Brandon Moss, Muse Gelato
Orlando Chapter President

 Taste of NACE: Knocking the WOW! Out of Your Expectations!

Beyond the walls of our offices and far past the ovens of our great chefs our satisfied clients remember a fantastic celebration. After all, everything we do as caterers and event professionals are for our clients. We work late hours creating proposals and drafting floor plans. We revise menus and schedule tastings.  We pick colors, flatware, lighting, floral, entertainment and ohhh the list never ends!! When all the planning, selling and creating are complete our clients have a celebration that lives on and is immortal to them!! This is the professional NACE member!! And this is what we celebrate at Taste of NACE!!

               As members of the National Association of Catering Executives we are the industry's authority on catered events. And once a year our chapter comes together to show them how it's done! Party, Cater and Entertain like no other association! With professionalism, advanced technologies and new trends the Taste of NACE is the place caterers come to dine! This year we've planned a Taste of NACE that will knock the WOW! out of your expectations!! Our catering and event professional sponsors have created a catered event like none other. Not to mention me in a suit!! I'm going to look smooooth! (The smooth was a Jazz reference, see below)

               The Taste of NACE is opened to the public for a second year in a row. Our objective is to showcase our member's talents to the general public and brand NACE as the place to hire from. It's a long term commitment our chapter has to its members and Taste of NACE is one of our strategies. Your ticket to Taste of NACE supports our chapter and The Susan G. Komen for the Cure® - Central Florida Affiliate.

               Our media sponsor WLOQ Smooth Jazz 103.1 FM is beginning to market the event live on the air. We are giving away tickets to the event and spreading word through multiple associations. We have commitments from social magazines to attend and report on this year's celebration.

                I've heard it described as "the Taste of NACE is how caterers celebrate" And the public is going to have a rare chance to witness this event. Register today and bring friends, clients and your open mind because the National Association of Catering Executives, Orlando Chapter is showcasing the best of the best this year!!

Jennifer Gruebner, Hard Rock Hotel
Orlando Chapter Vice President

Don't forget, the first day of school is just around the corner!  Please contact me if you would like to sign up to be a mentor for the 2010/2011 school year for one of our NACE at UCF students!

Along with several members of the Orlando NACE Chapter, I have returned from the 2010 NACE Experience in Austin.  I wish that I could have sent you each a "Wish You Were Here" postcard, but we were so busy, I don't know where I would have found the time!

Austin, Texas is known as the Live Music Capital of the World, but that's not all they're known for.  They also have an interesting marketing slogan.  The "Keep Austin Weird" marketing slogan reaches far beyond a marketing campaign, however.  Austin reflects a culture of artistic and individual expression that maintains the city as a vibrant and eclectic creative center. In a mostly conservative Texas, Austin is "Weird" because it continues to be progressive in the arts and music. "Keep Austin Weird", moves beyond a mere slogan, to reflect the dynamics that encompass Austin.

Austin is also home to the headquarters for four Fortune 500 Corporations: Whole Foods Market, Freescale Semiconductor, Forestar Group and Dell.  BCI (Bat Conservation International) whose aim is protection of bats all over the world is based in Austin and it is also home of the University of Texas and is the Capital city of the State of Texas. 

I thought that Austin was the perfect location for my first NACE Experience.  I was absolutely fascinated with the city, which as the fourth largest city in Texas and 15^th largest in the United States didn't seem that big to me. 

There is so much to report on, but I would like to concentrate on my favorite which was the Culinary Experience.  The Culinary Experience was the lunch/program on Monday (Day One of the Conference).  The program describes the event as:

Conscious Catering, Keeping it Green, Local, and Fresh

Sustainability in the hospitality industry is undoubtedly the wave of the future. Are you looking for ways to be on top of this conscious food movement? The answers may be right in your backyard! Top chefs from restaurants, hotels, institutions and off-premise caterers will be paired with local ranchers, farmers and cheese makers to demonstrate how bringing fresh and local ingredients can make a huge impact on your events and your community. You'll experience the passion of these artisans, taste the meaning of fresh and learn ways to overcome obstacles and integrate sustainable practices into your business.

As exciting as this description is, it doesn't even begin to tell you how very cool this event was.  First of all, the room was set beautifully.  The table linen was brown with a burlap runner and green napkins.  The Chivari chairs had a brown cover and a green sash.  The event was moderated by the Global Marketing Coordinator for Whole Foods, Nona Evans and she was amazing, passionate and led the luncheon with ease and control. 

