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We are looking for volunteers to participate on Tuesday, June 12th from 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. at the Keegan Kitchen for the Houston Food Bank.

Each volunteer will need to complete the online registration prior to volunteering. Go to: http://vss.houstonfoodbank.org and register as a first time user. Accept the terms of the waiver and fill out the following registration page. In the group name box, put: 061212naceKp

After you submit the form, you will receive and activation email in your inbox. Please click on the link to activate and then print and bring your volunteer pass with you to come volunteer.

If volunteers have previously registered, they can log in at: http://vss.houstonfoodbank.org

Then click on: Find/join group

And join the group name listed above.

Address: 2445 North Freeway Houston, TX 77009

Dress Code: Tennis shoes, jeans, tshirt and hat. NO jewelry is allowed in the kitchen for health code reasons.

Please do NOT bring personal items.

Parking is limited in the lot behind the building or you can park legally on the street. Carpooling is encouraged.

The Keegan Kitchen is a commercial kitchen where volunteers work alongside staff members to prepare and package at least 2,000 meals every day for programs like Meals on Wheels, Kidz Café, and US Vets.

For additional information or questions, please contact Claudia De Velasco at claudia@daytoremember.net 

Thank you to all that attended our 6th annual Wedding Trends event last week. We could not have pulled it off without the help of all of these fine vendors who participated this year. A special kudos goes to our 2012 Wedding Trends Chairperson, Cherie Fontenot with the Petroleum Club of Houston.

Also links to view all of the images on our NACE Houston Facebook Page are now up here:

