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Upcoming Meeting
Jan 2020 NACE Luncheon
January 22, 2020 | 11:30 AM PST
Bouchon @ The Venetian Las Vegas
3355 S Las Vegas Blvd
Las Vegas, NV 89109
Venue Website
NACE Love New Opportunities-Try Something New, in the New Decade
Join the NACE Las Vegas group page. It is a great place to post pics, ideas, have discussions, get information about the chapter or just to catch up with your friends from NACE.
Newsletter
President's Report
Dear Las Vegas NACE Chapter,
We’ve had some wonderful meetings over the last few months at Carmine’s Italian Restaurant, Bacchanal Buffet and most recently at Palace Station.
Our gala event is taking place November 13th at Green Valley Ranch! During the gala we install our 2020 NACE Board of Directors. We will be honoring Donnell G. Bayot, Ph.D., CHE, CPCE, CFBE as our 2019 Honoree along with many well-deserved industry awards. If you are able to attend please sign up by clicking here.
If you are interested in buying a table or an ad for the gala for the event please click on the above link.
Mark your calendar and join us on August 2-5, 2020 in Las Vegas, Nevada for the 2020 NACE Experience Conference. Join colleagues from around the country at #NACEEXP20 and get equipped to solve your biggest challenges with top-rated education sessions, endless networking events, and more. To volunteer or learn more please email me [email protected]
Enjoy the cooler weather and I look forward to seeing at our NACE Las Vegas Board Installation & Awards Gala!
-Jennifer Landaz Chapman
NACE Las Vegas Chapter President
NACE Board Installation & Awards Dinner
Las Vegas Chapter Gala and 2020 Board Installation
We hope you will join us for our annual awards dinner and installation November 13th, 2019 inside the Estancia Ballroom at the Green Valley Ranch Resort, Spa, & Casino, to congratulate the 2019 Honoree, Donnell G. Bayot, Ph.D., CPCE, CHE, CFBE. In addition to the awards and board installation, there will be a silent auction.
NACE Las Vegas Board Installation and Awards Dinner
Honoring:
Donnell G. Bayot, Ph.D., CPCE, CHE, CFBE
Immediate President, National Association for Catering & Events
Director of Academic Affairs, The International School of Hospitality
Donnell is the Immediate Past President for the National Association for Catering and Events (NACE), Director of Academic Affairs at The International School of Hospitality (TISOH), a Past Public Commissioner for the Event Industry Council’s CMP Governance Commission, and holds a Doctor of Philosophy in Workforce Development and Organizational Leadership from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV). Prior to his current position at TISOH, he was the Director of Religious Education for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Las Vegas. Donnell is a Certified Professional in Catering and Events (CPCE), a Certified Food & Beverage Executive (CFBE), and a Certified Hospitality Educator (CHE).
Donnell is actively involved in the catering, event, wedding, and hotel industries through industry and association participation. At NACE, he has served multiple roles on the national board and has chaired national and local NACE education committees. Over 10 years, his positions included Education Strategy Committee Chair, Second Vice President (two terms), President-Elect, President and now Immediate Past President. Donnell was appointed to the President's List of NACE National in 2010 for outstanding achievement and contribution to the association. On the local level he served multiple terms at Las Vegas NACE including as Education Chair, Faculty Advisor of the Student Chapter, and Treasurer. Donnell’s additional contributions to the local chapter include the development and launch of the annual honoree program. He was instrumental in increasing the number of CPCE’s in Las Vegas; now, the city has the highest number of such designees in the nation.
Outside of meetings and events, Donnell currently is in his second term on the Board of Advisors for the Southern Nevada Hotel Concierge Association (SNHCA), an Institutional Commissioner for the Accrediting Council for Continuing Education and Training (ACCET), and a Board Member for the Innovations International Charter School of Nevada.
Donnell’s research on competency models has made a significant impact in academia and in the hospitality industry. His Ph.D. dissertation created a competency model for catering and event professionals. For that work, in addition to other efforts, Donnell was recognized with the prestigious Pacesetter award by the Event Industry Council, the pre-eminent hospitality umbrella organization with 26 individual association members covering over 100,000 members, in 2014.
Additionally, Donnell is the Founding President of the Las Vegas New Century Lions Club and the past President of the Lions Quest Inc., the educational foundation for the State of Nevada’s Lions Club.
Celebrate the achievements of our members.
Awards will be handed out for the following categories:
- Best Meeting Venue of the Year
- Las Vegas NACE Member of the Year
- Professionals of the Year in a variety of Categories
- Event Professional of the Year
- Chapter Rising Star of the Year
Reception • Silent Auction • Dinner • Awards
Attire: Black Tie Optional
Havana Nights Theme
Registration: 5:45 pm | Reception: 6:00 pm | Dinner: 7:00 pm
RSVP ONLINE REQUIRED. SPACE IS LIMITED.