The table was pre-set with the first two courses, Nile Valley Hibiscus Mint Tea and a Cheese Plate topped with Fischer & Weiser Roasted Raspberry Chipotle Sauce on VerTerra (non-toxic, biodegradable, compostable) plates. 

The first two course were:

Harlingen Texas Shrimp Cocktail- Honey Jalapeno Rubbed Grilled and Chilled Shrimp Tossed in Sweet Red Chili Jelly Served with Agave, Lime Spike Summer Melon and Crispy Tortilla, Jicama Slaw and Local Farm Arugula and Heirloom Grape Tomato Salad with Grilled Balsamic Onions and Pure Luck Goat Cheese Fritter

As we were dining on the first two courses, local chefs prepared the items on stage and talked about their relationships with local farmers. The very coolest part of all was that the local farmers were also in attendance. 

The entrée and dessert were prepared on stage by local chefs, a husband and wife team that featured:

            Squash Pappardelle, Tomato Puttanesca, and Parmesan

and

Brown Butter Pecan Cake with Brandied Peaches and Crème Fraiche

The chefs and local farmers that spoke were:

            Chef Brian Krellenstein, Café Bon Appetit

            Chef Javier Lopez, Hyatt Regency Austin

            Chef Todd Duplechan, Trio- The Four Seasons Austin

            Chef Jessica Maher, Dai Due Supper Club

            Konrad Bouffard, Bee Keeper- Round Rock Honey

            Sara Bolton and Denny Bolton, Pure Luck Farm and Dairy

            Case D. Fischer, Fischer & Weiser

It was an amazing lunch and I thoroughly enjoyed it so much that I managed to make the trek to the largest Whole Foods Market that you have ever seen to purchase Round Rock Honey.

I give this event a big gold star!!!  It was great!

The other highlights for me were the educational sessions.  I have included each of the breakout sessions that I attended and the main points that I got out of each of them below:

Malbec-The New Way to BBQ

Troy Conklin, Emerald Wines-A Division of Winebow Inc and Jerry Edwards, CPCE, Chefs Expressions

• Don't be afraid to experiment with flavors!
• There are no wrong combinations; it's a matter of your taste.
• BBQ Sauce does pair with wine, mmmmmmmmmm!

Essence of Greatness

Charles M. Carroll, CEC, AAC, River Oaks Country Club

• Chef Carroll was an AMAZING and MOTIVATING speaker.
• Want to be a better person
• Find the love in your life, your job your home and your heart
• Must first think great, to be great
• If you believe, you will achieve
• Focus on what you control

Developing the Winning Edge^TM for Personal Effectiveness

David Larrick Smith, David Larrick Smith Enterprises

• Whatever you choose to believe becomes your reality
• We reap what we sow
• For every effect in the world, there is a cause
• Your thoughts will determine your feelings
• Small differences in your efforts can equate to huge differences in your results

Entrepreneurial Thinking

Teresa Burr, Master Connection Associates

• Your best chance to innovate and increase revenue is to fight harder than your competition and showing your customers that you can deliver better value than anyone else
• The new wave of the future is the explosion of radical thinking and tough street smarts
• Every individual on the tem must consider themselves self-employed and should be just as worried about the next paycheck as the owner
• What is standing in your way of building your business in today's marketplace?
• What seems boring about your presentation, product demonstration and/or brand? What can you do to energize it right now?
• What are some new demands of customers today that you are not meeting? What new and innovative ideas do you have?

You Consistently Plan the Perfect Event for Others, Now Plan for the Unexpected

Tracy Kwiatkowski, Insurance Inc.

