NACE

The event and catering industries accepted the challenge to create vignettes inspired by well-known fashion designers for the 14th annual International Live Events Association (ILEA) Denver Designer Showcase. This was the first year that ILEA partnered with the Denver Chapter of the National Association for Catering & Events (NACE), knowing it would bring a whole new level of opportunity to the table.

Members of the National Association of Catering & Events Greater Denver Chapter pulled out the gym gear and dusted off their Nikes to take the field. The Denver Broncos’ UCHealth Training Center, a professional-grade facility, served as the backdrop for all sorts of fun and games.

The National Association of Catering & Events Greater Denver Chapter filled two vaults and two conference rooms at Renaissance Denver Downtown City Center on Aug. 14 to find treasure in the form of information about the ins, outs and liabilities intrinsic to keeping events safe and secure. The “On Alert: Is Your Event Plan Ready?” gathering featured speak - ers Pete Hemschoot, Johnson & Wales University, Denver; Adrienne Gardner, The Gardner Effect Event Planning; Ed David, Denver Police Department; and Tony Clapp, Jachimiak Peterson. 

The National Association of Catering & Events gathered on Sept. 11 at the Denver Botanic Gardens to commemorate the NACE’s 10th anniversary and provide a glimpse into the future. A panel of several founding members—Monica Cheeks of Hyatt Hotels, Cal Cheney of All Digital Photo & Video, Amanda Michalek of AORN and Brandi Pressgrove of Reckon Creative—discussed how the chapter got started, favorite programs from the past and how networking through NACE has helped grow their businesses and more.

It’s back, the National Association of Catering & Events Denver Chapter’s annual holiday mixer, Naughty or NACE held on Dec. 13. Attendees were encouraged to take the recently added commuter rail line to the year-old The Westin Denver International Airport for holiday cocktails, food, entertainment and the opportunity to toast the end of the year in style. 

Members of the National Association of Catering & Events Denver Chapter were in for a treat during a Riedel glassware seminar (complete with wine of course!) held at JW Marriott Denver Cherry Creek and featuring Doug Reed, a regional territory manager for Riedel Crystal. 

The National Association of Catering and Events and Rocky Mountain Professional Convention Management had a “Just Between Friends” meeting on April 9 at the Marriott City Center in Denver. A panel of industry experts from both chapters discussed planner and supplier communication.

A Tacky Tuesday Ugly Sweater Party was the theme of the annual Naughty or NACE holiday party held in December at the National Western Complex. Live entertainment, food and drink by CaterWest, and a contest for the ugliest holiday sweater were highlights of this National Association of Catering & Events Denver gathering.  

The National Association of Catering & Events Denver Chapter, with the help of Catering By Design, explored the bounty of Colorado farms on a pleasant summer evening at blanc in Denver. At this plated dinner, members learned about Colorado products, best ways to prepare the abundance, what produce is best during the different months of the state’s growing season, and where to buy locally sourced products like bison, quinoa and honey.