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January 2012

President's Report

 
 
In 2011, I had the honor to represent our chapter as the New President for San Francisco NACE at the NACE Experience conference in July and had an opportunity to spend time with other NACE members from around the country.
 
2012 has incredible things in store, beginning with our January program, featuring 3-time NACE national president and nationally published & acclaimed Chef, Jerry Edwards.
 
Fast forward to April, where we have the inspirational wedding and event design phenom, visit us from his home base in New York. We are thrilled to welcome Mr. Preston Bailey to our city by the bay, and are proud to offer this incredible learning opportunity to our local membership & guests. Registration will be open February 1, 2012, so mark your calendars!
 
We escape the fog of San Francisco in July and head to New Orleans for 2012 NACE Experience! Experience! is a revolutionary conference that attracts professionals from every segment of the market, from caterers, event planners and event professionals, to students and young professionals. Thousands will meet to learn from the best and hundreds will sit for the CPCE (Certified Professional Catering Executive) examination. Find out more Experience! here.
 
As you can see there are many reasons to join NACE! The incredible evnents ahead of us are just a few. As a NACE member there are many benefits, one that I personally enjoy the most, is the "Extended Family" aspect to being part of such a great group of Event Professionals.  
 
It can be difficult to pull ourselves away from the office to attend the various networking events, however, I believe it is absolutely required if we are to not only survive, but to grow in this industry. I look forward to meeting you at our January program, Wine & Dine with Chef Jerry Edwards, on January 17th and the re-newed Sir Francis Drake Hotel.
 
Cheers to 2012!
 

Jason DiavatisWedding and Event Designer

President, San Francisco National Assoc. of Catering Executives

__________________________________________

Visit our New Showroom in Historic Downtown Benicia

280 1st Street, Benicia, CA 94510  707-745-3812

www.JasonDiavatis.com 

 
 
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Upcoming Meeting

Saturday-Sunday, January 7th-8th, Wedding Faire & Symposium, Santa Clara Convention Center, featuring speakers Preston Bailey, Sacha Souza, Bryan Rafanelli and more! 

San Francisco/Bay Area NACE will have an exhibit table, we hope to meet you there!

 

 

January SF/BAY Area NACE Program: Tuesday, January 17th, Sir Francis Drake Hotel. 6pm-9pm

 

 

 

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Welcome New Members

NACE welcomes the following new chapter members and thanks the returning members for being part of our growing & rewarding national network!

New Members

Vicki Tom, Olympic Club

Suzanne Premo, Hyatt

Anne Heinz, Pacific Union Club

Sarah Ward, Sarah Ward Events

Kristen Lewis, Venue Scount SF

Claire Adkins, The Knot

 

Recently Renewed Members

Alexis Rivera-Barr, Bluewater Party Rentals

Beverly Yip, Especially Yours Chair Covers

Kent Strand, Bay Music & Entertainment

Gustavo Fernandez, Gustavo Fernandez Photography

Dianna Shitanishi, Hawaii Weddings & Events

Robbie Schlosser, Magnolia Jazz

Valarie Rome Jessup, A Loves in Bloom

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Member Spotlight

  

This month we celebrate a long-standing San Francisco/Bay Area NACE member, the legendary Westin St. Francis on Union Square. More than just a hotel, The Westin St. Francis is a destination where you can unwind and be pampered by attentive, world-class service. The Westin St. Francis is the only hotel located on Union Square, making it a choice destination for both corporate and social events alike. 

This historic and yet contemporary jewel on Union Square boasts some very notable event spaces including a 10,000 square foot ballroom, a renovated  'chapel' dating back to the early 1900's, and two recently renovated  ballrooms with floor-to-ceilings windows on their 32nd floor, making for stunning events at any time of day or year.

Follow this incredible hotel on Facebook or visit their Social Events Blog at www.westinstfrancisevents.com

 
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Job Openings/Classifieds

 

Caterer Opportunity-Brand New Restaurant-City of Hayward-September 2012

The Hayward Area Historical Society will be opening its HAHS Center for History and Culture in September of 2012.  We are looking for a qualified restaurateur to lease our newly constructed and fully-equipped café space.  The Center also has a museum and exhibit gallery and boasts a 2,200 square foot event space.

If you are a caterer or a restaurant owner looking for a new space or a commercial kitchen…Contact Us Today! 510.581.0223

This restaurant is located at 22380 Foothill Blvd, on a commercial corridor of the City of Hayward.

  • Approximately 1,700 Sq. Ft
  • Beer and Wine license included
  • Brand new commercial kitchen space, with hood and all new major equipment
  • Approximately 2,200 Sq. Ft. of beautifully designed event space
  • Free rent for the first 6 months of occupancy
  • 6% Percentage Rent (of gross revenue) for a period of 6 months
  • Minimal Triple Net charges that include all utilities except for garbage
  • Lease Terms:  Five (5) Year Lease with Five (5) Year Option

The Hayward Area Historical Society is a non-profit organization that is seeking an experienced and existing operator to partner with to further their mission and spirit of community involvement in the history, culture and arts of the City of Hayward.

