professionals from all over the country. You will also enjoy some of the best catered events that display the latest culinary trends, learn from innovative educational course taught by industry experts and so much more! Go to www.nace.net for more details. 

There are more great local NACE events coming in the following months, so please stay tuned for future our monthly meeting notices.  I hope to see you soon.

Membership News   by Melissa Darisay Thorpe

Greetings fellow San Diego NACE members!  We are 168 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 began..  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

Isn't it  wonderful meeting, networking and connecting with so many Event Professionals in one organization?

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.

Please sign up for the Event Professional Showcase being held in May at the Westin Gaslamp ~ call me at 619-593-7367 or email Merrylin@cox.net to reserve your space. Don’t miss this opportunity to show off your personality, expertise and unique business.  Your table is free and the exposure is priceless!!!

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

Brant Bender-Brant Bender Photography

Brant is a devoted family man who moved to the Poway, San Diego area in 1978.  He graduated Poway High School in 1988 and then Long Beach State University in 1993, with a Sociology degree.

In high school he met the love of his life, Rachel.  They have been married for over 14 years, have three beautiful children, ages 12, 10 and 5.  Added to that busy mix are Taylor and Walsh, a Golden Retreiver and Chesapeake Bay Retreiver.

His family dedication involves coaching baseball teams, car pool dad for dance and gymnastic classes, playing on the school playground at recess and even helping out in the classrooms.  He enjoys watching baseball, playing golf and traveling.

He is a dedicated member of the McCarthy Family Foundation, serving as VP for five of his last 14 years on the board. The foundation grants monies to San Diego County for HIV/AIDS research, education and direct services, assistance to homeless people, K-12 science education and prevention and treatment for child abuse victims.
We respect him for all of these attributes and truly enjoy his incredible talent behind the lens of a camera.  We welcomed a very nice guy, Brant Bender, photographer extraordinaire.

Kevin Viner-Kevin Viner Magic and Illusion

Kevin is a talented person who began his interest in magic when he received a small magic set for his fifth birthday.  By age 15, he had begun performing for corporate events and adult private parties.

Around the same time, he was accepted into the Junior Program of the Academy of Magic Arts & Sciences, commonly known as the Magic Castle.  As one of the small handful of applicants accepted each year, he received training from some of the best magicians in the industry. 

He holds a degree in Mathematics from the University of CA, Irvine and makes his living performing magic for corporate and private parties.  He has been featured many times on the network television show Masters of Illusion as well as on international TV shows.

In his free time, he enjoys creating new routines, listening to music, studying psychology and memory techniques, playing the piano and guitar.

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.

We successfully completed our spring community service project with the Second Chance program that provides people in need with training for job interviews and helps them attain employment, temporary housing and career clothing. I would like to thank everyone who graciously went through their closets and donated career clothing for those who need a helping hand to start over in life. We collected a large amount of clothing at our April meeting at the Inn at Rancho Santa Fe. If anyone forgot to pick up their receipt for their donation, let me know and I can mail one to you.

I am excited about our next community service project with the San Diego Food Bank. (www.sandiegofoodbank.org ) They distribute 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. It is a lot of fun to work as a team, you leave feeling good in your heart that you were able to donate a few hours to help your community for the Food Bank depends on volunteers to help keep it running. I will be posting some dates soon for you to choose a time to help out at the Food Bank.  

If you have any community service projects that are of interest to you, please let me know. Everyone can be service oriented by performing random acts of kindness as you go about your week.

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

Clint Griggs-Lounge Appeal

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