I also want to thank all NACE members and guests who bought tickets - we SOLD OUT a week before the event and filled an amazing 300 (beautifully decorated) seats!!! I unfortunately had the heartwrenching task of turning people away and I want to apologize to those who were not able to attend - it was definitely a wonderful problem to have! Just remember, next year buy your tickets early :)

Only one more membership meeting in November, then we're off until January - but don't forget to show your support for the NAF Academy and attend the annual Holiday Bash in December!
Sincerely,
Alicia "Lucky" Karoll
President, National Association of Catering Executives, Baltimore Chapter
Facility Rental Coordinator & Director of Administration, American Visionary Art Museum

Please join us for our November program on November 19th at the Holiday Inn Inner Harbor. You won’t want to miss this presentation for national speaker, Mark Levin.

Is Your Net Really Working?
Presented by Mark Levin, CAE, CSP

Everyone talks about how important it is to be good at “networking,” but what does that really mean in today’s world? Networking is no longer an event – it is truly a skill. During his presentation, Mark Levin will take NACE members and guests through a series of tips on how to make those networking opportunities as productive as possible.

Attendees will walk away with the tools they need to :
• Maximize their resources
• Identify good networking opportunities
• “Work” a room effectively
• Get the most from trade shows (as an exhibitor and/or as an attendee)
• Raise their “closing ratio” through one-on-one networking
• Use technology to network without even showing up!

Mark Levin has over 30 years of experience in working with both not-for-profit and private organizations and companies. In his role as a speaker and consultant, Mark’s clients include such groups as the American Medical Association, Rotary International, the International Special Events Society, the National Association of Home Builders, the National Education Association, and hundreds of state, local, national and international organizations. He was the featured speaker at the NACE Leadership Conference held in Anchorage, Alaska, and received “off the chart” ratings for his presentations there.

Mark is the only practicing association executive to have earned both the CAE (Certified Association Executive) and CSP (Certified Speaking Professional) designations. A graduate of the University of Maryland, Mark served on the faculty of the U.S. Chamber’s Institute for Organization Management for 15 years, and currently is Executive Vice President of the Chain Link Fence Manufacturers Institute.

In my capacity, I am responsible for securing donations of food stations for this event.  Each year, 15-20 of Baltimore’s best restaurants, hotels and caterers participates in this event, and we expect 500 guests to attend.  This year’s theme is “Heating up the Holidays” and we will have a decorating contest, so please be as creative as you can with your booth!  If you are interested in participating in this event, please feel free to contact Scott Johnson at 443-524-1348 or sjohnson@tremonts.com.

If you are unable to participate but would like to donate a silent auction item, Please contact Cori A. Ramos at 443-263-1811 or Ramos@maamc.org.  We must receive your auction item(s) and silent auction form(s) by December 10, 2007 in order to acknowledge your gift in the Silent Auction listing. 

To find out more about the event, please visit www.holidaybash.org

Scott Johnson

Baltimore Chapter Vice President

Co-Chair 2007 Holiday Bash

Elections for the Baltimore Chapter Board of Directors will be held on Monday, November 19, 2007 at our monthly meeting. Currently, we are seeking members-in-good-standing who are interested in assuming a leadership role and being part of the growth of the chapter.   The term is twelve months beginning January 1, 2008 and commencing December 31, 2008.

Why should I invest my time in getting involved on the board you may ask yourself? Here are a few great reasons why:
** You can make a difference and be part of something great
** Develop your leadership abilities and management skills
** Tremendous personal development opportunities
** Develop great business relationships
** Looks great on your resume
** Gain respect and become better known in the business community
** Make new friends
** Build relationships with leaders across the country
** Additional scholarship points for educational conference

Following are the current positions on the Baltimore Chapter Board of Directors:
President
Vice President
Secretary
Treasurer
Affiliate Representative
Go NACE Chair/Web Master
Director of Membership
Director of Education & Meetings (co-chairs)
Director of Fundraising
Director of Community Services
Director of Mktg. & Public Relations
Hospitality Chair

It is necessary to outline the responsibilities of each officer. The Board of Directors meets monthly for about two hours to discuss issues impacting the Chapter and make decisions affecting the future of the chapter and membership. In addition to attending these governing meetings, it is also expected that board members actively participate in and attend monthly chapter meetings.

