These meeting photos courtesy of ABI 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 May 2010 Meeting  by Chris Agrippe, CPCE

"Showcasing our Affiliates and Jerry Speaks!" at The Westin San Diego Downtown

These meeting photos courtesy of ABI Photography

The best benefits of NACE can only be found at our monthly meetings… and if you missed the Westin Gaslamp Quarter meeting on May 11th, you missed a great night out! Business relationships blossomed as we networked and enjoyed butler-passed hors ‘d oeuvres during Merrylin Brichmann's first Event Professional Showcase of 2010!  Thanks to Merrylin's organizational skills and the dedication of our business members, everyone met over thirty of our chapter’s Event Professionals. Their products ranged from state-of-the-art sound and decor, to inspirational magic, and all of the incredible edibles that a busy caterer could eat, drink, and/or carry home.

At 6:30pm, we were seated for dinner in the California Ballroom at tables set with sumptuous spring-themed florals by Patrick Higgins of Artistic Florals. Patrick incorporated hydrangea, calla lily, and cymbidium orchids in arrangements that were low enough for ease of conversation, an important consideration when planning a business meeting. Table linens complimented the Westin's earth-toned decor and were provided by Concepts Event Design. Sage Green Pin Tuck floor-length fabrics draped the tables and were anchored by deep rich Bronze Chargers, and Mahogany Chiavaris. The entire scene was one of warmth and elegance, professionally-staged by PSAV Presentation Services.

The Banquet and Culinary Team lead by Westin Gaslamp Director of Catering- Susan Conway, Banquet Manager- Arno Honcelaar, and Executive Chef- Joan Kosowalski designed and served a perfect spring dinner, and emcee Duffy Fainer of Voice by Duffy did a great job of keeping the meeting running smoothly.

Chef Joan began with a salad of Arugula & Watercress, Cucumber, Mandarin Oranges and Spiced Almonds topped with an intriguing Ginger-Infused Yuzu Vinaigrette. Her entrée reflected the transition of Winter into Spring, with Togarashi-seared Tenderloin, Roasted Shiitake  Mushrooms and Pomegranate Soy Glaze. Dessert was a refreshingly-light Vanilla Crème Cake with Tropical Fruits generously provided by Michel Malecot of The French Gourmet. And just in case we didn't have enough energy for the ride home, the great folks at EuroBar provided steaming lattes and cappuccinos to be enjoyed with Magical Toffee's signature sweets.

Duffy also presented our dinner speaker, Celebrity Chef and Past-National President of NACE, Jerry Edwards, CPCE. Jerry's catering company, located in Baltimore Maryland has won over 30 Culinary Awards and was just recognized as Caterer of the Year by the Maryland Restaurant Association. His presentation was titled "The Profit Minded Chef", and Jerry shared some of the principles from a successful Chef-Owner's point of view. "Bring the Chef out of the Kitchen" during menu proposals. "Everyone loves Chefs right now... they're one of the hottest items on television. Even if your Chef is shy or kitchen-bound, get them to change their tunic, come out and say "hello". When designing menus, always consult your Chef to see what is already on the menu, what is in season and therefore less expensive, or what the Chef may be willing to sell at a discounted price. If you already have a definite Saturday event, that menu should become the menu that you sell for the entire weekend. This simplifies purchasing, and reduces labor and food costs. And finally, remember that you bank dollars not percentage points. Food cost can be irrelevant if the profit supports it".

An evening that showcases the talents of so many members requires a huge commitment and lots of teamwork… and that’s what NACE is all about; a group of professionals joining together to provide Networking and Education, and having a whole lot of fun while they’re doing it! See you next month on Tuesday June 8th at The San Diego Zoo for Teambuilding and the New Elephant Odyssey! See you then!

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 with Parking and Breakfast – Westin Gaslamp Quarter San Diego – Compliments of Susan Conway

Gift Basket and $50 gift Card from The Grove Pastry Shop – Compliments of Teresa Johnson

5 tickets to the Bahia Belle Cocktail Cruise – Compliments of Tracey Amernick – Bahia Resort Hotel

2 Tickets to Anthology – Compliments of Marsha Berkson

1 Dozen Cupcakes – from Cupcakes Squared - Compliments of Robin Wisotsky

A Party Gift Basket Compliments of Kathleen Isherwood of The Party Staff Inc.

 

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 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. 

See you soon.

Membership News   by Melissa Darisay Thorpe

Greetings fellow San Diego NACE members!  We are 170 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

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.

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.  Your “Zen Themed” displays were awesome and the room décor looked sharp!  I know all attendees got the “feel” we were trying to convey and that mellow, cool vibe carried over into the Westin’s delicious dinner presentation. 

From LeChef’s delicious breads, pastries and goodies ~ to Fran’s Magical Toffee ~ to CupCakes Squared and French Gourmet’s yummy samples ~ to life sized Buddah’s, “lucky” chopsticks, entertainment specialists,  

Zen-dressed officiants, coordinators, event staffers, photographers ~ well, the list goes on and on ~ it was a great night!!!  My goal was not only for you to enjoy the showcasing but to make some new contacts, reconnect with old friends and exchange cards and ideas with future clients.

There is no additional charge for the event professional showcase.  It is just another wonderful benefit for being a NACE member!

If you want to showcase your business in a short presentation, please contact me so I can get you on the calendar for a future meeting (you know the rest….thanx)

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.

June will be a wonderful month for giving our time and energy to 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. The Food Bank depends on volunteers to help keep it running so NACE would like to help out and donate a few hours. You are invited to help our Board members as we volunteer on Wednesday June 9th 6:00PM – 8:00PM. We will be packing food into boxes on a conveyer belt, I have done this before and we all enjoyed working together and meeting new people plus the joy of helping out the Food Bank and our community.

Please come and join us and contact me for directions and forms to be signed at deborah@deborahyoung.com – 619-239-3306.

Last month’s community service was our successful clothing drive for the Second Chance program that provides people in need with training for job interviews and helps them attain employment, temporary housing and career clothing. On Friday May 14th I attended a ribbon cutting at their newly remodeled facility complete with our mayor and other council members. They also had their monthly graduation which I found to be very moving. Each graduate wrote and read a poem they had written about their new chance and I was so impressed at their talent and heart felt words. It is very rewarding to know that due to your efforts of providing clothing for them, they will feel confident and proud as they go on their interviews and begin their new lives. Here is a link to more information of the event.  http://www.secondchanceprogram.org/pdf/news78.pdf

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

Lynda Earnest-San DIego Marriott Hotel and Marina

Stewart Marcano-Stewart Bertrand Photography

Meighen Snow-Mystic Snow Photography

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