After a day of work, Hawaii caterers and event professionals unwinded and relaxed at the NACE Hawaii monthly meeting, held on August 10 at the Koolau Ballrooms. An ono (delicious) appetizer-style buffet was prepared for the occasion, as Koolau Ballrooms catering executives Norman Higashi and Steven Nagamine showcased their property and menu. A complementary wine tasting by Southern Wine & Spirits accompanied the meal.
NACE Hawaii member Tanna Dang with The Wedding Cafe & Eden In Love spoke about Dressing for Success, the primary topic of the meeting’s Learning Journey. She dispelled seven fashion “myths” and gave NACE Hawaii members some tips on how to inexpensively and easily improve their wardrobe.
Images courtesy MARINO M. REGALADO / Ninja Entertainment
NACE Hawaii member Phil Grunenberg with Phil’s Tux Shop delivered a very informative presentation on men’s wear and the importance of choosing the right material when buying or renting a suit or tuxedo. In addition, he covered the differences between black-tie, formal, semi-formal, and other terms associated with formal wear.
Images courtesy MARINO M. REGALADO / Ninja Entertainment
Grunenberg also showcased some original coat designs that one of his friends creates, including a one-of-a-kind Michael Jackson tribute coat.
Image courtesy MARINO M. REGALADO / Ninja Entertainment
It was a very educational experience that, coupled with the great networking and delicious meal, made the meeting worthwhile to those who attended.
NACE Hawaii would like to thank the following people and individuals for helping to make this meeting a success:
- Keynote speakers Tanna Dang ( The Wedding Cafe / Eden In Love ) and Phil Grunenberg ( Phil’s Tux Shop ) for the eye-opening presentation;
- Norman Higashi, Steven Nagamine, and their wonderful staff at Koolau Ballrooms, for graciously hosting this month’s meeting, as well as for the incredible meal and great service;
- Larry with Southern Wine & Spirits, for the complementary wine tasting, especially the new Nuvo sparkling liqueur.
NACE Hawaii looks forward to seeing you at the next general meeting, September 14, starting at 6pm at The Ranch House.
written by NACE Hawaii Webmaster
\\ tags: 2010, August, Eden In Love, Koolau Ballrooms, meeting, Norman Higashi, Nuvo, Phil Grunenberg, Phil's Tux Shops, Southern Wine & Spirits, Steven Nagamine, Tanna Dang, The Wedding Cafe
The joint NACE Hawaii / Oahu Wedding Association Party is coming October 12, and the boards of directors for both associations are planning a very fun and lively networking event at the Sheraton Waikiki. A highlight of last year’s party was the Tabletop Design Contest, which had six teams entered with the winning design produced by Kelly Sugano of A Perfect Day and Naomi Lee with Les Saisons.
Images courtesy DAVE MIYAMOTO & Co.
Last year, there were six very creative, very original, and very fresh design ideas. This year’s Tabletop Design Contest promises to be bigger, better, and with new challenges…and we’re looking for teams to showcase their creativity and talents! Do you have what it takes to be a part of the best teams of wedding & event professionals in Hawaii? This is a GREAT opportunity to showcase your product, service, and your genius!
 
Images courtesy DAVE MIYAMOTO & Co.
We will be announcing the design parameters very soon, but for now, we need you to start putting together your teams, brainstorming, and at the next NACE Hawaii & OWA meetings, we will be asking you to let us know if you and your teams are interested in participating!
 
Images courtesy DAVE MIYAMOTO & Co.
The boards of directors for the Oahu Wedding Association and NACE Hawaii are excited and look forward to your participation and creativity!
written by NACE Hawaii Webmaster
\\ tags: A Perfect Day, board, Dave Miyamoto, Kelly Sugano, Les Saisons, meeting, Naomi Lee, OWA, Tabletop Design Contest, teams
Hawaii caterers & event professionals learned about new technologies and trends in the audiovisual industry at the NACE Hawaii monthly meeting held on July 13 at the Kahala Resort. Following a delicious buffet dinner, Techniques Hawaii CEO Matt Muccio gave an interesting overview of what’s new in the AV world, as well as a “primer” for those not technically inclined but must deal with audiovisual issues on a regular basis. Matt and his team showcased many new and exciting trends, including live webcasting.