I urge you to volunteer your time and knowledge to our organization. The rewards are many. Our chapter has made great strides during the past years but in order to keep the positive momentum, the chapter needs your involvement.  If you are unable to attend November’s meeting, please request an absentee ballot by November 19. If you require additional information on any position or on the process, please feel free to contact me. Thanks!
Warmly,
Daniel Raffel
Immediate Past President & Nominations Chair
Baltimore Chapter of NACE
daniel@alacartemd.com

UNCORKED! - it certainly was “An Enchanted Evening!”

If you were fortunate enough to get a ticket in time, you know how wonderful the evening was. The evening started on the first floor Visionary Village of the American Visionary Art Museum with the cocktail party - “Elegant and Sophisticated” - sponsored this year by Marriott Waterfront, Marriott Inner Harbor and Renaissance! The beverages were flavorful and charming, matching the mood, and were generoursly donated by Reliable-Churchill. The Marriotts and Termonts Hotels provided the deliciius hors d'ouerves. The reception decor was designed by Baltimore NACE members Andrew Zill, Dulany Noble, and Michelle Hall, and pulled together by generous donations from Gala Cloths by Dulany and CORT Event Furnishings.

Taking the event upstairs to the 3rd floor! WOW! Imagination and fairy tales like you have never seen - walking through all the fantastically designed tables was exhilarating. All of the designers truly outdid themselves this year! We would like to thank all of the designers for their hard work and creativity -
Daniel Raffel, A la Carte Distinctive Catered Affairs
Christine Burkins, Chair Covers and Linens
Michael Anthony, Chef's Expressions/Michael Anthony Design Center
Tracey Buchanan, Fisher's Bakery
Giuliana Cox & Dulany Noble, Gala Cloths by Dulany
The Gala Girls - Terry Mullican, Chrissy O'Meara & Leah Fox
Anissa Cadar & David Briskie, IXIA/Paper Moon
Cate Buscher, Plan It Perfect
Sandy Riley & Sheila Smith, Richardson's Florist
Stephanie Bradshaw, Select Event Rentals
Patty Boyle & Lauren Tucker, Table Toppers
Janet Caslow, The Pride of Baltimore
Tamara Hart, Liene Williams & Constance O'Meara, Wessels Florist
Heidi Hiller & Zozzie Golden, Zozzie & Heidi

The dinner did not hide behind the décor …great bold dishes matched with excellent wines chosen to match the dish and the GREEN event! A special thank you to the five amazing chefs who donated their time & delicacies to UNCORKED! -
Bill Tien, Matsuri
Chef Stephan Blaser, A la Carte Distinctive Catered Affairs
Chef John Walsh, Chef's Expressions
Chef Dan Henry, Capital Grille of Baltimore
Tracey Buchanan, Fisher's Bakery

The evening ended with a walk on the red carpet, hot coffee and a gift of truffles (the chocolate kind!), generous donated by Blue Bird Artisan Coffee Roasters & Parfections, respectively. The valet parking and shuttle service were provided by Towne Park and ZBest Limousines.

Again, we would like to thank everyone involved in this annual fundraiser for all of their hard work and devotion - UNCORKED! would not have been such a success without you!!!

Baltimore NACE sponsors tree at the Festival of Trees!

Kennedy Krieger Institute is an internationally recognized facility located in Baltimore, Maryland dedicated to improving the lives of children and adolescents with pediatric developmental disabilities through patient care, special education, research, and professional training.

This year the Baltimore NACE chapter will be supporting the Kennedy Krieger Festival of Trees by decorating one of the holiday trees. Andrew Zill will be designing the tree. Our theme is “Let it snow”.

The event itself, which is held at the Timonium Fairgrounds, will be Nov 23rd thru Nov 25th. The sale of the tree will benefit Kennedy Krieger and all their great works! Please call Janet Caslow 410-241-8693 if you might be interested in being an Andrew elf helper! Set up is Sunday, November 18 at noon.

Amy Epstein, Owner & President, Crimson and Clover Floral Design

Behind the bright green walls of Crimson & Clover Floral Design, Inc. in Baltimore's Canton neighborhood, Amy Epstein, president and owner of Crimson & Clover, brings four years of experience as president and owner to her position and over ten years in retail. Ms. Epstein specializes in custom European floral design.

