Members of the Hawaii chapter of the National Association of Catering Executives conducted elections for the board of directors at their monthly meeting on November 9 at the Pacific Club.
Incoming board members include:
- Josette Murai, Convention Services Manager with the Hawaii Visitors & Convention Bureau, as President;
- Amy Dempsey, Director of Catering at The Pacific Club, as First Vice President;
- Toni Takata, Catering Sales Manager at The Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa, as Second Vice President;
- Dora Young, Catering Sales Manager at the Hale Koa Hotel, as treasurer;
- Linda Leung, Catering & Conference Services Manager at the Hawaii Prince Hotel Waikiki, as secretary; and
- Tessa Gomes, General Manager of The Wedding Cafe, as Event Professional.
Herb Yamamoto, Catering Sales Manager with Creations in Catering, remains on the board in an advisory role as Immediate Past President.
Elected to committee chair positions:
- Susan O’Donnell, owner of Aloha Wedding Planners, Inc., as Fundraising Chair;
- Robin Naluai with Kualoa Ranch, as Program Venue Chair;
- China Anderson, Owner of REA Events, and Michael Rabe, President of Creations In Catering, as Meeting programs & educational content co-chairs;
- Ben Bautista, owner of Exclusive Sound Entertainment, as Membership Chair;
- Laura Gregory, Food & Beverage Director at Mid Pacific Country Club, as Hospitality Chair;
- Chef Kathi Saks, in-home private chef, as Community Service Chair;
- Marino M. Regalado, owner & Hawaii wedding emcee, Ninja Entertainment, as Website update chair & liaison.
Members of the newly-elected board will serve a two-year term, from 2011-2012.
written by NACE Hawaii Webmaster
\\ tags: 2011, 2012, board, elections, meeting, November, Pacific Club
Aloha Everyone!
 NACE Hawaii has once again adopted a Lokahi family. This year, we have a family of five: a single mother with three sons (ages 11, 13 and 18) and one daughter (age 15). This mom has been raising four children by herself ever since her husband passed away from an infection 10 years ago. Mom works full-time but still has a hard time making ends meet. The children always need school clothes, shoes, and sports supplies. Mom is constantly juggling her job, doctor appointments, school and day-to-day living.
Although I have gotten great deals in purchasing the basics for the family, such as blankets, pillows, clothes, and shoes as well as a $100 gift card to Foodland…the family could still use your help.
I wanted to check if any of you would like to help donate to the family. Items on their wish list include:
- For the family: A fan for the house
- For the boys: Any sports related supplies (they love all sports but football is their favorite) … football pads … chin guards. They are also UH football fans.
- For the only girl: She loves bags, make-up and fancy school supplies such as mechanical pencils, color markers and Hello Kitty.
You can let me know at Tuesday’s meeting at the Pacific Club or you can email me at jmurai@hvcb.org.
Thanks!
Aloha,
Josette Murai
1st Vice President
NACE Hawaii
**P.S. If for some reason I’ve missed any members, please forward this email to them.
written by NACE Hawaii Webmaster
\\ tags: holiday party, Lokahi, meeting
It’s Election time for the 2011 and 2012 NACE Hawaii Board!
 As Immediate Past President, who has served on the board since joining NACE in 1999, I can tell you that it is a GREAT opportunity for you to have a voice and not only make a difference in the continued success our local chapter of NACE but for your own personal development and business growth as well.
It is through my involvement with being on the board that I not only developed friendships/business and strategic alliances on a local level, but have developed relationships on a national level which all has been a part of my continued success both personally and professionally.
Below are links to a description of the board & committee positions (qualifications, duties, etc.) as well as an Intent to Run form. Please e-mail me not later than Friday, November 5th with your intent to run for a board position or committee position along with a brief 5-7 sentence bio about yourself.
Click here to download the Intent to Run form. (This will open a form-fillable PDF file of this document. Simply fill in your choices, print a copy, add your signature, scan the document back in and email it to me.)
Click here to read a description of the qualifications & duties of each position.
As noted in the NACE Bylaws (listed way below for your reference, you will be asked to give a short speech as to why you would like to run for the position or be a committee member) which will be at our Tuesday, November 9, 2010 meeting at The Pacific Club http://www.nacehawaii.com/meetings.html (don’t forget your RSVP!)
Please thank all of our current board members for their hard work and continued dedication the past two years!
2009/2010 Board Positions:
Chapter President – Herb Yamamoto
1st Vice President – Josette Murai
2nd Vice President – Linda Leung
Treasurer – Dora Young
Secretary – Kelly Sugano
Event Professional – Marino Regalado
Immediate Past President – Dianna K. Shitanishi, CPCE, CMP
Please also extend a warm mahalo to all of the supporting committee members!
