President's Message by Angie Kemp, CPCE

NACE has so much in store for you this year; I encourage you to take full advantage of the educational and networking opportunities.

March is going to be a very exciting and important month. We will be learning from the “Queen of Green” on ways to lessen our impact on the environment and by turning our company and events green. Everyone’s favorite Iron Florist will be back in April along with a special opportunity for our Affiliate members to showcase their company. And in May we are honored to have Lynne LaFond DeLuca, with Beverly Clarke Enterprises, Wedding Marketing Solutions and Hospitality Training, to keep us updated on the Wedding market.

NACE is celebrating its 50th Anniversary in June and we will have two amazing opportunities for you. Join the Southern California NACE chapters to commemorate this milestone at Universal Studios Hollywood on June 3rd. Save the date and stay tuned for more details.

The Napa Valley Grill at Horton Plaza will also be hosting the San Diego chapter with a celebratory networking and wine reception on June 10th. This will be an exciting month! Don’t miss out.

It is through your dedication and participation that we are able to provide these experiences for everyone, so thank you and enjoy!

Membership News by Duffy Fainer

Go to the National website at www.nace.net and create a login name and password. You can keep track of your information, renew your membership online, and update your contact info.

Everybody is in networking mode this year, so get your namebadges ready, and I'll see you at the Hyatt on March 11!

Email me if you have any changes to your contact information, need a namebadge, changing properties, questions, or have issues of concern. See you often in 2008...right?

by: Chris Agrippe, CPCE:

Our February meeting was at the NTC Promenade which comprises a 7,000 square foot event center, an executive conference center, and an expansive outdoor venue under the Direction of Marianne Gregson.

Dinner was prepared and served by the incredibly talented off-prem team from The French Gourmet, as owner Michel Malecot showed off some of his latest new catering toys… rotating centerpieces that allow guests to pass family-style platters and bowls gracefully.

Our program for the evening was actually a mini-Affiliate Showcase, allowing each speaker to talk a little about the products they provided which were all key ingredients of the fabulous evening. Pete Pandit is a Partner in AV Guys and has been in business for almost 8 years now. Pete has over 20 years of experience. Prior to starting AV Guys, he was employed for 13 years by Audio Visual Headquarters (AVHQ), managing in-house AV operations and working in the Convention Services department.

The NTC Foundation is a nonprofit organization responsible for the renovation of the 26 historic buildings at the former San Diego Naval Training Center comprising the new arts, civic and cultural district called NTC Promenade at Liberty Station. With an extensive background in sales and marketing, Marianne is responsible for achieving the NTC Foundation’s mission, goals and financial objectives, through program development and sales and marketing strategies Marianne Gregson is a member of San Diego Convention & Visitors Bureau and the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce.

Our sense of hearing was complimented by the talents of musicians, courtesy of Ray McKewon and Erika Winter, of The Xceptions and Xceptional Music.

The finishing touches were build-your-own Valentine's Day sweets themed all in red courtesy of Candy Couture... accompanied by freshly brewed specialty coffees provided by EuroBar Espresso.

Happy Birthday Bella!