President's Message by Angie Kemp, CPCE

It has been my goal this year to introduce and highlight several opportunities available to you in order to get more from NACE than what you put into it. My hope is that you have participated in at least a few of these opportunities.

Elections took place in November and we have an exciting new group of talent working on your behalf. Although being on the board is a great way to get to know the members and guests of NACE – it is a commitment, but we all love serving the San Diego Chapter of NACE. Ask how you can get involved on a commitee.

The Special Event conference is coming to San Diego and NACE is a co sponsor for the Welcome Party taking place on January 28, 2009 at On Broadway. This is an amazing opportunity not only for San Diego to host such a great conference but for the San Diego Chapter of NACE to really show off.

I sincerely hope you enjoy the rest of the year and what we have in store for you. In December we will be at the Hilton Torrey Pines. This is always the party of the year so save the date now!

Membership News by Liz Odle

Check your email and website links to ensure that you're properly listed in the online directory. MEMBERSHIP DRIVE! Tell your friends. Continues through Dec 31, new members can get $50 off and more with multiple memberships. Call or email me for more infomation, or visit Nace to join online!

Contact me 619-234-9200 x 101 liz@thesofiahotel.com if you have any changes to your contact information, need a namebadge, changing properties, questions, or have issues of concern. See you often in 2009...right?

by: Chris Agrippe, CPCE:

The most valuable benefits you can ever receive from your NACE membership can only be found by attending our monthly meetings… and if you missed our meeting at the Crown Plaza on November 11th, you missed a great night out! New members were introduced and business relationships blossomed during our cocktail hour as we networked and enjoyed butler-passed hors ‘d oeuvres and an amazing sushi action station prepared by the award-winning sushi team from the Crown Plaza.

Merrylin Brichmann of Artistic Productions created the second NACE Showcase of 2008, and by the end of the evening members and guests knew the names of more than twenty of our chapter’s Event Specialists. Nancy Changon-Barron CPCE also collected canned goods in a Thanksgiving food drive for Mama’s Kitchen, and San Diego NACE participated in a light bulb exchange sponsored by SDG&E. Whimsical balloon arrangements adorned the foyer and ballroom and added a festive air, all compliments of Robert Costantino of Balloonguru.com

We were seated for dinner at tables set with sumptuous fall-themed florals by Dawn Stone of Embellishmint Floral and Event Design Studio. Dawn took the extra step of insuring that the arrangements were low enough to allow ease of conversation, an important part in planning for a business meeting. Table linens complimented the Crown Plaza’s decor and were provided by Rosalynda Giannone of Dreams Do Come True. Deep rich bronze crushed taffeta floor-length fabrics draped the tables and were anchored with her chocolate chair covers accented with matching bronze sashes.

The Banquet and Culinary Team lead by Crown Meetings Director Steve Hanger, Banquet Manager Jim Beck, and Chef Peter Erni designed and served a perfect autumn dinner. Duffy Fainer our outgoing Membership guy presented our dinner program, “How to get the most out of NACE”. Duffy is the man behind our chapter website and he provided step-by-step instructions highlighting the pages he masters, updates, and designs every month.

Chef Peter began with a Roasted Beet Salad topped with Gorgonzola and Toasted Almonds paired with Monkey Bay Sauvignon Blanc and his entrée reflected the bounty of the harvest season. Roasted Mallard Duck and Grilled Wild Salmon were paired with Clos du Bois Pinot Noir and accompanied by Braised Romaine, Glazed Baby Carrots and Celery Root Williams Potatoes. Dessert was an Autumnal Sampler of Pumpkin Mousse, Lindzer Torte and Chocolate Mint Tower.

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 December 2nd at the Hilton Torrey Pines for our annual Holiday Extravaganza!

Event Professionals Corner by Merrylin Brichmann

Business is not about an individual but rather a community of professionals working together toward a common goal of creating successful events. When one of us succeeds, we all succeed. It’s not about who we know but who knows us and believes in us. That can only be achieved by building long lasting relationships built on friendship and trust. Being an Event Professional in NACE gives us the opportunity to build these types of relationships! Extend this opportunity by showcasing at a monthly meeting! Space is limited so don’t miss this awesome chance to shine in front of 150+ people who will benefit from your expertise!

Showcasing is easy…interested? Email me: artistic-productions@cox.net or call me at 619-593-7367 to get you on the schedule for 2009. It’s up to you to take advantage of this opportunity. I hope you do

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 scholorships. We'll give you lots of special mention, and the membership can sample your product too. Donate a raffle item as often as you wish. We appreciate that.

1. Zoo tickets w/ plush toys
2. Sunday Brunch for 2 at the Catamaran
3.$100 gift certificate for Balloonguru
4. Registration table Centerpiece by Embellishment
5. 1 night Stay w/ $50 credit (sushi Bar or Islands Restaurant) & Breakfast for 2 - Crowne Plaza Hotel
6.Sushi Party for 8-10 - Crowne Plaza Hotel