$85.00 Members - $95.00 after November 6
$85.00 Student Members - $95.00 after November 6
$100.00 Non-Members - $110.00 after November 6
Sponsorships, Tables, and Ad Sales are Available
The deadline for purchase is November 1 with final artwork to be received by midnight Friday, November 1, 2019.
Estancia Ballroom at the Green Valley Ranch Resort, Spa, & Casino
Green Valley Ranch offers fully customizable space, with perfect rooms for any occasion. They have over 69,000 square feet to meeting and conference space as well as 495 guest rooms that can accommodate from 50 to 5000 guests. With more than 40,000 square feet of configurable space, GVR’s Conference center features two expansive ballrooms and up to 12 breakout meeting rooms. GVR is the perfect location to host a serene, yet stunning event. The meeting areas offer gorgeous views of both the spectacular pool and garden, as well as the Las Vegas Strip.
~Thank you to our Sponsors~
For sponsorship opportunities to showcase your service or product please contact [email protected]
NACE Las Vegas Elections
2019/2020 BOARD ELECTIONS
Elections for the Board of Directors will take place in October 2019.
Executive Board
The Executive Board is elected for a two year term.
President
Jennifer Landaz- Chapman, Associate Director of Business Development
A native to Las Vegas, Jennifer Landaz Chapman brings over 20 years of sales, marketing and operations experience in destination management services as well the travel and hospitality industry. Jennifer currently sits on the executive board of NACE and LV and is extremely passionate about the hospitality industry! Jennifer loves to travel, try new restaurants and craft! Jennifer is truly grateful for an amazing husband and two wonderful daughters Skye and Autumn.
Jennifer currently sits on the executive board as Treasurer of the NACE Las Vegas chapter. Jenn loves that at your fingertips you have access to resources, education and networking through NACE to be the best caterer and event professional!
She believes that NACE has a strong foundation to continue the growth of our hospitality community!
Jennifer contributes to the NACE Las Vegas board with her years of board experience and is dedicated to making the NACE Las Vegas the strongest chapter in the country!
Vice President
Donna Murray
Sales Manager, Quest Events
I have been a part of the Las Vegas hospitality industry for over twelve years. I started my hospitality career working in hotel sales for Caesars Entertainment, The Riviera Hotel, MGM Resorts International and The Westin, before getting involved with event design and decor. I am the Sales and Training Manager for Quest Events and handle the training process for new Sales Managers in other Quest markets.
I have a passion for special events and enjoy meeting new people every day. I’m an active member for a few industry associations and currently sit on the board for the NACE Las Vegas Chapter and CSA (Convention Services Association). I’m always looking for new ways to get involved with our industry and continuing to build relationships and create new ones with industry partners. You can always find at my children’s school activities and sporting events on my spare time, or enjoying a glass of wine over dinner with a friend.
Treasurer
Dawn Ulrey
Director of Private Events, Canyon Gate Country Club
Dawn Ulrey moved to Las Vegas with her family in the early 1970’s. After high school she received a bachelor’s degree from UNLV where she was also a charter member of the Alpha Gamma Delta Sorority.
Her early career started in hotel hospitality sales which included being a part of the opening teams for both the Treasure Island and Luxor Hotels. During the height of golf course development in Las Vegas, an opportunity with American Golf presented itself and Dawn was the first Leisure Sales Manager responsible for selling tee times through front of the house hotel referrals. This began a long career in the resort and private golf industries where Dawn worked for Walter's Golf selling Bali Hair, Royal Links and Stallion Mountain. On the private side she was Membership Marketing Director at Spanish Trail Country Club and is currently the Private Events Director at Canyon Gate Country Club, a ClubCorp property.
In the community Dawn has held Board positions with Child Focus, a local not-for-profit organization that looked after the needs of siblings in foster care. Currently, Dawn serves as the Secretary on the Executive Board for the Las Vegas Chapter of NACE
Secretary
Diane O'Brien, CMP
Catering Manager, MGM Grand
Diane is the current Secretary 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 a Catering Manager, a role she has thrived in for a number of years.
Board of Directors
The Board of Directors is elected for a one year term beginning with November 2020 Installation.
Director of Community Outreach
Kay Kolbo
Director of Special Events, Allicart Restaurant Group
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.
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.
Director of Communications
Brenda Gerard, CMP
Senior Catering and Conference Services Manager, Hilton Lake Las Vegas
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, and I have been an active member of NACE in both the San Diego and Las Vegas Chapters collectively for the last 15 years. Currently I am employed with the Hilton Lake Las Vegas Resort & Spa. I have served on various boards before and understand the importance of attendance and board member contribution and currently hold the position of Director of Communications, for the NACE Las Vegas Chapter, Board of Directors.
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 lead 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 selfproclaimed, “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”.
