2023/2024 Las Vegas Chapter Nominees

2023/2024 Elections

We are pleased to announce the following candidates for the 2024 Board of Directors and 2024 Executive Board.  Please review the Elections process as well as job descriptions on the chapter website.  Elections will be hosted with ballots to all professional members via email in October 2023.  A simple majority is required for the nominee to win the election. 

Executive Board

The Executive Board is elected for a two-year term beginning with November 2023 Installation.

Immediate Past President

Diane O'Brien, CMP

Associate Director of Events, MGM Grand

Diane is the immediate past president for the National Association for Catering and Events (NACE).  Prior to Secretary, she handled Programs for NACE in 2018, and has been a member since 2007.  Diane also carries the CMP designation, or Certified Meeting Professional.  She has worked in the events world since moving to Las Vegas in 2002, with various roles at hotels on the Strip.  She is currently working at the MGM Grand as an Associate Director of Events, a role she has thrived in for a number of years.    

President

Kay Kolbo

Director of Special Events, Allicart Restaurant Group

Carmine’s Italian Restaurant located in The Forum Shops of Caesars Palace and Virgil’s Real BBQ, located in The Linq Promenade

Born and raised in the Midwest, Kay Kolbo has been an active local Las Vegas resident for the past 30 years. Kay has extensive experience in the casino food and beverage industry, promotions and special event management, trade show production, public relations, and media publication sales and marketing.

Since 2011, Kay has served on the Board of Directors for the National Association of Catering and Events local Las Vegas Chapter as the Community Outreach and Public Relations Chair and recently now the Director of the committee. She continues to support the community by spearheading her committee as they donate their time and efforts to local Las Vegas charities in need. These organizations include Candlelighters Childhood Cancer Foundation, Street Teens of Nevada, Olive Crest, The American Cancer Society and past recipients of the committee’s charitable drives - The Shadetree of Nevada. Kay is also a member of Destination Services Association of Las Vegas and Las Vegas Territory, ILEA or International Live Events and LVHA – Las Vegas Hospitality Association.

Kay has held senior food and beverage management positions for Station Casinos, MGM-Mirage, and the Tropicana Hotel respectively. After an extensive career in the casino food and beverage, Kay moved to media marketing as an Account Executive, working her way up to Publisher of the Las Vegas section of Beautiful Bride Magazine. When her tenure with the publication ended, Kay consulted for Infused Productions, assisting them with sales and marketing and served as production and stage manager for the Beautiful Bride Expo. Venturing further into the media and advertising genre, Kay also served as Las Vegas Woman Magazine as an Account Executive and the Tradeshow producer for the Las Vegas Woman Magazine’s magazine release parties and events. As Director of Promotions and Special Events for “Danny Vegas Live” Productions, Kay was Trade Show Producer and Senior Sales Account Executive.

Kay is also an entertainer and performs regularly in the Dennis Wise “King for a Night” Show here in Las Vegas.

When the corporate food and beverage world called her back, Kay served as Sales Manager for Planet Hollywood Restaurant and Bar for Earl Enterprises.

Kay now serves as Director of Special Events for the Alicart Restaurant Group in Las Vegas Nevada.

Kay oversees the sales department and special events entities for the company that has headquarters in New York City.

Kay’s past accolades include Community Outreach Committee Chapter of the Year for the National NACE Organization 2011, 2012, 2013, and 2016. NACE of Las Vegas Inspirational Member of the Year 2011 and 2012; NACE of Las Vegas Chapter Rising Star 2012; 2013 National Association of Catering and Events National President’s List; MGM Corporation’s Diversity Champion Graduate and recipient of Diversity’s “The Warriorship Award” by her piers 2005. Kay was also 1998 Manager of the Year for Palace Station.

In the summer of 2014 Kay was inducted into the Distinguished Women of Nevada’s 2014 Book for her accomplishments while being a resident of Las Vegas, Nevada.

Kay was inducted to serve on The Nevada State Restaurant Association’s Board of Directors and serves on both the Government Affairs and Special Events Committees.

