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Reprint from BizBash Orlando - Event Report - December 2009
The gangster motif was in full swing when guests arrived at the venue, where Gaylord banquet servers and catering managers dressed as gangsters greeted guests outside and escorted them through the convention center's loading dock in the back. Guided into a freight elevator, attendees saw the mobster actors working over a hostage and were presented with cocktails to keep everything hush hush.
A long, dimly lit hallway leading to the Osceola Ballroom entrance had a seductively dressed woman shouting at gangsters to keep the volume of their gambling down. At the door, a butler surreptitiously asked guests for a password granting them entrance.
The convention center's in-house destination management company, Convention Planning Services, outfitted its ballroom's stage as a warehouse speakeasy. Actors from Wise Guys Entertainment, dressed as cigar girls and flappers, passed trays of smoked salmon rosettes with caviar and lemon-lime zest, deviled quail eggs, New Zealand baby lamb chops with mint jelly, and miniature chicken Cordon Bleu by Gaylord's in-house caterer. Food stations offered oysters Rockefeller, clams casino, beef Wellington with asparagus au gratin, seafood Newburg with spiny lobster, chicken pot pies, and Waldorf and Caesar salads.
Wizard Connection used barrels and plywood to create communal bar-height tables on the stage, while the main floor had café-style wrought iron tables lined up against brick walls. The bar offered a "Bathtub Gin" ice luge and was made of mahogany, and period cocktails included Sloe Gin Fizzes, Singapore Slings, and Pink Pussycats.
The party was interrupted by gunshot sound effects, provided by PSAV, and a video rendering by Wise Guys Entertainment of mobster Al Capone congratulating the attendees for remembering the password to enter the event. The outlaw then thanked the event's sponsors and allowed NACE's 2009 chapter president to take the microphone and introduce the 2010 executive board.
The program was soon interrupted by staffers dressed as Keystone cops and another burst of fake gunfire. The cops chased guests to a three-story pillared foyer, outfitted by Kirby Rentals as the Gatsby mansion, for desserts, after-dinner drinks, and cigars.
-Jesse North
Reprint from NACE The Trends Report - September 2009
Orlando Chapter of NACE
Submitted by: Jennifer Shepherd, Public Relations Director, Orlando Chapter of NACE
Event attendees at the 3rd Annual Taste of NACE Catering for the Cure® experienced all that the Orlando Chapter of the National Association of Catering Executive (NACE) has to offer on Tuesday, August 25th at the Buena Vista Palace Hotel and Spa. Like no other industry event, the 3rd Annual Taste of NACE Catering for the Cure® offered guests an opportunity to raise funds and awareness for Susan G. Komen for the Cure® Central Florida, while partying the night away.
Taste of NACE is an annual gathering of Orlando's top event industry professionals designed to bring people together for networking, education and to raise money for local charities as well as for the Orlando Chapter of NACE Scholarship Fund.
Taste of NACE attendees participated in a spectrum of activities throughout the course of the night. From breast cancer awareness to live entertainment to decadent food and beverage items to a one-of-a-kind fashion show and tabletop designs, attendees could leave feeling satisfied with their contribution to a successful event.
A total of 20 percent of event proceeds will benefit Susan G. Komen for the Cure® Central Florida, the global leader of the breast cancer movement. Susan G. Komen for the Cure® Central Florida has become the largest source of nonprofit funds dedicated to the fight against breast cancer in the world. Additional funds will be used for Orlando NACE Scholarships for students and members.
Reprint from NACE The Trends Report - May 2009
Orlando Chapter of NACE
Keeping Green with Whole Foods
Submitted by: Jennifer Shepherd, Public Relations Director, Orlando Chapter of NACE
For its monthly chapter meeting, the Orlando chapter visited Whole Foods Market in Winter Park, FL on Tuesday, April 28 to learn about sustainable food purchasing and use. NACE attendees had a behind the scenes experience that showed how one of the most innovative grocers in the country does it!
By providing the finest natural and organic foods available and maintaining the strictest quality standards in the industry, Whole Foods Market is a leader in the natural and organic grocer industry. NACE attendees experienced, first hand, a sampling of the highest quality, least processed, most flavorful and natural foods that Whole Foods Market can offer.