Director of Programs
Rocco DeBenedictis
Sales Executive, Wet & Wild Las Vegas
I have always been excited to share with others my path to the Event Industry. My professional work has been glittered with amazing opportunities that I am so fortunate to have been a part of. When it came time to follow my passion, the event industry welcomed me with open arms. Over the last 3 years I have had the pleasure of working with companies to create unique, one of a kind experiences for clients. My start began with Amusement, Exhibit & Event Services- learning the skills of the industry, activation and of course Giant Toys. From there I worked in Event Space rental and special events with HeadzUP Las Vegas. There I created educational programs, special events, and hosted DMC clients, Association events and Industry nights.
I have found my home this past summer at Wet n’ Wild Las Vegas. Being a part of a dynamic Sales & Special Events team, we have had the pleasure of re-structuring, re -organizing, and re-writing the idea of what a water park event can become. Our season just wrapped, and 2020 is already getting its finishing touches. I am so excited to be a part of an industry that allows me to follow a multitude of passions, such as community service, education, and of course special events catered to our colleagues. I look forward to 2020 and the opportunities we can create together as an industry.
Director Membership
Meagan Cartmill, CMP, CPCE
Catering & Conference Management, The Venetian/The Palazzo/The Sands Expo
Meagan Cartmill was born and raised in Las Vegas, Nevada. She has been at The Venetian Resort since 2013 where she started as a front desk agent and quickly found her passion for group business. Meagan transitioned from front desk to hotel group services and then catering and conference management where she has found her home for the long haul. In her free time, Meagan enjoys the finer things in life – travel, food, and a good night out with her friends and family. When with friends one of Meagan’s favorite past times is wine tasting, game nights and a good cheese board…brie all the way
Director of Fundraising
Joy Villanueva
Group Sales Manager, Clique Hospitality
With over 15 years of hospitality experience--I began my career in the hospitality industry as a VIP Table Hostess at the original Light Nightclub inside the Bellagio in 2003. I quickly moved into training and management a few years later and became the Light Group Corporate Training Manager for all nightclubs, lounges and day-clubs with a focus mainly on new projects.
I was fortunate to have the opportunity to be a part of the City Center grand opening, where the Light Group opened 4 venues simultaneously at the Aria Resort. After a very fulfilling career in nightlife, I decided to change my career in order to start a family and soon after had my two little boys and made the career change in 2016--where I began my current position as a Group Sales Manager with Clique Hospitality. At Clique Hospitality, we oversee 7 venues throughout Las Vegas. I also earned my Bachelor's Degree in Hospitality Management at UNLV this summer.
The following positions for the Board of Directors do not have candidates and will be appointed by the 2020 Executive Board.
Co Programs Chair - Tammie Burneo
- Education Chair – To Be Determined
- Awards Chair – To Be Determined
National NACE News
National Association for Catering and Events - NACE
The Foundation of NACE would like to congratulate the NACE Las Vegas Chapter - National Association for Catering and Events on their 2019 Community Grant to benefit Street Teens who are dedicated to assisting homeless, abandoned, and at-risk youth. The support given will help provide essential services in a compassionate environment. The Foundation is proud to support such a worthwhile cause.
Membership Spotlight
Each month we showcase members from the Las Vegas Chapter of NACE as local professionals who are dedicated to the hospitality industry. To represent the different facets of our industry, we focus on a member from Catering and Events, as well as a member who has attained their CPCE Certification.
CATERING SPOTLIGHT
Tammie Burneo, Catering Sales Manager, JW Marriott Las Vegas Resort & Spa
EVENT PROFESSIONAL SPOTLIGHT
Kathy Dyke, Event Designer, By Dzign LLC
CPCE SPOTLIGHT
Tammi Booth, Catering Manager, The Mirage
Community Service
SUPPORTING THE COMMUNITY
The Las Vegas NACE Chapter embraces the Spirit of NACE in our commitment to our local community in believes in supporting our community through outreach to local organizations. Each month, our Community Service Committee organizes to support a variety of local charities including Candlelighters, Street Teens, and Shade Tree. Money raised at meetings goes to a variety of items to support these charities, from bottled water to gift cards. If you are interested in assisting with any of their efforts, please contact Kay Kolbo for more information.
Many Thanks to Jen Landaz Chapman from Hosts Las Vegas, for donating 25 hot meals & dessert in September to Street Teens
Get Involved & Save the Date!!!
Join the NACE Las Vegas Chapter Team to Fight Breast Cancer
Sunday, October 27, 2019
7 AM – 11:30 AM
Register Here
Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walks unite communities behind the American Cancer Society's efforts to save lives from breast cancer. Here's what you can expect:
EVENT SCHEDULE
Check-in - 7:00 AM
Sign up online for an easy day of the walk experience. All event participants, including children, need to register for the walk. If you have registered online before the walk, you do not need to visit the Registration Tent unless you have donations to drop-off. If you do not register online prior to the event, please visit the check-in area upon arrival.