In addition, for the 2019 calendar year, Kay has been nominated and serves respectively on the NACE National Membership and Business Development Committees and attended the National Association of Catering and Events Experience 2019 as a nominee for the George Zell Spirit of NACE Award and once again for her committee’s work as Community Service Chapter of the Year for their programs giving back to the city in 2018.

Vice President

Donna Murray

Treasurer

Brenda Gerard, CMP, CPCE

Event Services Manager, AREA15

I am a driven, innovative and enthusiastic Hospitality and Events Management Professional with expertise in managing large scale budgets, delivering high end events and developing strategic partnerships. I thrive in a face paced environment and will very well adapt in any work environment.  I’m passionate about the work I do and interested in connecting with people to bounce ideas, discuss strategies and develop strong rapport within the industry. I am highly motivated, innovative, detail-oriented and responsive, with a strong desire to exceed both personal and professional expectations and consistently deliver paramount results. I am Certified Meeting Professional, a Certified Professional Catering Executive, and I have been an active member of NACE in both the San Diego and Las Vegas Chapters collectively for the and worked for the Hilton Hotels & Resorts brand for over 18 years. Currently, I am employed with AREA15 as Event Services Manager. I have served on various boards before and understand the importance of attendance and board member contribution and previously held the position of Treasurer, for the NACE Las Vegas Chapter, Executive Board of Directors.

NACE Las Vegas Chapter, Executive Board of Directors, Treasurer, 2021-2024

NACE Las Vegas Chapter, Board of Directors, Director of Communications, 2018-2021

University of Oregon Alumni Association, San Diego Chapter, Treasurer & Taste of Oregon Chair, 2012-2015

University of Oregon Alumni Association, Board of Directors, Chapter Representative, 2014-2015

University of Oregon Alumni Association, San Diego Chapter, President, 2007-2012

Friars Hollow Homeowners Association, Board Member at Large & Vice President, 2011-2013

Hilton Hunger at Home, Board of Directors, Event Committee Chair, 2008-2009

University of Oregon Alumni Association, Board of Directors, Chapter Representative, 2008-2009

Secretary

Kathy Dyke, CPCE

Director of Sales and Business Development, By Dzign

An event-planning guru who loves to entertain, Kathy Dyke joined the By Dzign team in 2012, bringing with her nearly 20 years of impressive experience in the event and hospitality industry. As an event dzigner, Kathy uses her seasoned design eye to turn clients’ visions into oh-so-pretty realities through her impeccable execution of on-theme decor, linens, floral and lighting.

Originally from Waterloo, Iowa, Kathy eventually left the rolling plains of the midwest behind for the bright lights of Sin City, where she earned her degree in Hotel Administration from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (Go Rebs!). Upon graduation, during college Kathy worked for a local rooms wholesaler, which eventually led her to sales positions at both the Orleans Hotel and the Tropicana Resort and Casino. In 2002, her love for all-things food & beverage led her to her next venture working as the Catering Director for Cili Restaurant at Bali Hai Golf Course, where she remained for nearly ten years before making her way to the By Dzign team.

An active member of the Las Vegas Hospitality Association (LVHA), Kathy served on the organization’s Board of Directors for nearly two decades in positions ranging from director to chairman of the board. She also volunteers her time with the local chapter of the National Association of Catering and Events (NACE) with former stints on their board as well. In both 2007 and 2011, Kathy was selected as NACE’s “Caterer of the Year” and, in 2013, was named “Event Professional of the Year”—two honors that solidify her role as one of the top event design professionals in Las Vegas.  A proud UNLV Runnin’ Rebel Alumna, Kathy served on the UNLV Alumni Association Legacy Board and has volunteered her time for the association’s many events, adding unique décor elements for many events, from tailgates to the annual Foundation Dinner.  Needless to say, during football and basketball season, you can always find Kathy and her husband cheering on her Runnin’ Rebs loudly and proudly (she’s the one in all red).