• Life can be simple again!
• Property Insurance- always choose replacement cost value over actual cash value
• Have your insurance agent read your lease
• Increase your property deductible, have the highest deductible you can afford
• Be sure your insurance includes spoilage, equipment breakdown, sewer & drain back up, and building & ordinance
• Be sure to hire vendors that have $1 million worth of general liability AND workers comp
• Be careful when you're driving- no texting, no phone calls!
• Have a comprehensive employee handbook, have your employees read and sign it, ask questions to be sure they read it, document everything
• Create guidelines for handling intoxicated guests
• Urge your brides to purchase wedding insurance

Finding Your Sound Bite in a Sound Bite World

Jill Lublin, JillLublin.com

• Your sound bite is your verbal business card; a vital tool that clearly announces that you are a prepared, focused and articulate professional who can help people
• The sound bite is a script, it should be
• o Repeatable
• o Duplicatable
• o Systematic
• o Used to get your word out
• The sound bite should start with "The problem today is __________ (this should be something that is not right in your industry/area)..." followed by your "ooh aah factor" which will get them excited about what you can do for them
• Publicity will create credibility and visibility, value and benefit.
• Become a celebrity in your own back yard and use it, even if it's not related to your business.

In conclusion, if you have ever thought about attending NACE Experience and haven't, why?!?  It was filled with live music, networking, Food and Beverage, bat watching, and learning.  It was worth every minute spent away from the office and I challenge each of you to consider attending in Reno/Lake Tahoe in 2011. 

Lastly, thank you to the Orlando NACE Chapter for selecting me as a scholarship winner for registration to this year's NACE Experience. 

Rock on!

Patricia Buchanan, Buena Vista Palace Hotel & Spa
Orlando Chapter Membership Director

The Orlando Chapter of NACE would like to welcome its two newest members:

Kelly Gabriel - Rosen College of Hospitality Management student 

Nick Toutoungi of Twilight Features, Inc. - Outdoor Cinema / Special Events.

How can we Quickly Make the Most of Whatever Life Throws at You ?  (question posed by Avish Parashar)

The 1st NACE conference I was able to attend was in 2008 in Philadelphia, PA ( my home city).  As you begin deciding which conference sessions to attend you may, like me, be unsure of which to choose. I ended up choosing a comedic seminar given by Avish Parashar. As the session started,  I was skeptical as to how improv comedy could relate to my job as a catering manager. 

Throughout the seminar Avish weaved together humorous stories, witty observations, and interactive exercises to show that we in the hospitality industry, must employ improv to meet the changing needs of our clients.  His skits are meant to show how your level of success is often dictated not by how well you plan, but rather by how quickly and effectively you deal with the unexpected when it happens.

Throughout the session, I learned in our industry we must employ "improv" methods as the needs of our client change, sometimes minute by minute. We need to be ready with a "Yes" followed by a solution. While we are accustomed to replying yes it is usually followed by a "but". Avish showed through improv comedy that by just saying "YES" not "Yes-But" it is possible to turn a problem into a new possibility.

Mr. Parashar methods seem unconventional and had I not attended the conference I may not ever have had my way of thinking expanded in this manner. Mr. Parashar has videos and books out and I know I would not have purchased them based on seeing the "improv comedy" title, thinking improv would not be relevant to my job. I am so glad I attended this initial seminar and found out how relevant improv really can be.

This is just another one of the benefits of NACE Experience!  Conferences, you have the opportunity to hear ideas from speakers that otherwise you would never experience. It is so encouraging to be at a conference with individuals in the same industry, to share ideas and increase your industry knowledge. I was so inspired by Mr. Parashar's ideas that I joined his e-mail list, which still updates me as to his current improv strategies.

Since 2008, I have been fortunate to attend the 2009 Conference  in Charlotte, North Carolina and then in 2010 at the Conference in Austin, Texas. I personally paid for two of these conferences and I would say it has been well worth the investment. After these conferences, I have come back energized and excited to share what I learned. So please consider marking your calendar now for the 2011 National Association of Catering Executives which will be held at the Silver Legacy Resort Casino on July 24-27, 2011 in Reno, Nevada... hopefully I will see you there!

Brett Walters, Kirby Rentals, LLC
Orlando Chapter Event Professional Director

Hey Everyone!

It's been a while since I've touched base...All is very well!

It's Taste of NACE time and the support of ALL Event Professionals is essential for a successful event!

If you haven't confirmed your showcase spot or haven't entered the tabletop competition or fashion show....WHAT THE HECK ARE YOU WAITING FOR.....an invitation?? Well...here it is....!

All of you know how very important each element is to the final result...that's how we market & promote our respective businesses....so put your money where your mouth is so to speak.....as well as time, effort, & creativity to produce & showcase what we do!

I will see ALL of you at Taste of NACE.....!!!!

