2009 DFW NACE Board Retreat

The 2009 Board of Directors for DFW NACE met this past weekend (December 14-15) at the beautiful (and isolated) Moon River Ranch in Satin, TX.  If you don't know where this is, just hang a left in Waco and go east about 20 miles beyond good cell phone coverage.  You'll be there.

After an early afternoon meeting of the Executive Board members, the entire Board met to review new bylaws, job descriptions, policies and procedures, and other fun topics.  Then we adjourned to the Lodge where we went in search of sleeping quarters and wandered around the property.  After dinner we watched the the first half of the Cowboys' game and then multi-tasked between watching the rest of the football game, searching for the switch to turn on the ceiling fans, and bonding over an assortment of entertaining, yet competitive, games.  The guys won a game, the ladies won a game, and the Cowboys won a game.  We never found the ceiling fan switch.

Monday morning brought the cold and we were back to planning for 2009.  We shared great ideas for programs, fundraising, membership, community services, and all the other activities that make NACE such a great experience.  Then, after a quick group photo, everyone headed back to Dallas.  

Here are a few photos from the retreat:

The 2009 Board looks forward to a fantastic year with DFW NACE.

Wedding Professionals Business Conference

You're Invited!

The wedding industry is a lucrative business and one that is always high on demand.  Over two million weddings occur in the United States every year, and wedding professionals rise to the challenge of making every bride's dream come true.

Bridal Shows, Inc. aims to help wedding businesses fulfill their dreams as well! The Wedding Professionals Business Conference (formerly known as the Wedding Industry Trade Show) was designed to build businesses related to the wedding market.

Join us at the Conference!
Wednesday, November 19, 2008 Arlington Convention Center Registration: 8:00am-9:00am Exhibit Floor/Seminars: 9:00am-5:00pm

What is the Wedding Professionals Business Conference?

An educational business-to-business experience in which professionals are able to network, exchange ideas, attend seminars, and gather useful information to help build their business!

Exhibitor Information

Attendee Information

Fall Membership Drive

It's that time of year again!

As we grow our NACE community, everyone who has not yet joined NACE (including potential members who work with current NACE members) will be able to "Get a Seat at the Table" and take advantage of this fall's membership special.  With savings up to $150 on three or more memberships, there's never been a better time to join.

Check out this video about NACE Membership.

For more information about membership and the fall special discounts, download the membership brochure or membership application form or contact Wendy Timson, Director of Membership.

October Meeting Sold Out!

Registration for the October meeting at The Stoneleigh Hotel featuring Michelle Rago has been closed.  The meeting is at maximum capacity and no additional reservations can be accepted.

Watch the blog for a recap of the meeting and Ms Rago's presentation along with photos from the evening.

Call for Nominations for DFW NACE Board

It is time to begin the election process to choose those leaders who will guide and direct the NACE Dallas/Fort Worth Chapter for the next 12 months, beginning on November 7, 2008.  In accordance with our Bylaws and election guidelines, the Nominating Committee sends this “Call for Nominations” and Application to you to encourage you to nominate for consideration any individual who you feel would be an asset to the Dallas/Fort Worth Chapter in a leadership position.

You can download and review the Nomination/Election Guidelines and the Nomination/Application Form.   Please take advantage of this opportunity to give input to the Nominating Committee. 

The deadline for nominations is September 30, 2008.  

Your Special Day: The Details that Make the Difference!

The October meeting of DFW NACE will be held in the newly renovated Stoneleigh Hotel on Wednesday evening October 1, 2008.

Meet prestigious Manhattan Event Designer, Planner and Author, Michelle Rago.  Ms. Rago has wowed the readers of magazines such as Martha Stewart Weddings, InStyle Weddings, Town and Country, and Grace Ormonde Magazine.

As a designer and planner her expertise ranges across all categories making her the ultimate guru when it comes to planning events. Michelle will show us how she finds inspiration for design elements, lighting, music, invitations and much more.

Register online with Cvent.  Hurry because seats are limited.

September Recap: Discover McKinney

“What a fabulous event!”  That was the sentiment echoed by everyone as we went from one great location to the next at our “Discover McKinney” event.  

Guests registered at Poppy’s Garden Café and were treated to Mojitos and Pita Squares with Artichoke Dip with Olive Tapenade as we mingled and listened to the live music in the main dining room.  The mood was upbeat and vibrant despite the pouring rain outside.

Not to be deterred by the weather, and with umbrellas in hand, we made our way to GoodHues Wood Fired Grill.  We were greeted by their courteous staff at the door and Blueberry Martinis.  We settled into the lounge for a few minutes taking in the beautiful décor of the Martini Lounge and wine cellar before we were whisked away into the restaurant for Smoked Chicken Cakes, New Orleans Shrimp and an array of BBQ treats from their partner restaurant, Hoggy’s.  I don’t know if anyone remembers the name of the dessert but ask anyone about the Almond and Berry crisp served with Vanilla ice cream and you are sure to see heaven in their eyes.

At Rick’s Chophouse the Carpetbagger (shrimp stuffed filet), with mashed potatoes and green beans served with your choice of red and white wine, rendered some of us motionless but The Grand Hotel begged our curiousity as we went from room to room to see the lush accommodations it had to offer.  

As the night came to a close, we headed to Lavender House.  This beautiful tea room with it’s numerous chandeliers and a mix of old world charm was the perfect backdrop to end the evening.  We enjoyed lavender champagne, pomegranate tea and scones with lemon tarts on delicate, beautiful china.  The fountains throughout the room and the mix of jazz were the perfect exclamation to an evening well spent.

DFW NACE at Experience 2008 in Philadelphia

Members of the DFW Chapter of NACE attended Experience 2008! The Future of Catering & Event Design national conference in Philadelphia last week.

Two of our members received some very deserved recognition. Dana Carroll (BBJ Linen) was the recipient of the National Affiliate (Event Professional) of the Year award and Luana Stoutmeyer (Encore Productions) was presented with the George Zell award.

The George Zell award recognizes NACE members whose commitment and compassion towards humanitarianism makes a profound and recognizable impact. These individuals represent the “spirit of NACE”. This award is named in memory of NACE member George Zell, who passed away in 2000. George was the quintessential NACE member, dedicated to his chapter and the national organization through leadership, volunteerism, humanitarianism, mentoring, and passion for the catering profession.

In addition to these awards, Terry Shields, Wendy Timson, and Dana Carroll were all named to the President's List. The “President’s List” recognizes NACE members that truly exemplify efforts and achievement beyond the ordinary member.

Congratulations to Dana, Luana, Wendy, and Terry! And congratulations to all the other award winners.

New web site and blog for DFW NACE

Just in time for the national conference, we are debuting our new web site and blog. While there are still a few details to work out, it's very exciting to have a web presence that is more up-to-date and much more responsive.

There are three features that you should know about:

1) The new web site will serve as the resource for obtaining information about the DFW chapter and learning more about the members. We will update the site with member names and contact information so be sure to check your listing and keep it current. We will also be announcing meetings, activities, and other special events that may be of interest to both members and the public.

2) We have added an online calendar feature to the site. The calendar will provide information about any and all activities that may be of interest. This will include not only activities sponsored by the DFW and other NACE chapters, but also activities sponsored or participated in by our membership and other catering and event related organizations.

3) The blog is the current events messenger. The blog will highlight any news that relates to the DFW NACE membership. Included will be recaps from meetings, member profiles, and other articles that you may find entertaining and/or educational.

So enjoy the new web presence(s) that DFW NACE has to offer. And feel free to make comments and contributions to the sites.