Since Ms. Epstein started Crimson and Clover in 2003, she has worked with more than 100 brides. As a well-respected floral designer in the area, weddings that are booked with more traditional details throughout the Greater Baltimore metropolitan area are typically referred to Ms. Epstein - her largest business referral includes the well-established Belvedere Hotel, located in the heart of Baltimore city.

Before Ms. Epstein began preparing flower arrangements for brides in the Baltimore area, she worked as a K-8 art teacher at St. Philip's Academy in Jersey City, NJ. She holds a Bachelors Degree from Montclair State University. Active in the local community, Ms. Epstein regularly donates to local charities such as The Believe in Tomorrow National Children's Foundation and has given summer floral design lessons to students at The Living Classrooms Foundation. In her spare time she enjoys crafts and antiquing, reading and relaxing, and travel.

Job Opening – FACILITY RENTAL COORDINATOR

The American Visionary Art Museum is in search of a full-time Facility Rental Coordinator.

Primary responsibilities include –

• Market facility for rentals through advertising, networking and special events
• Provide all rental information to potential clients, schedule site visits, keep master calendar and handle all contracting of rental events
• Maintain updated database of clients and vendors; maintain working relationship with area catering and event professionals
• Schedule AVAM event and security staff for all rental events
• Responsible to coordinate Museum events; handles all BEOs & RFPs, catering, menu selection, staffing, coordinates all rentals, including linen, china/glassware/flatware, etc.

Job Requirements include -

• College degree in Marketing, Communications, Business or related field.
• 3+ years experience in Marketing and Event Planning; knowledge of Hospitality/Food & Beverage Industry
  Computer skills – Microsoft Office/Word/Excel, FileMaker Pro, iCal, etc.
  Knowledge of spreadsheets and budgeting
• Detail-oriented, organized, ability to multi-task
• Customer service skills

Salary – based on experience
Benefits – health/dental insurance, vacation/sick leave, 403B retirement

Please send cover letter and resume to:            

Donna Katrinic
American Visionary Art Museum
800 Key Highway, Baltimore, MD  21230
443-874-7252 fax
donna@avam.org

We are seeking a highly motivated wedding and event sales professional to help grow our very reputable retail floral boutique and get ready for our big move from Canton to Roland Park. This individual must be knowledgeable in all aspects of floral design and customer consultation as well as possess a proven sales-closing track record. The successful candidate will be self-motivated, energetic, and driven to make sales while routinely exceeding our customers’ expectations. Duties will also include design and daily orders. Knowledge of Excel and Mac Mail a plus!

Please have applicant send resume - amy@crimsonandcloverdesigns.com

Chair Covers & Linens Territory Sales Manager
Responsibilities:
The Baltimore Territory Sales Manager engages in sales strategies to meet and exceed assigned goals.  This person aggressively identifies, pursues, and maintains new accounts, while maintaining the existing client base.  This individual represents the organization in industry related events and within the event industry.

Requirements:
• Associates or Bachelor’s Degree preferred.
• Must have proven sales and performance experience.
• 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 possess above-average computer skills.

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

A World of Opportunities
In today's increasingly cluttered and complex hotel industry, the winners - those companies who can deliver for their guests, customers, employees, shareholders and owners - will be those with the best brands…the best locations…size and scale…the best people…attractive marketing programs…and financial strength. Few fit the bill. Hilton Hotels Corporation stands above the rest.

Not only are the brands in the Hilton family well-known and well-respected, they represent market leadership in their respective segments of the industry…whether in upscale, mid-priced, extended-stay or vacation ownership.

The Hilton Family has more than 2,800 hotels and 480,000 rooms in 76 countries, including 100,000 team members worldwide. Come explore a world of opportunities to join our team and help us achieve our mission to be hospitable and, in the words of our founder Conrad N. Hilton, “to fill the earth with the light and warmth of hospitality”.

Part of the Hilton Family Travel Should Take You Places™
Hilton is the proud flagship brand of Hilton Hotels Corporation and the most recognized name in the global lodging industry. Conrad Hilton purchased his first hotel in Cisco, Texas back in 1919. Since that time we have grown to over 500 hotels in cities all over the world. “Be My Guest” is still the gracious and warm way we want for our guests to feel at Hilton hotels and resorts whether it’s at the Cavalieri Hilton in Rome, the Hilton Waikoloa Village or our brand new Hilton Omaha. With new products and services, business and leisure travelers alike now have even more reason to say, "Travel should take you places."