2012 Wedding Trends 1/2          2012 Wedding Trends 2/2

VIP Room

Over the Top Linens - Clara Hough, CPCE - Linens

Party Props - Greg Miller - Lounge Furniture

Avalon Music - Angela Eaton, Flutist - Entertainment

Elegant Beginnings - Jill Vidal - Pipe and Drape

Bright Star - Gary Archer - Lighting

Dream Bouquet - Rebekah Graves - Floral Design 

Downstairs Ceremony

Sarah Haywood Design - Sarah Haywood - Speaker

Impressive Events - Joe Zuniga - Emcee/AV/Lighting

Avalon Music - Angela Eaton - Trumpeter and String Duo at entrance

Your Beautiful Face - Leah Comstock - Makeup

Enjoy Events - Kathryn Creech - Models

Upstairs Cocktail Reception

Bright Star - Gary Archer - Lighting 

LG Entertainment - Lewis Grell,DJ - Music & Entertainment

Parvani Vida Bridal - Wedding Dresses for models

Brunch Setting

Events in Bloom - Rob Smith - Brunch Setting Vignette

Who Made the Cake! - Nadine Moon - Cake with Charms Display

Jos A Banks - John Woodard - How to Tie a Tie Demonstration

English Tea Setting

Prestigious Event Rentals - Greg Dugat - English Tea Vignette

Michael's Cookie Jar - Michael Savino - English Cookies, Display

Pat Leich - Pat Leich - Calligraphy Demonstration

Semi Formal Setting

Elegant Beginnings - Jill Vidal - Linens & Décor Vignette

Dream Bouquet  - Rebekah Graves - Floral Design Vignette

Sugar Bunch Creations - Tamicha Roberts - Cake Balls, Display

Toastmasters - Star Shataria - Proper Toasting Etiquettes

European Formal Evening

Darryl & Co - Darryl Murchison - European Formal Evening Vignette

Edible Designs by Jessie - Jessie Lopez - English Fruit Cake, Display

A Finer Event - Mike Little - Wine Pouring Techniques & Etiquette

Downstairs Reception

DJU Productions - Jason Fajkus, DJ - Entertainment

Divisi Stings - Shelli Mathews - Collide - Entertainment/Strings

Impressive Events  - Juliana Wathen - Lighting and A/V

J&S Audio Visual - Tracy Punch - Video Production

Darryl & Co - Darryl Murchison - Lounge Furniture

Events in Bloom - Rob Smith - Lounge Furniture

Java Pura - Richard Colt - Coffee Station

MDI Video - Mitch Daniels - Video

D. Jones Photoggraphy - David Jones - Event Coverage

Corinthian - Boyd Bryan - Catering/Venue/Staffing

Beverage Sponsors

Glazers Distributors - Monique Bossett, Elsa Ortiz

Chandon by Moet & Chandon - Janie Higgins 

Chopin Vodka 

New Amsterdam Straight Gin

St. Germaine 

Voveti Prosecco 

E&J Gallo Winery - Monique Studak

William Hill Wines 

White Haven Sauvignon Blanc 

Republic National Distributing - Vanessa Gaidosik & Ike Arisukwu

Brugal Rum 

Famous Grouse Scotch 

Fiji WaterLeif Graham 

Grey Goose Vodka  

Republic Tequila  

Woodbridge Wines - Lee Midyett 

Ste. Michelle Wine Estates - Barbara Jurbala

14 Hands 

Columbia Crest Wines

Erath Winery  

Nicolas Feuilatte Champagne 

Specs Wine Spirits & Finer Foods - Rick Jamail

Silver Eagle/Anheuser Busch - Alyn Goad

Additional Sponsors

Atheneum - Amy Boyter - Invitations

Brandit Bandits - Jennifer Schafer - QR Codes/Marketing 

Event Solutions - Ashley Fuentes - Sponsor Packet

Hilton Houston Post Oak - Margery Reinheardt - Hotel Rooms

Hilton of the Americas Houston - Matthew Finnan - Hotel Rooms

Hilton Houston Westchase - Justin Martinez - Sponsor Packet

Rasmussen Resource Management - Alex Rasmussen - Sponsor Packet

EnVogue Meetings & Events - Haley Hughes - Invitations

Weddings in Houston - Radhika Day - Swag Bags

Aztec Rentals - Tables/Linens

Vera Cantrell - A few words from the heart

After spending 25 years in the corporate world selling and managing a group health insurance office, I decided to change careers and went to work for Adams and Green Entertainment Agency.   It was there, working with my great friends Bob and Delores Messer, that I realized how much I enjoy this industry and how it suited my interests and personality.  It was also there, in 2000, that I first joined NACE after hearing many of the people I called on tell me what a great organization it was for networking and learning more about the industry.  So we joined and I became very involved, eventually ending up on the board as the Associate Member Representative (a.k.a. Event Professional).  Becoming a member of NACE was very informative and much fun and I enjoyed being on the board and working with the other board members and representing the associate members.  It has been an excellent networking tool.

I eventually moved from entertainment to the décor side of the events business and after 3 years with another linen company I went to work for Party Cloths.  I am so happy to be at Party Cloths because of the attitude and professionalism of Donna Jahn, the owner of Party Cloths.  Her goal is to keep our clients happy and satisfied with our products and service.  We sew when we need to increase inventory, we bring in new products and we work hard to provide top-notch service.   In short, the attitude is “what do we need to do to make an event beautiful and our client happy.” 

Most of the people I know in this industry are here because they enjoy it.  It can be a lot of work but is very fun and rewarding and the people are great.  My advice is that if you are not having fun and enjoying what you do then you are in the wrong work and should find something else to do that adds quality to your life.

So when I am not working or networking I have many other interests and spend time gardening, playing tennis, messing around with friends, family and my dog, Little Boy, who I rescued last year.  I love playing games such as scrabble, bunko, poker and dominoes (anyone want a match?)

We’ll match Vera! Thank you for your dedication to our industry and chapter.

Congratulations to our Houston members who recently achieved their CPCE degree!

Gary Baumann, InterContinental Hotel Houston

Margery Reinheardt, Hilton Houston Post Oak

Rachel Hudson-Reid, Hilton Houston Post Oak

Lisa Hudson, Hotel ZaZa Houston

Check out the 2012 Wedding Trends Commercial that is now live on our NACE Houston YouTube Channel. Special thanks to Jennifer Schafer, Premier Bride Houston and Juliana Wathen with Impressive Events for their acting skills as well as Mitch Daniels, MDI Video for producing the commercial.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE COMMERCIAL NOW

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER NOW

Renew for $345 and get 3 extra months! Any current NACE member who renews in the month of March, regardless of expriation date, will receive an extra 3-month extension at no additional charge (valued at $86.25). You do NOT have to expire in March to qualify. For example, if your membership expires September 2012 and you want to renew in March, your new expiration date will be December 31, 2013.

Starting March 1, download the special application here.

MARCH 1-31, 2012: SPECIAL RENEWAL APPLICATION REQUIRED TO RECEIVE THREE MONTHS EXTRA. DOWNLOAD THE APPLICATION NOW. YOU CANNOT RENEW ONLINE TO RECEIVE THIS PROMOTION. 

When I asked the students what they loved most about NACE, many of them shared how they admired the unity and support of its members, the commitment the members have for the organization, the opportunities to meet and work with some of the most creative talent of the hospitality industry, and how they valued the growth and development they received from NACE. It is a true honor to be a part of an organization that walks the talk of their mission and takes pride in their commitment to the goals they set.