After Muccio’s presentation, NACE Hawaii President Herb Yamamoto updated NACE Hawaii members and their guests as to what is happening in the local Hawaii catering & special events industry:
Images courtesy MARINO M. REGALADO / Ninja Entertainment
The rest of the evening was spent networking, as guests met and interacted with Hawaii caterers and event professionals.
written by NACE Hawaii Webmaster
\\ tags: 2010, audiovisual, july, Kahala, Matt Muccio, meeting, Techniques Hawaii
Professional caterers and Hawaii event professionals enjoyed ono (delicious) food and learned a little about the videography industry at NACE Hawaii’s monthly meeting on June 8 at Roy’s Restaurant in Hawaii Kai. Ian Fernandez with IMF Visions gave an informative and interesting presentation on new trends and technologies in the field of professional videography/cinematography.
Guests dined on an incredible menu prepared by Roy’s executive chef Ron Nasuti:
When the waitstaff delivered this “dish,” a few guests (including some seasoned Hawaii caterers) couldn’t figure out what it was:
After the waitstaff poured hot water over the dish, the items expanded…into warm towels for guests to cleanse themselves for dessert!
Images courtesy MARINO M. REGALADO / Ninja Entertainment
written by NACE Hawaii Webmaster
\\ tags: 2010, cinematography, Ian Fernandez, imf visions, June, meeting, networking, Ron Nasuti, Roy's Restaurant, videography
Hawaii caterers & special event professionals gathered last Tuesday, May 11, at the New Otani Kaimana Beach Hotel for the monthly meeting of NACE Hawaii, the Hawaii chapter of the National Association of Catering Executives. The evening began with a delicious buffet and tasty sorbet dessert.
A lively and informative discussion followed, as NACE member and Creations in Catering President Mike Rabe moderated a great dialogue on event costing. While event professionals are aware of the costs of doing business in their particular industry, it was interesting to learn about the costs from other special event related industries and what goes into the end user’s overall investment. NACE members formed teams and collaborated to put together a proposal for a mock bride & groom to decide to hire, and it was interesting to hear the proposals and the motivations behind the costs.
NACE Hawaii would like to thank New Otani Kaimana Beach Hotel for hosting the meeting, and Dianna Shitanishi with Hawaii Weddings and Events for the beautiful decor, help in organizing the meeting logistics, and serving as a liaison between NACE Hawaii and the venue. Finally, a big mahalo (thank you) to all of the guests who came, learned, and networked. Your attendance and participation are greatly appreciated.
Images courtesy MARINO M. REGALADO / Ninja Entertainment
For a perspective on what it was like as a NACE Hawaii member, click here read about the meeting on the blog of Marino M. Regalado, Hawaii wedding emcee and owner of Ninja Entertainment.
written by NACE Hawaii Webmaster
\\ tags: costing, may, meeting, new otani kaimana beach
 At the recent February NACE Hawaii general meeting, Michael Rabe, NACE Hawaii member and President of Hawaii off-premise catering company Creations in Catering, delivered “Your NACE Investment: Are You Networking Or STILL Not Working?”, a profound presentation on the importance of networking, being involved in the associations you belong to, and why it’s so vital to your marketing in this economy. Building on the success of his original presentation six years ago, he had members examine their memberships in the organizations that members belong to, how it has (or hasn’t) impacted their marketing, and WHY.
For the benefit of those who couldn’t make it to last Tuesday’s meeting, Michael has graciously allowed his notes to be posted here on this blog for you to read and download. There are also plans for him to deliver this presentation again at another NACE Hawaii meeting sometime within the year (in town, where we hopefully will get more in attendance), and perhaps to other associations you may belong to.
Click here to view Michael’s notes for “Are You Networking or STILL Not Working?”
If you wish to have Michael Rabe speak at your next function, contact him at 521-7101.
written by NACE Hawaii Webmaster
\\ tags: advice, meeting, mike rabe, networking
Marino M. Regalado with Ninja Entertainment recently blogged about two NACE Hawaii events that happened not too long ago.