Job Summary
To solicit and respond to companies and organizations to purchase food & beverage, rent meeting space and ancillary services from the hotel. Represents the hotel with customers by telephone or in-person to solicit and close group and local catering business. Manages customer relationship by responding to inquiries, meeting with and entertaining clients, conducting property tours, promoting facilities and services, drafting contracts. Provides direction and supervision of meeting and/or catering logistics to catering staff. EOE/AA

Contact Julie Woods at  julie.woods@hilton.com

SENIOR OPERATIONS MANAGER

2-4 years of relevant industry experience is a minimum requirement of this position.

OBJECTIVE: Execute contracted programs with seamless execution, problem solving and overall management. Produce professional services and optimal client satisfaction to drive future business opportunities.

SCOPE: Programs range in size from 15 - 3,000 attendees and services provided include, but are not limited to: Arrivals and departures, Tour programs, Dine-arounds, Hotel decor, Off-site event (venue, catering, lighting, floral decor, entertainment) and Shuttle systems.

SUMMARY OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
The position of Senior Operations Manager is expected to perform all the duties of an Operations Manager including, but not limited to:
Ø Coordinate with client and supervise all events, tour programs, transportation systems, airport arrivals and departures, and/or other contractual programs as assigned to you
Ø Develop and execute account schedules, contracts, deposit invoices and final billing
Ø Utilize existing GEP Baltimore systems in producing contractual scopes of work, including timelines, staff notes, etc.
Ø Coordinate, negotiate and confirm arrangements and contracts with suppliers for program accounts. Conduct or participate in client site inspections as needed
Ø Operate account P&L statements according to company standards
Ø Responsible for collecting deposit funds and final billings from assigned accounts
Ø Ongoing development of client relationships for the purpose of acquiring future business
Ø Work evenings and weekends as required by individual accounts in addition to being available to clients on 24 hours basis
Ø Regularly update and maintain reference or resource tools as assigned to operations team members
Ø Travel one day a week to our headquarter office in Washington, DC

As a Senior Operations Manager you will also be expected to uphold the following duties and responsibilities:
Ø Operate more than $1.2 million in program revenue per year
Ø Require minimal supervision over day-to-day activities, work product and program operations
Ø Ability to attend site inspections, pre-cons and client meetings alone
Ø Expectation of acting as point for larger programs when run in conjunction with other Operations Managers
Ø Consistent utilization of GEP Baltimore business practices for all accounting, systems and program work
Ø Willingness to take on additional projects and programs throughout the year

If you are interested please contact our President, Marty MacKay, at the number or email provided.
Marty MacKay, President
GEP Washington | GEP Baltimore
1111 19th Street NW | Suite 680 | Washington DC 20036
Main Line: 202.777.7800 | Fax: 202.777.1222 | Direct Line: 202.419.3410
E-mail: mmackay@gepwashington.com
www.gepwashington.com | www.gepbaltimore.com

Sheraton Inner Harbor Hotel - Catering Manager

Job Number:  60071460

To Apply Contact:  http://www.starwoodhotels.com/sheraton/careers/search/country.html?country=US

Description
The Corporate Catering Manager is a key sales position, responsible for maintaining existing catering accounts as well as actively soliciting new business.  In this role you will foster relationships with meeting planners, corporate contacts, as well as contact within the local social markets in order to meet or exceed revenue goals.  This individual also oversees client functions to ensure customer satisfaction.  The ideal candidate will be passionate about event planning and committed to educating themselves on current food & beverage trends.  Starwood Hotels & Resorts is dedicated to maintaining the highest reputation within our industry and the Catering Sales Manager must be able to sell and keep that promise for the property.  Candidates may be called upon to work extended workweeks, including weekends, to accommodate a client's needs as well as any functions they are overseeing.  Starwood prides itself as a "promote-from-within" organization and opportunities for advancement may present themselves for a successful Catering Sales Manager.  This position reports to the Director of Catering & Convention Services and is held accountable for quarterly sales goals.

Qualifications
High school or equivalent education required
Bachelor's Degree preferred.
Minimum of two years of Hotel Catering Sales experience. 

Primary Location:USA-MD-Baltimore-Sheraton Inner Harbor Hotel

Schedule:  Full-time

Shift:  Variable