An avid golfer, when Kathy’s not executing unbelievable events on behalf of her clients, you can find her on any one of Las Vegas’ gorgeous golf courses with her husband, Brian, taking a swing at lowering her handicap. In her free-time, Kathy tends to lose herself in all-things games and trivia—a hobby that has led her to be selected as contestants on several popular game shows; Family Feud, America Says and Celebrity Name Game. Her passion for competition extends far beyond game shows, though—her drive to be the best is clearly present in every one of the beautiful events she designs and manages (something her clients constantly praise her for).

Board of Directors

The Board of Directors is elected for a one-year term beginning with November 2023 Installation.

Director of Membership & Social Media

Jodi Harris

CEO of Fun, Sight & Sound Events

Director of Hospitality

Gary Bordman, CSEP

Chief Interactive Designer/Owner, Amusement Exhibit & Event Services

Gary Bordman is the Chief Interactive Designer for Amusement, Exhibit & Event Services (AE&ES) in Las Vegas, Nevada; which focuses to deliver innovation in the event and tradeshow industry with its process of rethinking and developing ideas. With over 20 years in the event industry he has conceptualized, created, and executed events for some of the largest companies in the world.

Gary began his journey as a child growing up in the Carnival Industry. He enjoyed the atmosphere that came with each event and knew that it was his calling to be immersed in the event world.

His path took a 13-year detour while he served in the United States Air Force (USAF) in the Aircraft Logistics field and finishing his service with the Silver Flag Alpha the Desert Warfare Anti-Terrorism School at Indian Springs until being medically separated in 1999. He would tell you that it was the time of his life. Traveling and working side by side with some of the best people in the world. While still on active-duty Gary started his first small business venture with a few inflatables and interactive games. He built his company up to be a known name in Las Vegas. Upon leaving the USAF he continued developing his career in the event industry. He began his work as the National Event Sales Executive for Absolute Amusements. For almost 15 years, Gary helped to design and execute multi-city marketing tours, corporate initiatives and interactive experiences for a wide variety of companies in amazing locations. His success in this position launched his love for all things event related, naturally this led him to create his own organization:   Amusement, Exhibit and Event Services (AE&ES). AE&ES is approaching its fifth year of business and boasts an impressive client list which continues to grow daily. Gary loves the challenge that comes everyday with taking on a new client or assisting current clients that need a solution to their problem. He takes great pride in developing his team of professionals to provide the level of service and product that one would expect from a world class organization. Gary Bordman earned his CSEP and has been recognized as a local industry leader, working with Global Corporations, DMC’s, innovators and even dreamers to bring their visions to reality on a local and global scale. His highly developed professional relationships allow him to be, a self-proclaimed, “Dot Connector” in the industry affording him the ability to make his clients dreams a reality. Whenever anyone needs anything, event related, they have come to know to “@JustCallGary”.

INDUSTRY/MEDIA AWARD HIGHLIGHTS

- President ISES/ILEA Las Vegas Chapter               2004-2005

- Certified Special Event Professional, CSEP           2016

- Event, Design and Production, Certification           TISOH 2009.

Director of Communications

Carly Held

Director of Sales & Catering, Titan Brands

After dedicating 23 years to diverse roles in sales, Carly embarked on a new journey in 2013, transitioning to the dynamic realm of hospitality sales—a move she hasn't regretted. Over the past decade, she has collaborated with numerous venues and restaurants around the vibrant landscape of Las Vegas. Carly has found the best role yet as the Director of Sales and Catering for Titan Brands Hospitality Group which encompasses the Hussong’s Cantina, Slice of Vegas, and Grand Marquee Room brands. 

Carly is grateful for being welcomed with open arms into the Las Vegas hospitality industry. The mentors and friends she has gained throughout this transformative period hold a special place in her journey.

Carly's dedication to fostering connections and disseminating the ever-expanding wealth of knowledge encapsulates her professional character.

Looking ahead to 2024, Carly is thrilled to be a part of the NACE board, eagerly anticipating the opportunity to contribute to the growth of the Las Vegas chapter. Beyond her professional pursuits, Carly finds joy in baking, indulging in occasional naps, and cherishing moments of laughter with her husband and son.

Director of Programs & Events

Director of Community Service

The following positions for the Board of Directors do not have candidates and will be appointed by the 2024 Executive Board.