Click here to read about and see pictures of the recent Jerry Edwards NACE Hawaii Special Event in January at Dole Ballrooms.
Click here to read about this month’s general meeting at Formaggio Grill in Kailua, where Michael Rabe with Creations in Catering delivered a powerful keynote presentation on the importance of networking and being involved in the associations you belong to.
written by NACE Hawaii Webmaster
\\ tags: dinner, dole ballrooms, Formaggio Grill, networking
Are you planning to participate in the TABLETOP DESIGN CONTEST at the upcoming OWA/NACE Hawaii joint meeting? In addition to the cash prizes to be awarded at the end of the night, this is your opportunity to showcase your design skills and talents.
 Here are the rules to participate:
- Teams will consist of a minimum of two people, and a maximum of four people.
- There is a $40 entry fee per team.
- Your design will be a scaled-down design for a table of four. Sheraton Waikiki will supply a 30″ round table and four standard banquet chairs. You are free to bring your own. If you want to use Sheraton’s equipment (e.g., silverware, china, linens, etc.), please submit a list of your needs to NACE Hawaii President Herb Yamamoto so he can request the items on your behalf from the hotel. Your list is due no later than Monday, October 4. In addition, if you are bringing in your own specialty items (e.g., linens, furniture, etc.) and need access to the loading zone area, please advise Herb so that the hotel can be notified.
- Decor setup time will consist of two hours on the day of, between 3:30-5:30pm. All decor must be brought on location that day and will be taken down at the end of the event.
- Setup location is the Ni’ihau Room Foyer.
- Your team will need to provide the price and information for your design, based on a table of ten (10).
- Your final design and layout will be kept anonymous for judging and will not be revealed until winners are announced at the end of the night. This gives you a fair, unbiased opportunity to be judged on your creativity and talents rather than your popularity among your friends and colleagues.
Members of both organizations will vote to pick the winning entries.
To register your team for this event, please contact your organization’s president:
NACE Hawaii: Herb Yamamoto, herb.yamamoto@pacificbeachhotel.com or 921-6194 (office) or 782-0132 (cell)
OWA: Dave Miyamoto, owapres@gmail.com or 396-5599
Thanks to OWA Past President Susan O’Donnell for putting together the rules for this contest. Good luck with your design!
written by NACE Hawaii Webmaster
NACE Hawaii held its monthly meeting last Tuesday, August 11, and it was very informative and a lot of fun!
The formal meeting was hosted by Tanna Dang of The Wedding Cafe, and it was held in the Kewalo Room at Ward Warehouse, right above the cafe. NACE Hawaii chapter president Herb Yamamoto talked about his experiences at the NACE Experience! Conference in July. Members enjoyed the wonderful slideshow put together by NACE Hawaii Vice President Josette Murai and listened intently to Herb as he spoke about the latest trends and new ideas in weddings & special events.
After the formal presentation, guests moved across the street to Bucca di Beppo, where they enjoyed a very delicious multi-course dinner, excellent networking with other Hawaii wedding & special event professionals, and a great time.
Sue Tabbal with Su-V Expressions got the “royal treatment” NACE Hawaii & Bucca-style since her birthday was the day before!
Special thanks to the following for helping to make this meeting a success:
- Tanna Dang and her staff at The Wedding Cafe for graciously hosting the formal part of the presentation;
- Margie Lehman & Tiffany Lee and their wonderful staff at Bucca di Beppo for the ono (delicious) food and fun atmosphere during the eating & networking portion of the night;
- Herb Yamamoto, Josette Murai, and Linda Leung for sharing their insights and experiences at the NACE Experience! Conference;
- Marino M. Regalado with Ninja Entertainment for providing the sound system for the educational portion of the evening;
- James Chun with Crane Media for supplying the multimedia projector;
- Sue Tabbal with Su-V Expressions for being such a great sport (CHA-CHA-CHA!!);
- And last but not least,
OUR GUESTS,
for taking the time to join NACE Hawaii to network, celebrate, and share. Your presence at our meetings are very much appreciated!
Join us next month on September 8 at the Pacific Beach Hotel. Click here for more info. We’ll see you there!
written by NACE Hawaii Webmaster
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In case you missed the fun last January, 