Jennifer Shepherd, Gaylor Palms Resort
Orlando Chapter Community Service/Fundraising Chair

Foursome of Golf - Reunion Resort

Dinner for 10 - Puff N Stuff Catering

Gourmet dinner for 4 in your home - Arthur's Catering

1 night stay and dinner for 2 at Grand Bohemian - Zues Event & Tradeshow Furniture

2 night weekend stay with breakfast - Hilton Garden Inn Lake Mary

Original Paintings of Mona Lisa and Albert Einstein by "Speed Painter" Michael Ostaski

    

$250 gift certificate - Room Service an AFR Company

Gift Baskets and much much more...

All proceeds from this event will benefit:

 
NACE at UCF Scholarships

The donation we make to Susan G. Komen will be dedicated to the memory of one of our most revered members, Bobbi Roberts, CBA, mother.

Dr. Mary Jo Ross, CPCE, CSEP, PhD
Rosen College of Hospitality Management at UCF
Orlando Chapter Student Relations Director

Project:    Get the Edge......

CPCE, anyone?

The Certified Catering Professional Executive's (CPCE) designation is an industry standard that represents a level of expertise within the catering and events industry.

So why don't you have it?  After all, YOU are an expert!

Maybe you haven't had the time?

Maybe you felt intimidated by having to a take test? (Agh! flashbacks of high school biology!)

In today's marketplace you deserve to give yourself and your company a competitive edge.

So, Let's Do It!

Join the Orlando NACE - CPCE study group this fall and prepare to be a CPCE in 2011! Classes are being planned October, November, January and March for the testing to take place in 2011. These classes will be offered free to NACE members and will review tests sections to prepare you for the examination.

Interested members contact Dr. Ross at mross@mail.ucf.edu  for more information about CPCE certification visit http://www.nace.net/cs/education/cpce

Congratulations to the following members:

Molly Abel, Citrus Club - Congratulations on the birth of your sweet little girl, Ashley!

Joe Mahoney, CPCE - Congratulations on being elected the NACE National Event Professional Director

Cheryl's Distinctive Creations - Congratulations on your Esprit Award for ISES Best Team Effort - Event budget under $75,000 for the 2009 WOW Awards.

If you have something to announce, please submit your news for Kudos Korner to admin@orlandonace.com

Darlene Walker, Cheryl's Distinctive Creations
Orlando Chapter Secretary

           Submitted by: 

                           Jessica Graefe, Hard Rock Hotel
                       Orlando Chapter Programs Director

Thank you Orlando NACE Chapter for selecting me as a scholarship winner. What an EXPERIENCE!  As a first timer to this conference I did not know what to expect from this trip.  What I came to find out is that we are a part of something much bigger.  We have an incredible national network and what a great opportunity to meet and build relationships with people just like us but in farther off markets. By attending NACE EXPERIENCE! 2010 I had the time to dedicate and focus on not only creativity but productivity. It was certainly a whirlwind trip of receptions, full out decor and enlightening conversations, spectacular displays and demonstrations of food, sound and lighting.  There was conversation to be shared both deep and lighthearted, sights to be seen and food to be tasted.  Words that inspired both mind and soul.

It is difficult to say which of all the sessions my favorite was as they were all insightful or brought back to light information that we tend to put on a back burner. If I had to pick just one my vote would go to Michael Roman of Catersource Magazine.  He shared insight on recession ending action plans and these I might add were strong and resonating words which to me served as a call to action.  The message I took away was to review current sales material, product and perspective. By focusing on the introspection we can show value in how we are different and not draw the comparison of how we are alike and therefore change or alter our mindsets for our sales strategies and techniques.  This making it a more true and sincere sale that builds confidence and trust which is what the product the customer is truly buying. 

This trip was like hitting the refresh button allowing for information that may or may not have been there to surface to the top.  It was an opportunity to build and strengthen relationships, gain or provide useful and helpful information as well as to celebrate each other's successes.  I absolutely encourage next year's attendance to be set as a business or personal goal for each and every one of you!

Heather Stuckey
NACE at UCF Student Chapter President

Hello Orlando NACE,

At the end of July, the UCF board members had the incredible opportunity of attending NACE's annual conference in Austin, Texas.  We gained educational and professional tools at the many specialized workshops offered during the conference.  My most memorable workshop was "Personality Marketing to Today's Bride" by Susan Southerland from the Perfect Wedding Guide.  Of course, the festive food took center stage as everyone enjoyed "themed" meals provided by different catering companies and event sponsors.  Additional highlights included a Marketplace where chefs, designers and event planners exhibited their companies. 