Opening Ceremony - 8:00 AM
Come together with survivors, caregivers, men and women from all walks of life who are passionate about saving lives from breast cancer. Celebrate your shared efforts. Inspire each other to carry on. And take comfort in the knowledge that because of your dedication, no one walks alone. Opening Ceremony will begin at 8:00 AM and will launch us into the start of the walk at 8:30 AM.
Walk Begins - 8:30 AM
We all walk together, but our event is not a race. Stop whenever you want or need to. You absolutely do not need to complete the entire walk if you are unable. The walk concludes when the final walker crosses the finish line
For more information on these two great events visit our current events for Community Service.
NACE Legacy
CELEBRATING OUR MEMBERS
NACE started with humble beginnings in 1958 in New York City as the Banquet Managers Guild. Over the years, the organization has grown across the country and with the industry to become "One Industry, One Association".
From its local beginnings in New York City, NACE has grown to encompass more than 4,000 members in more than 40 chapters in North America. NACE continues to raise the standard of professionalism in the industry through education, certification, standards, ethics and professional recognition programs. NACE remains dedicated to growing and changing with the industry’s needs, providing critical resources for all its members, wherever they are in their careers and whatever their positions. Read our story.
LAS VEGAS NACE MEMBERS ANNIVERSARIES
Each month, we celebrate our members who have been a part of the organization throughout for at least five years, providing their continued mentorship, participation, and support of our chapter and guidance for emerging leaders in our industry.
19 Years
Frank Gregory, Senior Catering Convention Services Manager, Caesars Palace
16 Years
Harvey Stern CPCE, CMP, Executive Director of Catering and Events, Bellagio
14 Years
David Tapper CPCE, Executive Director of Catering, Mirage Resort & Casino
11 Years
Donnell Bayot PhD, CPCE, CHE, Director of Academic Affairs, TISOH
10 Years
Marcus Lam, Director of Admissions & Recruitment, TISOH
8 Years
Steve Williamson CGSP, Event Designer, By Dzign
6 Years
Donna Quichocho, Catering Sales Manager, JW Marriott Resort and Spa
3 Years
Lindsay Wolf, Director of Catering & Conference Services, Green Valley Ranch Resort, Spa & Casino
2 Years
Seth Bankier, Founder, Spin-Spun All Natural Confections
Donna Murray, Sales Manager, Quest Events
1 Year
Serena Dominguez, Wedding & Social Sales Manager, Border Grill
Angela Williams, General Manager, Mansion 54
New Members
WELCOME TO OUR NEWEST MEMBERS!
NACE membership provides you with an instant network of more than 3,500 professional colleagues in the catering and events industry. Whether you’re just starting out or are an experienced professional, the National Association for Catering and Events (NACE) has the education, tools and resources you need to build and excel at your career.
Each month, we welcome our new members to the organization. If you see them at a meeting, make sure to say hello and show them some Las Vegas hospitality!
PROFESSIONAL MEMBERS
Janien Valentine, Sales and Event Coordinator, Cat's Meow at Cat's Meow
Julie Nobis, Director of Business Development, Creative Coverings
Anne Marie Cryer, Trade Show & Events Professional, TISOH
Andrew Damian, Account Associate, Blue Print Studios
Rocco DeBenedictis, Sales Executive, Wet & Wild Las Vegas
Sarah Edelman, Senior Marketing Manager, Instawork
Carly Held, Sales Account Executive, Wet & Wild Las Vegas
Brad Klune, Director of Operations, Instawork
Eric Urban, Sales Account Executive, Wet & Wild Las Vegas
Alyson Virva, Catering Sales Manager, Green Valley Ranch Resort Spa & Casino
Interested in joining? Learn more!
Past Meeting Recap
Oct 2019 NACE Breakfast
Many Thanks to Palace Station for hosting our Oct NACE Breakfast Meeting.
We were thrilled to learn more about Front Row Leadership by our Guest Speaker Marilyn Sherman.
~Thank you to our Sponsors~
Sept 2019 NACE Luncheon
Many Thanks to Bacchanal Buffet for hosting out Sept Luncheon. Our taste buds were thankful from the amazing buffet. Our guest speakers included, Chef Elizabeth Stolarick, Executive Pastry Chef and Chef Jennifer Murphy, Executive Chef-Restaurant Operations, from Caesars Palace
~Thank You to Our Sponsors~
Get Involved!
NACE WANTS YOU!
You get more out of your membership in NACE by becoming involved as a volunteer. The opportunities for professional growth are endless as you assist with our monthly programs and events as a part of a Committee (local or national), and joining the Board of Directors.
For more information, visit our Get Involved webpage to learn more about the following opportunities.
