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Hawaii Caterers & Event Professionals Learn About Trends in Fashion, Eat Good Food, and Network at August NACE Hawaii Meeting, Koolau Ballrooms

NACE Hawaii Webmaster — Thu, 12 Aug 2010 04:04:11 +0000

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.

A Call for Teams for This Year’s NACE Hawaii/OWA Tabletop Design Contest

NACE Hawaii Webmaster — Wed, 04 Aug 2010 21:55:00 +0000

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!

Hawaii Event Professionals & Caterers Enjoy Good Food & Learn About AV Technology

NACE Hawaii Webmaster — Tue, 03 Aug 2010 06:03:27 +0000

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.

Hawaii Caterers & Event Professionals Enjoy Good Food, Great Education at NACE Hawaii June meeting

NACE Hawaii Webmaster — Sat, 03 Jul 2010 05:14:29 +0000

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

Hawaii Caterers & Special Event Professionals Network & Learn About Event Costing at NACE Hawaii May Meeting

NACE Hawaii Webmaster — Wed, 12 May 2010 21:32:36 +0000

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.

NACE Hawaii Board Meeting Reminder

NACE Hawaii Webmaster — Fri, 02 Apr 2010 17:43:26 +0000

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.

Michael Rabe’s Notes for “Are You Networking or STILL Not Working?” Keynote Presentation to NACE Hawaii, Feb 2010, Formaggio Grill

NACE Hawaii Webmaster — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 19:34:20 +0000

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.

Sharing Marketing Ideas with other Hawaii Event Professionals at the NACE Hawaii meeting at the Hale Koa

NACE Hawaii Webmaster — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 01:13:11 +0000

NACE Hawaii had its monthly meeting last Tuesday, July 14, at the Hale Koa Hotel, and it was a good one. Group discussions on Facebook, Twitter, and traditional marketing were the topic of the day, and many great ideas were shared and developed.

Dianna Shitanishi with Hawaii Weddings & Events shares an idea about using Facebook for marketing.

In addition, Susan O’Donnell, fundraising co-chair and the owner of Aloha Wedding Planners, talked about the recent Tasty Travels fundraiser, and how it helped to benefit NACE Hawaii educational initiatives, Hawaii Meals on Wheels, and local restaurants.

The meeting had its share of fun, as guests mingled and networked after the formal program ended, and as the delicious pupu (appetizer) dinner was served.

Special thanks to the following for helping to make this event a success:

Dora Young, catering sales manager at the Hale Koa Hotel, for graciously hosting the meeting, providing the ono (delicious) meal, and taking care of us;
David Louis (Dynamic Sounds) and Michael Rabe (Creations in Catering) for organizing the meeting;
James Chun, Dianna Shitanishi, Kelly Sugano, and Marino M. Regalado for keeping the discussions on track;
Ian Fernandez with IMF Visions for providing the projector; and most importantly

YOU

for attending and participating in Tuesday’s conversation. Your presence is very much appreciated!

REMINDER: NACE Hawaii meeting this TUESDAY

NACE Hawaii Webmaster — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 21:37:28 +0000

Just a reminder: this month’s NACE Hawaii meeting will be held on Tuesday, July 14, at the Hale Koa Hotel. Tonight’s topic is a roundtable discussion of Facebook, Twitter, and new social media & networking.

Registration & networking starts at 6pm, with the formal program beginning at 6:30pm.

Get more information on the meeting by clicking here.

We’ll see you at the meeting.

NACE Hawaii Board Meeting: Setting the Future of Your Association (while having fun too)

NACE Hawaii Webmaster — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 05:47:01 +0000

Last Tuesday, July 7, your NACE Hawaii board of directors met at the Hawaii Prince Hotel in Waikiki. It was a very productive meeting. The board discussed upcoming NACE Hawaii meetings to finalize the menus, speakers, topics, and audiovisual requirements. The board also spoke about the recent Tasty Travels fundraiser. Thanks to YOUR hard work, the association was able to raise enough funds to give to Meals on Wheels as well as to fund educational initiatives for members! So on behalf of the board,

Thank you!

Your kokua (help) is very much appreciated.

After the formal meeting ended, the conversations continued at the lounge in the hotel lobby, where the board shared some stories and delicious pupu (appetizers).

Thanks to Josette Murai with the Hawaii Visitors & Convention Bureau for supplying the images in this post!