I'm pleased to tell you that the experience of networking with other student chapters and business professionals was invaluable.  My personal goal is to send more members to next year's conference in Lake Tahoe so that they too can experience such a rewarding opportunity.  Our first board meeting will be September 21^st   on the main campus.

Tanya Barker, Perfect Wedding Guide
Orlando Chapter Public Relations Chair

JOB TITLE:

ORLANDO OFFICE INTERN – Summer Semester

DEPARTMENT:

SALES

REPORTS TO:

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE ORLANDO & GENERAL MANAGER ORLANDO

COMPANY SUMMARY:

Room Service by AFR is one of the largest furniture rental companies in the United States, with multiple locations in the Southeast and Northeast.  Focusing on a premier level of customer service, the Room Service by AFR team delivers high-end furniture and décor to event industry partners across the country and internationally. Our team of event professionals, offer services that range from custom designed items, and branded materials to complete set-up and placement of our product.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Room Service Orlando Intern position is a service and sales support position.  The primary focus of the internship would be on long-term and short-term projects related to social media, client relations, sales and marketing strategy and event design.

PRINCIPLE ACCOUNTABILITIES SUMMARY (to not be limited to):

1.       Build and maintain plan for Room Service by AFR’s internet presence, based on management priorities and goals for the organization.

2.       Define, plan, execute and measure outcomes for social media strategies and activities (including but not limited to: Facebook, Twitter, blogs, MySpace, Flickr, YouTube, etc.)

3.       Assist in client contact management, including creating and managing client prospect lists.

4.       Assist in creation of mailers/promotional printed materials and email blasts.

5.       Create content for marketing efforts, such as first-person experience stories, client feedback, take photos and video of events, etc.

6.       Coordinate the client holiday gifts and manage client appreciation events, materials and gifts.

7.       Administrative and Customer Service responsibilities.

8.       Assist the Sales Team in day to day operations.

JOB REQUIREMENTS:

1. Education:  2 full semesters of Rosen College must be completed

2. Skills:

•          Personal Relations Skills: Intern must be able to positively interact with people on a daily basis and be open to constructive criticism. Intern must have great attitude and good customer service skills. She/he must be able to speak and understand English. She/he must demonstrate discipline, initiative, and be able to work well with others.

•          Marketing: Intern must have experience with online marketing, social media tools and techniques. She/he must have strong written communication skills that include but are not limited to: proofreading and editing, creative and conversational writing.

•          Technology: Intern must be proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Internet Explorer, and other Room Service?related computer software.

•          Personal Responsibilities: Intern must maintain a professional appearance. She/he must have access to reliable transportation and be punctual. She/he must demonstrate the ability to effectively manage time and schedule independently.

3. Time Management:  Hours and days a flexible with Intern’s schedule for the fall semester. Ideal candidate is available 15 – 20 hours per week for the semester term.

4. Compensation: Unpaid internship

àSelected candidate will have the opportunity to accompany the Account Executive to 1 industry meeting of their choice every month (NACE, ISES, MPI, ABC, HSMAI, etc.)

CONTACT INFORMATION:

Sarah Florio | Sales Coordinator - Orlando

Room Service an AFR Event Furnishings Company

7322 Exchange Drive

Orlando, FL  32809

o: 407.608.5141|f: 407.209.3815

sarah@roomservicerentals.com|www.roomservicerentals.com|www.afrevents.com

Director of Catering

The Funky Monkey Wine Company is aggressively expanding our growing catering division, we are a full service event and catering company with 2 restaurants and a 3rd concept opening this summer in the Mills 50 district, we are opening a corporate office in downtown Orlando and are seeking an experienced DOC. The position has a support team including a DOS and Event Managers. Funky Monkey offers a generous salary program with bonus along with health and dental insurance, paid vacations and so much more. The ideal candidate will be well connected in the greater Orlando area with strong ties with catering organizations like NACE and leads groups. Solid growth back ground with offsite Catering /Event / Wedding experience is a must. Interested candidates should submit resume in strict confidence to jobs@funkymonkeywine.com