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Newsletter
President's Report
Dear Las Vegas NACE Chapter,
Happy Fall, I hope that all of you are staying healthy both physically and mentally during these times. Your NACE board of directors has been working hard to make sure all you continue to stay informed and involved. We are looking forward to having another in person event in November and hope you can be there. The details for the event will be released next week.
Most recently our Chapter supported and participated in the Strides Ride for Making Strides for Breast Cancer Walk that took place on October 18th and it was a wonderful and safe way to show how much we care. Please look for photos and upcoming events via email and social media.
We look forward to seeing you our “Celebrate the Dead by Raising your Spirits” Zoom event on October 28th!
If you have membership questions or need to update your contact information please reach out to us at [email protected] or you can also call me at 702-279-7211 and we will make sure to update your information immediately.
Be well and I look forward to seeing you soon.
Jennifer
-Jennifer Landaz Chapman
NACE Las Vegas Chapter President
Chapter Meetings
Las Vegas NACE Presents
~Casamigos in your Casa~
“Celebrate the Dead by Raising your Spirits”
Join us as we get a Masterclass in Tequila education with,
Casamigos Advocate, Amy Watts & Master In-Toxicologist, Eric Hobbie
Learn the history, creation, and process of how Tequila is enjoyed, to create the Perfect Margarita.
Showcase your Spooky Spirit with your favorite Day of the Dead costume or your favorite, festive background.
Winner will be voted on in messaging.
Win Big with a Casamigos Experience Basket
~Thank you to our Sponsors~
This is a Complimentary Experience
(zoom link will be emailed the day prior to registered guests)
National NACE News
NACE One Award Winners Announced
The Venetian and Dickie Brennan among those who received the highest honor.
COLUMBIA, Maryland – JULY 23, 2019 – The National Association for Catering and Events recognized the best in the industry at the NACE One Awards Gala during the annual NACE Experience Conference, which was held in Cincinnati, Ohio in July.
Over 140 entries were received from catering and event professionals across the country competing in professional industry categories such as Catered Event of the Year, Event Production of the Year, Event Photography of the Year, Table Presentation of the Year and more.
Award judges made up of 100 catering and event professionals selected the winners based on different, unique or creative qualities of these one-of-a-kind events.
“Award Winners are among the trendsetters and innovators of our community. Being judged by their peers and receiving a NACE One Award is a testament to their skills and ingenuity.” said Ed DiAntonio, CPCE, CMP, President of the National Association for Catering and Events (NACE).
Congratulations to our winners:
Industry Awards
Off-Premise Catered Event of the Year – Budget Less Than $50,000
Village Pantry Catering
Union of Aries Wedding
Off-Premise Catered Event of the Year – Budget $50,000 – $100,000
Harold Kelly, CPCE, Melange Catering
A Hollywood Catering Adventure
On-Premise Catered Event of the Year – Budget Less Than $50,000
Catering Works
Carolina in My Mind
On-Premise Catered Event of the Year – Budget $50,000 – $100,000
A Fare Extraordinaire and The Revaire
Magic by Moonlight – Mercury Orchestra – The Revaire
On-Premise Catered Event of the Year – Budget $50,000 – $100,000
Amber Scheer, CPCE
Richie Ray’s Holiday Soiree
On-Premise Catered Event of the Year – Budget Greater Than $100,000
Dickie Brennan; Owner, Chef and Restaurateur & Z Event Company
Studio 54 in the Big Easy