If you have had previous experience in ownership as a caterer, baker, café operator or specialty food retailer and would like more details, please contact us at café@haywardareahistory.org or call our offices at 510.581.0223 and ask for Dion Griffin

 

Catering Sales Manager-Kimpton Hotels-The Sir Francis Drake Hotel

Job Description

SUMMARY: Responsible for sales and operations of catering department.
Act as liaison between restaurant and hotel. The ideal candidate will solicit and secure catering business from existing and new clientel for the hotel/restaurant including but not limited to social catering events suchas wedding receptions and/or corporate catering events (meetings, holiday parties, etc).

PRIMARY MARKETS
1) Local Corporate Business
2) Social Markets
3) Meeting and Convention Planners
4) Tour Operators and DMC's
 
For More Information and To Apply Click Here
 
 
Gecko Hospitality, Director of Catering

Job Description:

Gecko Hospitality is in need of a Director of Catering for a Premier Hotel in the Bay.

The Director of Catering is responsible for effectively selling the public space, food & beverage, and function planning services to maximize revenues and profits for the property. The Director of Catering also Works with the Sales department and establishes new accounts, generates revenue, monitors booking space and books repeat business while maintaining high standards of excellence.

Primary sales efforts are in Banquet Food and Beverage and include menu planning, agenda setting and hotel meeting services. Duties also include contract review and facilitating communication before, during and post event with pertinent hotel staff to ensure a high level of service.

The Director of Catering will also host site inspections, maintain strong customer relationships, and work as a team member with the sales and catering staff.

Other duties include but are not limited to:

* Maximize revenue by selling catering products and services both orally and in written form to previous, current and potential clients.
* Manage all account details so that all aspects of solicitation and closing are complete and documented.
* Conduct outside sales calls both locally and in feeder market cities to solicit business.
* Responsible for all food and beverage, audiovisual equipment and meeting room needs from clients. Prepare banquet event orders and communicate needs to appropriate hotel associates.
* Ensures billing information is handled properly and in a timely manner.

Send Resume to:
Ashley Mills
ashley@geckohospitality.com

Job Requirements:
Job Requirements:
The ideal candidate has at least 2 years of Catering or Sales experience in a full service hotel.
Bachelor's degree preferred.
Candidates must have comprehensive computer knowledge.
Candidates should be extremely detail oriented, organized and be able to handle a fast paced environment.
Demonstrate team building
Clear, concise written and verbal communication skills.
Exceptional detail in follow-up
Problem Solver
Ideal candidate is a self starter and needs minimal supervision.
Must be able to prioritize tasks.
Must have experience at properties of similar size and quality.
Varied schedule that may include nights and week-ends.
Able to nurture current clients and develop new clients.

Benefits:

  • Medical
  • Dental
  • 401K Plan
  • Paid Vacation
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Get Involved

 

                           

                        

           

 

President
Jason Diavatis
Event Planner, Bay Area Entertainment
Jason@Bayareaentertainment.com
www.BayAreaEntertainment.com

Vice President of Communications
Leslie Wong
Area Catering Sales Manager, Starwood Hotels & Resorts
leslie.wong@starwoodhotels.com


Secretary/Treasurer
Mimi Renfro-Rodriguez
Designer, Creative Designs by Mimi
mimirr@creativemimi.com
www.creativemimi.com

Immediate Past President
Stacie Brauch Halinan
Catering Sales Manager, Four Seasons
stacie.hallinan@fourseasons.com
www.fourseasons.com/sanfrancisco

Past President
Marlen Abolafia
Event Planner, Ideas Event Planning
marlenabolafia@yahoo.com

Event Professional
Gustavo Fernandez
Photographer, Gustavo Fernandez Photography
gustavo@gustavofernandez.com
www.gustavofernandez.com

Membership Chair
Gil Payne
Catering Sales Manager, Nombe Restaurant
Mobile - 415-681-7150
gil@nombesf.com
www.nombesf.com

Program Co-Chair
Sarah Ward

Principle, Sarah Ward Events
sarah@sarahwardevents.com
www.sarahwardevents.com

Program Co-Chair

Lolita Wong
Kuleto's
lwong@kuletos.com

Director of Marketing
Barbara Yasuhara
Photographer, YStudio Photography
Office - 510-965-1564
barbara@weddings9-1-1.com
www.weddings9-1-1.com

Hospitality Co-Chair
Alexis Johnson
Sales Manager, Bluewater Party Rentals

alexis@bluewaterpartyrentals.com
www.bluewaterpartyrentals.com

Hospitality Co-Chair
Valarie Rome-Jessup
Floral Designer, A Love’s In Bloom
alovesinbloom@aol.com
www.alovesinbloom.com

Photography Coordinator
Colin Pattison
Photographer, Colin Pattison Photography
colinpattison@gmail.com
www.colinpattisonphotography.com

 

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