NACE Experience……I don’t even know where to begin.  First off if you don’t know what NACE is, NACE is the National Association for Catering & Events.  It is the oldest and largest catering association in the world and encompasses all aspects of the catering and events industry.  NACE offers educational programs, professional certification, chapter initiatives, networking opportunities, community service projects, awards programs, and an annual conference.  Chapters are located all over the country and hold monthly meetings at various event venues throughout each chapter’s city.  NACE meetings are by far my favorite networking event (and I go to a lot).  Meetings typically start off with an hour of networking, followed by an hour of a speaker or some type of educational seminar, and finish up with an hour of what else than yummy food.  Each meeting is sponsored by different event professionals so it is a great way for people in the wedding and event industry to come together and show off their talents.  I have made some wonderful friendships through NACE….and of course I have gotten a lot of business.  I seriously get excited about every meeting!

This year the Baltimore Chapter of NACE hosted our annual conference.  Along with the help from NACE National, our chapter was divided into different committees to plan different events for the conference.  During the day there were fashion shows, speakers, luncheons, etc and in the evening, there were galas, parties, and a lot of gorgeous events.  I was asked to sponsor some of the daytime events which I was happy about because then I was able to enjoy the evening events :).  During the gala, I was asked to perform one very special job…..to be the champagne girl! I of course jumped on this opportunity because well it just sounded like a lot of fun. I dressed up in a gold sequins dress, had my hair/make-up done by Up Do’s For I Do’s, and walked  around in a wire contraption that looked like a huge skirt and held champagne glasses.  I don’t post photos taken with an IPhone on my blog but be sure to check out my Instagram if you want to see photos of this and of other parts of the conference where I was just having fun!

I’m going to divide the NACE Experience into two different posts mainly because the Culinary Experience really deserves its own separate post since it was so gorgeous.  For now, I’m going to share photos from the Expo and the speakers from the breakout sessions.  There were so many amazing, interesting, and dynamic speakers.  It was fun to be able to sit in on each one even if it were only for a few minutes.  Enjoy and see you in Scottsdale next year!