Event Photography of the Year – Corporate Event Photography
Stacey C Brooks, See Pink Inc
American Airlines brings big business back to Puerto Rico
Event Photography of the Year – Social Event (non-wedding) Photography
Don Mamone, The Mamones, LLC
The Ultimate Cocktail Experience Benefiting Trigger’s Toys
Event Photography of the Year – Wedding Photography
Jessica Miller Photography
Chelsea and Chris Holiday Wedding
Table Presentation of the Year – Budget Less Than $200
Sania Ahmed, House of Hough
Golden Hours & Silver Linings
Table Presentation of the Year – Budget Greater Than $200
EB Inc Events
Beauty and the Beast
Wedding of the Year – Budget Less Than $50,000
David Egan, Chase Court
Harry Potter Wedding at Chase Court
Wedding of the Year – Budget $50,000 – $100,000
Sarah Davidson
No Detail Missed – A Magically Vintage Wisconsin Camp Wedding
Wedding of the Year – Budget Greater Than $100,000
Michelle Stansfield, CPCE
Cherry Blossoms and Fairy Lights
Social Event Production of the Year – Budget $50,000 – $100,000
JDV Occasions / Amy Ackerman & Jim White Designs
Did Someone Say Flowers?! An Enchanted Fantasy Garden Bat Mitzvah
Social Event Production of the Year – Budget Greater Than $100,000
Anna Garcia, Addison Reserve Country Club
Corporate Event Production of the Year – Budget Less Than $50,000
Sara Heald, DMCP, IDesignMeetings
Here’s Looking at You, Kid
Corporate Event Production of the Year – Budget $50,000 – $100,000
Amber Scheer, CPCE
Richie Ray’s Holiday Soiree
Corporate Event Production of the Year – Budget Greater Than $100,000
Brianne Mouton, CPCE, CMP, Beautiful Moments Weddings & Events
Venetian Masquerade Ball
Team Event of the Year
The Venetian Resort
The 85th Celebration
Speaker of the Year
Rachel Sheerin
Member Awards
Student Member of the Year
Bree Sonnleitner
Emerging Member of the Year
Katie McNulty
Member of the Year
Erin Goodell, CHE
George Zell Spirit of NACE
Monique Studak, CSS, CSW
Chapter Awards
Chapter of the Year (15-50 members)
Greater Omaha Chapter
Chapter of the Year (51-100 members)
Phoenix NACE
Chapter of the Year (101+ members)
Dallas / Fort Worth
Chapter Community Service of the Year (15-50 members)
Greater Cincinnati Chapter
Sweet Cases – Together We Rise
Chapter Community Service of the Year (51-100 members)
Phoenix NACE
CHAMPS
Chapter Community Service of the Year (101+ members)
Houston
MD Anderson Prom Party Palooza
Chapter Education Program of the Year (15-50 members)
Ventura
An Evening at the Lodge
Chapter Education Program of the Year (51-100 members)
Phoenix NACE
Style Up The Aisle
Chapter Education Program of the Year (101+ members)
Houston
Design in 3D
Chapter Fundraising Event of the Year (51-100 members)
Phoenix NACE
A Night of Black Tie Entertainment
Chapter Fundraising Event of the Year (51-100 members)
Richmond NACE
The 2018 NACEYs: A Progressive Culinary & Event Experience
Chapter Fundraising Event of the Year (101+ members)
Dallas / Fort Worth
NOSH with NACE Fundraiser
Chapter Program of the Year (15-50 members)
Tacoma South Puget Sound NACE Chapter
November 2018 Chapter Meeting
Chapter Program of the Year (51-100 members)
Richmond NACE
The 2018 NACEYs: A Progressive Culinary & Event Experience
Chapter Program of the Year (101+ members)
Philadelphia, South Jersey, and Delaware Chapter
Interactive Experiences in Entertainment at Adventure Aquarium in Camden, NJ
For more information on our awards program, visit nace.net/awards

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
Kay Kolbo, Director of Special Events, Alicart Restaurant Group
EVENT PROFESSIONAL SPOTLIGHT
Donald Contursi, President, Lip Smacking Foodie Tours
CPCE SPOTLIGHT
Harvey Stern, CMP, CPCE, Executive Director of Catering & Banquets @ The Bellagio
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.