Much of the food provided at Whole Foods Market is locally grown and adheres to environmental and sustainable practices and therefore supports the local community that NACE members live in. Throughout the networking portion of the event, attendees were able to tour the store and speak with members of the Produce, Meat and Seafood, Wine and Beer, Cheese, Bakery and Prepared Foods departments. Each Department Manager is an expert and specializes in providing the best selection of natural and organic products. NACE attendees sampled a selection of the best cheeses and organic wines from around the world. In addition, Orlando Brewing, Florida's only certified organic brewer, provided their Blonde and Red Ales for attendees to enjoy.
To showcase how natural and organic foods can be flavorful and filling, the catering team at Whole Foods Market served: Grass-fed Beef Shank from White Oak Pastures in Georgia, Chilean Sea Bass, Fresh Vegetables and White Rice. For dessert, Muse Gelato provided chocolate chip gelato to top off the evening. During dinner, Whole Foods Market Store Team Leader, Laurie Davis spoke with NACE attendees and described the mission and history of Whole Foods Market. Attendees had the opportunity to ask questions regarding the difference between natural and organic and learn how Whole Foods Market can help catering businesses. Everyone is impacted by the movement in the catering industry towards natural and organic food options.
As attendees enjoyed the delicious meal and luxurious Moss Dazzle Linen and Mahogany Chiavari Chairs and Barstools provided by Kirby Rental Service, American Entertainment Resources entertained attendees with a one-man-band.
Reprint from CaterSource Magazine - September 2009
Event Professionals Come Together to Have Fun, Give Back, and More
A World of Taste at the 3rd Annual Taste of NACE Catering for the Cure®? Event
Event attendees at the 3rd Annual Taste of NACE Catering for the Cure® experienced all that the Orlando Chapter of National Association of Catering Executive (NACE) has to offer on Tuesday, August 25th at the Buena Vista Palace Hotel and Spa. Like no other industry event, the 3rd Annual Taste of NACE Catering for the Cure® offered guests an opportunity to raise funds and awareness for Susan G. Komen for the Cure® Central Florida, while partying the night away.
Taste of NACE is an annual gathering of Orlando's top event industry professionals designed to bring people together for networking, education, and to raise money for local charities as well as for the Orlando Chapter of NACE Scholarship Fund.
A total of 20 percent of event proceeds will benefit Susan G. Komen for the Cure® Central Florida, the global leader of the breast cancer movement. Susan G. Komen for the Cure® Central Florida has become the largest source of nonprofit funds dedicated to the fight against breast cancer in the world. Additional funds will be used for Orlando NACE Scholarships for students and members.
Participating Caterer Sponsors featured the best food and beverage that Orlando has to offer. Arthur's Catering, Black Tie to Barbeque, Catered by Patti Caces, Chocolate Traditions of Orlando, Espresso Events, General Mills, Muse Gelato, Orlando Brewing Company, Villas of Grand Cypress and the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort presented a wide range of indulgences. From the tasty Cotton Candy Martini from Arthur's Catering to the decadent Barbeque Quail from the WDW Swan and Dolphin Resort, attendees truly experienced the Taste of NACE!
The exciting and innovative "Trash to Treasure" Tabletop Design Competition featured phenomenal designs by Cheryl's Distinctive Creations, Hello Florida!, Muse Events and Catering, and Panache A Classic Party Rentals Company. The award winning table, designed by Hello Florida! and Julie Ford Designs, featured a boat set up as a dining table and designed with recycled and reusable "found" items.
Taste of NACE attendees participated in a spectrum of activities throughout the course of the night. From breast cancer awareness to live entertainment to decadent food and beverage items to a one-of-a-kind fashion show and tabletop designs, attendees could leave feeling satisfied with their contribution to a successful event.
The National Association of Catering Executives encompasses all aspects of the catering industry. Dedicated to promoting career success for its members and the professionalism of the industry, NACE offers educational programs, professional certification, chapter initiatives, networking opportunities, recognition and awards programs, a job bank, community service projects and an annual summer conference. In helping its members enhance their business and careers, NACE helps the industry reach its highest potential.
NACE is a presenting partner of the 2010 Catersource Conference & Tradeshow, March 7-11 at the Paris Hotel in Las Vegas. Watch for them to present CPCE education and testing, an exciting evening event, the NACE lounge on the Tradeshow floor, facility tours and more.
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