Chapter Program Venues: Susan O’Donnell, Amy Dempsey and Dianna Shitanishi
Chapter Programs Education: Michael Rabe and David Louis
Chapter Membership Retention: James Chun
Chapter Membership: Past Due Members: Toni Takata
Chapter Webmaster: Marino Regalado
Fundraisers: Susan O’Donnell and Tanna Dang
Hospitality Chair: Naomi Lee
NACE By-laws (for your information)
Each candidate will have to speak to everyone attending the meeting on the reason why they are running for the NACE Board and qualification.
For your information, these are the policies regarding chapter board elections:
- Elections are held in the fall, annually or biannually, according to chapter bylaws.
- The Elections Chair CANNOT be a nominee for a Board position in the elections, which is why this position is usually held by the chapters Immediate Past President. If a board member running in the election also handles the nomination and election process, there is a conflict of interest.
- All members in good standing are eligible for run for a board position and must be notified of the elections process in advance. Election chairs must send a letter explaining the elections process to all chapter members, along with an intent to run form with clear submission deadline and a full list of job descriptions for each electable position. This information should be emailed and mailed to all members.
- Elections must be held in person at a chapter meeting. Absentee ballots may be accepted from members who are unable to attend the meeting and vote in person. These absentee ballots must be delivered in person or faxed to the Elections chair before elections are held.
- Members who are unable to attend the meeting and vote in person are also permitted to assign a proxy member to vote in their place. In this case, the proxy form must be completed and signed by both members prior to the election. (Sample proxy form attached)
- All candidates are required to make speeches, even in uncontested races. It is also recommended that bios of the candidate be provided to all voting members prior to the meeting.
- Votes can NOT be emailed. Only in person or faxed absentee ballots/proxy forms.
Warmest aloha,
Dianna K. Shitanishi, CPCE, CMP
Immediate Past President & Elections Chair – NACE Hawaii
written by NACE Hawaii Webmaster
\\ tags: 2011, 2012, board, elections, meeting
 It’s that time of year again, where we challenge the best creative minds in the Hawaii wedding industry for a night of fun and friendly competition with the Second Annual OWA/NACE Hawaii Tabletop Design Contest! This year’s contest will expand on last year’s event to make it more fun, challenging, and creative!
This year’s contest happens during the NACE Hawaii/OWA joint meeting on Tuesday, October 12, 2010, at the Honolulu Suites at the Sheraton Waikiki. Setup begins at 3:30pm, with judging to begin at 6:00pm. This is your opportunity to showcase your creativity, your talents, your team’s talents, and have some fun in the process. Cash prizes for the top designs!
Here are the contest rules:
- Teams will consist of a minimum of two people and a maximum of four people. Team members may belong to more than one team (e.g., a florist may contribute her talents to more than one team, if it’s okay with the designers involved).
- There is a $40 entry fee per team.
- Team identities will be kept secret during judging, in order to keep the judging impartial and objective.
- Designers will be creating designs for a table of 10 guests.
- The Sheraton Waikiki will supply a standard banquet round table, chairs, linen, china, silver, and glassware from their own house supply, but you are invited to bring in your own in order to achieve a more original look. If you want to use the Sheraton equipment, please submit a list of your needs to Eugene or Herb so that they can request the items from the venue. We will need your list no later than Monday, Oct. 4th.
- You may begin to load-in and set up at 3:30pm, and you have two hours to set up, from 3:30-5:30pm. All decor must be brought on location that day and taken down at the end of the event.
- Bringing in specialty items that will require access to the loading dock? Please advise Herb or Eugene so that the hotel can be notified.
- Set-up location is in the Honolulu Suites. Your table and material, if you requested it in advance, will be ready for you when you arrive.
- You are limited to a budget of $250.
- This year’s theme is Green/Sustainability.
- Judging: Your peers (NACE Hawaii & OWA members) who attend the meeting that night will anonymously judge and vote for their favorite designs during cocktail hour and dinner. Judging will close at the end of dinner, and winners will be announced at the end of the night.
Cash prizes (and a year’s worth of bragging rights) for winning teams!
Images courtesy DAVE MIYAMOTO & Co.
Start thinking of your designs and putting together your teams, then let us know! To register your team for the event, please contact your organization’s President:
We look forward to your innovative and original designs!
written by NACE Hawaii Webmaster
\\ tags: 2010, association, Eugene, green, Herb, Honolulu Suites, joint, meeting, October, OWA, Sheraton Waikiki, sustainable, wedding
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
Your NACE Hawaii Board of Directors will have their monthly board meeting on Tuesday, April 6, at 6pm at the Dole Ballrooms. The meeting is open to all members; you are invited to attend and to voice your opinions and ideas! The board will discuss the upcoming Tasty Travels fundraiser, NACE Experience 2010, and much more, so drop by and share your thoughts. The board appreciates your input and participation.
written by NACE Hawaii Webmaster
\\ tags: board, conference, convention, dole ballrooms, experience, fundraiser, meeting, Tasty Travels
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