20 Years
Frank Gregory, Senior Catering Convention Services Manager, Caesars Palace
17 Years
Harvey Stern CPCE, CMP, Executive Director of Catering and Events, Bellagio
15 Years
David Tapper CPCE, Executive Director of Catering, Mirage Resort & Casino
13 Years
Donna Sandoval, Sales Manager/Design Specialist Event Production, Quest Drape
12 Years
Donnell Bayot PhD, CPCE, CHE, Director of Academic Affairs, TISOH
11 Years
Marcus Lam, Director of Admissions & Recruitment, TISOH
8 Years
Steve Williamson CGSP, Event Designer, By Dzign
4 Years
Lindsay Wolf, Director of Catering & Conference Services, Green Valley Ranch Resort, Spa & Casino
3 Years
Seth Bankier, Founder, Spin-Spun All Natural Confections
Donna Murray, General Manager, Mansion 54
1 Year
Sandra Cambray, The Platinum Hotel & Spa
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.
Thank you to Rocco DeBenedictus @ Wet "N" Wild for your donation of 25 hot meals

Thank you to the NACE Las Vegas Community Service Committee for your donation of 25 hot meals
For more information on these two great events visit our current events for Community Service.
Member Benefits
Membership Support Program
The NACE Board, with support from the Foundation of NACE is immediately instituting a Membership Dues Support Program for those members who have lost their jobs, have been furloughed or otherwise impacted by the pandemic.
All current members will be able to renew their membership at the below rates. Eligibility requirements are below. In order to obtain this membership rate, please call (410-290-5410), chat at www.NACE.net, or email [email protected]. These membership dues rates are additionally eligible for the payment plans.
Chapters will continue to receive rebates on members with reduced dues through an equivalent grant from the Foundation of NACE.
Eligibility Requirements
- Renewing members are eligible for the support program.
- If someone has already renewed, they may renew for another 12 months through the support program, however they will not be eligible for a refund.
- Those in the support program are also eligible for payment plans.
Additional Support for Members During Covid-19
The NACE National Board has enacted several measures to assist members during Covid-19 and maintain our strong, vibrant community.
- Extended grace period– The membership renewal grace period has been extended from 30 days to 120 days. This means your membership will continue for approximately 4 months after your renewal date without any dues payment.
- Payment plans– Members may request a payment plan for dues renewal. This payment plan can be combined with the extended grace period.
- Expanded online education– Through our Explore 2020 webinar series, NACE National is expanding the amount of online education we are offering to members. This education focus on vital topics during the pandemic helps catering and event professional weather the storm and prepare for recovery. This education is offered free, with a pay-what-you-can option.
- Membership transfer policy– Members who lose their employer-paid membership due to loss of employment will retain their NACE membership for the remainder of their membership term or 90 days, whichever is longer.
- Career Center– The NACE Career Center provides nationwide job listings and career resources.
- Covid-19 Resource Center– NACE’s Covid-19 Resource Center provides a comprehensive clearinghouse of resources and information related to Covid-19, protocols, government
- support programs (PPP, EIDL) and more.
Latest from the NACE National Board

Special Announcements
Dear NACE Members and Future NACE Members,
I hope all of you are staying healthy and safe. The 2020 year has presented itself with many uncertainties, and as your NACE Las Vegas Chapter President, I am certain that we are thinking of each and every one of you and how to keep you safe and involved with our NACE community! We have partnered with the Timothy S.Y. LAM Foundation to offer NACE membership scholarships.
Please click on the link below to apply and be considered.
https://form.jotform.com/202245093790151
Please note:
-The application deadline is Sunday, September 16, 2020
-In response to any financial hardships caused by COVID-19, TSYLF is making this scholarship available to both General Members and Board Members of NACE Las Vegas.
-The funds will be split 50/50 between General Membership and Board Members, if necessary.
-If you are awarded a scholarship, the funds will be delivered directly to NACE National on your behalf.
-If you are a current NACE LV member, the funds will be added to your account so that your membership will auto-renew on your anniversary date. No refunds are available
-All applicants will be notified of award or declination by October 12, 2020
For more information and to apply online, please visit www.timothysylam.org/relief-grant.

Past Meeting Recap
Circus of Giving-Rally for Street Teens
To learn more about how you can impact our youth and learn more about their needs, visit them at https://www.streetteens.org/
~Thank You to Our Sponsors~