The NACE University of Houston Student Chapter would like to thank Ashton Gardens Houston for the venue, wine, and two course dinner, Elegant Beginnings Inc. for donating the Sponsor Banner, Michael’s Cookie Jar for the CPCE cookies, MDI Video for videography services, DJU Productions for West Ballroom, Photo booth, Lounge, LED Cocktail Tables, Projectors, Screens, D. Jones Photography for providing photography for the event, LG Entertainment for DJ services, The Perfect Touch Linens for linen, centerpieces, and Chiavari Chairs,  The Ice Cream Party for the ice cream bar, Always Floral for the cocktail table centerpieces, and all of the NACE Houston Chapter members and the guests that came out to show their support to the students in one of their biggest fundraisers of the year.  

Wednesday night’s meeting will help us send even more students to the annual EXPERIENCE! 2012 Conference. At the conference the students receive great networking and educational experiences that will help them further their career in the hospitality industry.

Thank you NACE Houston for, “Shaping the future of the catering and event industry one student at a time.”

Brittany Talavera

NACE UH Student Chapter President

To view images from this meeting visit our website gallery or our Facebook page.

Wedding Trends Program & Exclusive VIP Reception with Sarah Hayood

Time: 5:45pm- 6:30pm

Tickets: NACE Members $150.00 

Non Members $200.00 

which includes:

Complimentary Book & Signing

Photo Op

Mix & Mingle with Sarah

Cocktails & Hors d’oeuvres

Limited VIP Tickets Available

Additional info and register online now at the NACE Houston website

Every semester the NACE UH Student Chapter participates in the Hilton College’s largest recruiting fair. One of our biggest competitive advantages over other student organizations is the immense support of the professional chapter. Promoting all things NACE and the 2012 Experience! Conference New Orleans, the Mardi Gras themed booth was a major success! Amber Slovensky, NACE UH 2^nd VP of Membership, worked together with several NACE Houston professionals to create the best booth at the Organization Fair. Linens were provided by Elegant Beginnings Inc, while Party Props, Inc donated a Mardi Gras themed centerpiece, Michael’s Cookie Jar donated 100 Fleur-de-lis cookies to pass out to students, and DJU donated a photo booth. Every NACE UH current student member that stopped by the booth was able to jump in a take pictures, while prospective students who signed up to hear more about the NACE UH Student Chapter were able to jump in and take a photo for keepsake. We were able to add our website label to the backside of each photos as a marketing reminder to them to check out how to join NACE. The photo booth shots have already been making there way to Facebook with students promoting the chapter. It was a brilliant way to market the chapter to the students. It was also great to have some of the NACE Houston Chapter board members there to show their support promoting NACE at the booth. Thank you NACE Houston for helping us show just how great our chapters are and how wonderful it would be to join NACE. 

There are many ways to show your support for the growing talent of the student chapter. The next opportunity is as simple as attending the February Monthly meeting at Ashton Gardens on February 15, 2012 from 5:30pm- 9:00pm. All of the profits are put into the NACE UH Student Chapter Annual Experience! Conference Scholarship Fund.

If you enjoyed last years "NACE get a CLUE" study for the CPCE program, then you will enjoy this years CPCE Family Feud! 

Thank you!

Brittany Talavera

NACE UH Student Chapter

President

Save the Date for our 6th annual Wedding Trends. This year's event will be held at the Corinthian on April 18, 2012 and will feature Royal Wedding Planner, Sarah Haywood. More details to follow soon!

The Houston Chapter of NACE celebrated the holiday cheer and awards at the Houstonian Hotel on December 13, 2011. Only NACE Members may be nominated or submit nominations.  Votes were cast in person at the November meeting.  Congratulations to all of the nominees and award recipients.

"The Kudos Award"  Vera Cantrell, Party Cloths

"The Can't Live Without You"  Greg Dugat, Prestigious Event Rentals

"The Synergy Award" was awarded to  MDI Video, Elegant Beginnings and Bright Star Productions for the Foreman wedding

"The Networker of the Year Award" Krystal Peay, Elegant Beginnings

"The Hopkins Cougar Advocate Award" Adam Rineer, CPCE, CMP, Westin Galleria

"The Rising Star Award" Cherie Fontenot, Petroleum Club of Houston

"The Spirit of NACE Award" Carita Felbermayr, Bow Tie Servers

There were two recipients of "The Baumann/Reinheardt Award".  The winners were Jill Vidal, Elegant Beginnings and Jeremie Millwee, CPCE, Petroleum Club of Houston

To view all of the images from this event on our website click or to view them on Facebook 

Special thanks to our participating sponsors listed below:

The Houstonian Club and Spa - Venue 

The Perfect Touch - Linens 

Over The Top Linens - Linens 

Prestigious Event Rentals - Street Lamps 

D. Jones Photography - Photos 

Elegant Beginnings - Chairs 

MDI Video - Awards Presentations 

Brandit Bandits - Awards Creation

A Finer Event – Bowls for Family Style Service

Darryl & Co. - Centerpieces

Tech Ave - Specialty Drape 

Bright Star Productions - Ambiance and Outdoor Lighting

Impressive Events - Emcee and Music Provider 

E & J Gallo – Wines

Chateau Ste. Michelle – Champagne

Java Pura Roasters – After Dinner Coffee Drinks

Bellaire High School Madrigal Choir - Dinner Entertainment

One of our board member's events is featured in the current issue of Catering Magazine.  Kathryn Creech, CMP of Enjoy Events created this amazing event at the House of Blues Houston for Mike and Carol's wedding. This event also won an award at the NACE National Conference this summer in Reno as the 2010 Best Wedding Event of the Year with a budget of $25k-$75k. 

Congratulations to our newest Houston Chapter members that recently received their CPCE.

Adam Rineer, CMP, CPCE with the Westin Galleria & Westin Oaks Hotels 

Nancy Oka, CPCE of The Woodlands Waterway Marriott

NACE encourages the professional development of caterers and event planners through voluntary participation in its certification program. Achievement of the Certified Professional Catering Executive (CPCE) designation demonstrates expertise in catering and events and is earned by taking a comprehensive examination that covers the core competencies of the industry:

• Accounting
• Beverage Management
• Catering Services
• Contracts and Agreements
• Event Management
• Food Production
• Human Resources
• Sales and Marketing

Several NACE Houston members and students volunteered their time recently to help feed and entertain the families at the Ronald McDonald House Houston on Tuesday, November 29. This was the second time this year we worked with this amazing facility and we look forward to future opportunities to support this Houston resource for families of children with critical illness. One family in attendance was far from home in LIma, Peru with their son, Andres, and were extremely grateful. 

Besides providing, cooking and feeding the children and their families, we also brought in a DJ to entertain the guests with music, dance lessons and a few rounds of "Simon Says" and the limbo. Interactive opportunities were also available such as the cupcake building station and pre-made gingerbread houses with materials for them to decorate and personalize.

To view all of the images from this project click HERE

Donations provided by:

Teresa Westberry & Desiree Tapping, Omni Houston Galleria - Chicken and Ice Tea
Claudia de Velasco, A Day to Remember - Cupcakes for the children to decorate
Carita Felbermayr, Bow Tie Servers - Pasta and the Sauce.
Sheena Baba, G.E.T. Enterprises - Serving trays
Jason Fajkus, DJU Productions - DJ/Entertainment
Alex Rasmussen, Rasmussen Resource Management - Gingerbread House Centerpieces
Misty Daisy Schneider, Doubletree Suites by Hilton Galleria - Cookies for dessert
David Jones, D Jones Photography - Photography

At our November monthly meeting held at the Houston Zoo, a portion of our board was voted and sworn in. Congratulations to our many returning board members and our newest addtiions, Stephanie Tabbah and Misty Schneider.

President - Clara Hough, CPCE, Over The Top Linen, LLC

Vice President Education - Victoria Jenkins, South Shore Harbor Country Club

Vice President  Membership - Erin Oeser, CHE, Hilton College of Hotel and Restaurant Management

Treasurer - Adam Rineer, CMP,  Westin Galleria & Westin Oaks

Secretary/Webmaster -  Mitch Daniels, MDI Video

Event Professional - Jill Vidal, Elegant Beginnings, Inc

Programs Director - Stephanie Tabbah, The Tasting Room Uptown

Community Service Director – Misty Schneider, DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Houston by the Galleria

Pictured from left to right: Mitch Daniels, Stephanie Tabbah, Clara Hough, Victoria Jenkins, Erin Oeser, Adam Rineer, Jill Vidal, Jeremie Millwee & Misty Schneider

As always, we rely on the generosity of our members and vendors to help make any event successful.  A HUGE Thank you to our donating sponsors for contributing to our November Program:

Think Studio - Ryan Salinas - centerpieces and photo booth
 
Unique Style Productions - Cesar Gil - DJ, EMCEE, Lighting
 
D Jones Photography – Laura Burlton - Photography
 
MDI Video – Mitch Daniels – Video Projection
 
Elegant Beginnings – Jill Vidal - Linens
 
Chateau Ste. Michelle Wine Estates – Barbara Jurbala – Wine
 
Republic National Distributing Company - Ginger Beer/Tequilia Bar

Please be sure to visit our sponsors’ websites and contact them for your next event!

To see more images from this meeting click HERE

Thanks also to the NACE Members, Future Members and Guests for your continued support of our Chapter! We appreciate your time and commitment to the Houston Chapter!!!

We hope you will all join us at the Houstonian for our annual Star Awards on Tuesday, December 13, 2011.  Registration is open now at www.nacehouston.net