For more pictures from our February meeting, click here.

NACE is HOT in Greater Detroit!  Seriously, here is what a national leader in our industry recently wrote to me in an email – “…your programming has not merely attracted many new attendees but is changing the face of the industry in Detroit as we speak, with NACE as the thought leader and “place to be” for the professionals in your community.”  She’s right.  I’ve never been more proud to be a part of the Michigan/Detroit catering and event community.  We are a part of some amazing events lead by extremely talented professionals.

People have asked me ‘why is there so much interest in being a part of NACE now than before?’  Being a part of a like minded thought community gives us HOPE.  A few years ago a lot of people didn’t feel they needed to make time for NACE meetings.  Their business was doing well and they didn’t see the benefits in being a part of the ‘club’.  Today we live in a different world.  The connections we have with one another are more important than ever and NACE provides a medium for our combined brain trust to feed on one another.  It is the place were we go to get energized and charged up to meet the challenges we face every day. The other reason we are successful is because we’ve created a ‘buzz’ within our industry that people want to be a part of.  If you are not in the ‘NACE CLUB’ you need to contact our membership chair, Angela Butorac (achizma@yahoo.com), so you too can get the benefits of membership.

This month we had a fantastic program on Wedding Trends and Design.  If you are a photographer, caterer, DJ, or any other discipline outside of wedding planning or design you might think the presentations didn’t pertain to you.  If you did, you couldn’t be farther from the truth.

As a linen rental professional, I picked up on several really important event ingredients from our guest speakers and NACE members, Jennifer Charles of Something Fabulous (somethingfab.com) and David McKnight of Emerald City Designs (emeraldcitydesigns.com), that I believe are worth making a part of all of our businesses.  Knowing your client and attention to detail are two components of all successful events.

One of the things that can increase your success is taking information from another area of our industry and applying it to what you do.  If I were a caterer and I really knew where my client liked to go for special dinners and what they like to cook at home, I might be in a better position to create a menu for them that is spot-on for their very special, once in a lifetime event.  I’d be making a connection with them that leads to trust and trust is the secret ingredient.  Attention to detail can be the difference between why our prospects choose us over our competition.  It’s our job to see what our clients can’t see and to share with them our vision.

Our March meeting falls on St. Patrick’s Day, March 17th.  So, rather than have a program we thought it would be a great time to have an event devoted exclusively to networking.  We’ll be meeting at Pasquale’s on Woodward Ave in Royal Oak for a couple hours of socializing with one another while enjoying pizza, pasta, and salads.  This meeting will cost $20 for members and $30 for non-members.  Afterwards, we’ll be walking next door to Duggan’s Irish Pub to continue to network and toast the day with a green beer!

Your NACE president and Linen Hero,

Todd Lloyd

Want to hear Angela Butorac's big takeaways from the recent NACE leadership conference held in Nashville, TN?  Click here and listen to the podcast.

Oh, What A NACE Night!

The February “Wedding Trends” Michigan NACE Chapter Meeting was a successful night of talent, creativity and inspiration! Laurel Manor graciously hosted our NACE meeting showcasing an amazing dinner presentation and exceptional service!

As our members enjoyed an Italian-inspired appetizer station, excitement filled the air! After a buzzing hour of networking our guests were seated in chiavari chairs embellished with an organza beaded metallic overlay. The scene was set with stunning tables dressed in pink/gold galaxy linen, layered red beaded glass chargers and bubble bowls filled with fresh flowers kindly donated by Chair Covers & Linens and Emerald City Designs. The atmosphere was enhanced with rose gobos and soft uplighting by The Lighting Guy, a flowing canopy donated by MPE Events with edgy black leather soft seating from Elite Rentals.

Jerome Raska, owner of  Blumz...by JR, kicked off the night with his dynamic personality sharing many trends and ideas from his recent trip to the Special Events Conference. Jerome explained the “technoglam” design trend that is bold, theatrical and luxurious! The “new neutrals” are making a comeback with a strong emergence of the color grey. Jerome emphasized the sense of value consumers are looking for however value and price are not in the same arena. As you diversify and grow your business during a challenging economy, the value of expertise, professionalism and education is priceless and should be a strong focus within your business plan as this adds merit and trust which builds business and lasting relationships. 

Jennifer Charles, owner of Something Fabulous, charmed the audience with her charismatic personality as our exciting wedding trends presentation continued. Jennifer discussed the importance of truly understanding and knowing your client by asking key questions such as where they like to shop, what is their favorite restaurant and what is their personal style. These valuable answers will give you insight regarding the personality of your client which is an essential component in “branding” the event experience. Customizing each event based on the personality of your client is key, incorporating monograms, favorite poetry and literature are a few examples. Jennifer gets much of her color inspiration following the runway and reading fashion magazines. Shades of purple from light to bright continue to make an impact in 2010 and black and white are here to stay. Jennifer suggests adding a pop of color to the black and white palate such as turquoise (PMS 15-5519), Pantone’s color of 2010. When designing an event think “three is company,” explains Jennifer. Use three different table sizes, three varieties of linen and three unique floral designs that add dimension and interest to the overall layout and flow of the space. “What’s old is now new” such as mason jars, vintage glassware and homemade items including pottery. Jennifer explained that adding “one of a kind” elements to your tabletop adds personality and uniqueness. 

David McKnight from Emerald City Designs captivated everyone right before their very eyes as he and his team transformed a unique head table configuration into a masterpiece! David embellished custom silk embossed metallic grey linen with crystal pieces and suggested setting the table with the bride and groom’s very own china pattern and crystal stemware to personalize the design. David recommended adding the same china pattern to the menu, place cards and table numbers. Tall vases filled with water and floating candles on top of a mirror placed on the ground created a “reflective experience” and added ambience. The ECD team filled the tabletop with lush, low sprawling yellow floral and added many twinkling candles to enhance the tablescape. David continued to wow our NACE crowd with a lighted fabric flowing backdrop dripping with glimmering beaded strands of crystal. Yellow lavish rose pull-backs and a show-stopping crystal monogram flower frame completed the design as the attention to detail was taken to an extraordinary new level!

Our three trend-setting presenters created NACE magic throughout the entire evening and a strong industry buzz!  California may be trendy, New York may be fashionable however our talented NACE members in Michigan raise the bar throughout the county and continue to be powerful driving force. I am so proud of our dedicated, committed and passionate NACE members. Let’s continue to be strong leaders in the event industry not only in Michigan but throughout the entire country! 

May Your Life Be Full Of Great Events,

Sue Keels

NACE Vice President

Director of Sales and Marketing, Royal Park Hotel

Check out two the latest NACE companies that have been spotlighted: The Wedding Connection and Viviano Flower Shop.

Responsibilities:

The Finalizations and Logistics Technician is responsible for finalizing all orders and making arrangements for local services (deliveries, installs, etc).  This individual also assists the Detroit Sales Manager with sales and oversees the Local Install Team.  Other duties as assigned.

Requirements:

• Must have proven sales experience.
• Must possess above-average organizational skills and problem solving skills.
• Must have the ability to be flexible on shifts, including weekends.
• Must possess superior customer service skills.
• Experience within the event industry preferred.
• Must be a proven self-motivator, with self-guided disciplines.
• Must have the ability to work with little to no supervision, along with the ability to work within a team environment. Must have the ability to work in a fast-paced, high pressure environment.
• Must possess above-average computer skills.

All qualified applicants should e-mail a resume, along with salary requirements, to Kristen@linenhero.com.