New President's Message by Angie Kemp, CPCE

In the theme of Thanksgiving, I’d like to express my gratitude to San Diego NACE. Getting involved has allowed my career in the hospitality industry to grow at a pace faster than I imagined, but nothing I can’t handle.

It was a little over 5 years ago when I attended my first NACE meeting with Judy Pratt. She asked me to help collect ballots, as it was election night. And now here I am, serving as your Chapter President, thanks to all of you, and of course, thanks to Tracey Amernick.

Tracey has mentored me over the last couple years to become president and I am blessed and grateful for this opportunity. Thank you Tracey, for the encouraging words, continued support, and the silver platter with the little blue box.

The true driving force behind the San Diego Chapter of NACE is the amazing and talented Board members. It has been an honor to be among such an energetic group of people and I am looking forward to spending more time with them next year. They're hard at work developing innovative new programs for 2008. The Board’s abilities and creativity is astounding - It’s going to be a great year!

Finally, I want to thank you all as members. You are the heart of this association and my goal is that the educational opportunities, networking possibilities and exposure to new experiences and ideas will inspire you to reach your definition of success, both professionally and personally.

Membership News by Duffy Fainer

What fun we had at On Broadway in November. NACE rivals every other association in town because of the creativity and talent that the membership brings to the monthly meeting. Bring it on! If you've got talent..dont' be hiding. This is your venue to come out and play. Be an exhibitionist, and share your professional talents with us.

We are now 153 members, our highest ever. Welcome to our newest members, Ilona Hobbs -Cort Event Furnishings, David Wright -Plush Impressions, Christy Wilson-Xceptional Music, Lisa Phillips -Perfect Wedding Guide, Daniel White -Daniels Coffee Bean,, Shari Mager- Charmed Events, Rachel Burger-Bliss Events, Katrina Lacape-Magical Party Rentals, Brandy Ewens Schwab- Sycuan Resort

Email me if you have any changes to your contact information, need a namebadge, changing properties, questions, or have issues of concern. See you at in December!

by: Chris Agrippe, CPCE:

On Broadway, located downtown in the Torbati Building built in 1926, “one of the most posh and lavish clubs in the city”, was host to our November NACE meeting and dinner. Normally pulsating with Super Hero dj’s throughout the titanic complex, the team at OB re-set the entire space to showcase their mild-mannered Clark Kent side, “Special Events Center”… and the results were spectacular!

Cocktails were served in the sizzling-hot Karma Lounge, and we enjoyed a sensual mélange of tarot card readers, tray-passed hors ‘d oeuvres, and undulating exotic dancers provided by Five Muses Entertainment and Lipsynk Inc.

At 6:30pm we were ushered up the grand staircase for dinner, where Daniel and Roger of Special Event Productions brought the brilliant high-energy scene into full HD Glory. Utilizing the Technicolor palate provided by On Broadway, Special Event Productions created a sumptuous environment of vast textures, vibrant florals, and exquisite table accents. Quiet by nature, and choosing to remain in the background, Daniel and Roger have set and re-set many of our dinner venues over the past twelve months, and they capped off a year of generosity by donating many of the brilliant design elements at this meeting.

EuroBar Espresso and Caffé D’arte were our educational sponsors and they stimulated all of our senses by providing us with brewed-to-order education, hot steaming caffeine, and freshly ground samples to take home. Dinner was prepared and served by the talented On Broadway Culinary Team, and featured Columbian-inspired cuisine to compliment the exotic coffee theme of the evening.

We began with a Salad de Nopales with Apples, Pears, and Guatemalan Roasted Vinaigrette, and our main course was Authentic Columbian Mole Chicken, Ultra-Flavorful Spanish Rice, Grilled Southwestern Vegetables, and Stone Corn Tortilla Baskets. Dessert was South-of-the-Border all the way.

The finishing touch included:Coffee Crème de Caramel with Ibarra Chocolate accompanied by EuroBar Espresso and Caffé D’arte Specialty Coffees. Carl Jerris of CJ’s Confections made sure that we all had our chocolate fix and gave us each a little carry-away chocolate amenity for the drive home.