NACE’s expert-led webinars encourage personal and professional growth for catering and event professionals
By Lynn Graham, Lynn Graham Designs, and NACE Education Committee Chair
As the catering and events community rebounds from the pandemic, businesses in different markets and geographic areas are growing and thriving in different ways. The National Association for Catering and Events (NACE) continues to support its members and the greater catering and events industry by offering diverse, hyper-relevant online webinars to meet business and individual needs as they recover.
NACE strives to offer education under seven topic umbrellas, including catering and banquets, event design and production, beverages, sales and marketing, business and operations, personal and career development, and technology.
To encourage personal and professional growth for catering and event professionals, NACE continues to offer these webinars to industry professionals using a pay-what-you-can model. If you can afford to support NACE, that’s great! If not, you’re still invited to attend a webinar to continue learning more about yourself and your industry. In addition, NACE webinars are eligible for both CPCE and CMP credit to help you achieve your personal goals.
Check out the following NACE webinars in August and September:
August 18, 2021 • 1 p.m. Eastern
Join Rod Westmaas, CPCE, and NACE for an exploration of the African-American influence on the catering industry.
As far back as 1820, African Americans were viewed as the founders of catering in the United States. Through hard work, determination and a tireless zeal, they created their own culinary identity. These men and women of color accumulated great wealth while building communities and aiding in the freedom of enslaved Africans by contributing cash and resources to the Underground Railroad and abolitionists, in addition to setting an industry standard that remains today. The ever-growing hospitality industry has often marginalized and downplayed the impact and importance of the African-American community.
Rod Westmaas, CPCE Emeritus, served NACE for 16 years (1989-2005) in many capacities: chapter president, South Florida and Inland Empire; National Foundation President; and National Historian. In 2020, he reached out to NACE to offer his advice and assistance on the newly formed Black Caucus. As the first person of color to be elected to the NACE national board, he brings with him a wealth of historical knowledge of the association, speaking about racial stumbling blocks he encountered and providing an international perspective on the Black diaspora.
August 25, 2021 • 1 p.m. Eastern
Join Abigail Olaya and NACE to learn to prevent burnout within your personal and professional life.
Catering and event professionals help others celebrate the best moments of their lives, sometimes at the sacrifice of their own wellness. Abigail Olaya, of Olaya Events & Company, has built a $1 million wedding venue with her husband while being a mom to three active triplets.
September 15, 2021 • 1 p.m. Eastern
Join Chanda Daniels and NACE to explore your personal and career development path.
A wedding industry veteran, Chanda Daniels, creative director of Chanda Daniels and owner of A Monique Affair, combines innovative skill with imagination to bring to life the most daring design ideas. She continues to hone her design skills by keeping up with industry trends, attending workshops and seminars, and earning a bachelor’s degree from San Francisco State University.
September 22, 2021 • 1 p.m. Eastern
Join Dana Kadwell, CPCE, and NACE to gain tips for improving your communication skills and showing gratitude effectively among colleagues. With a workplace filled with all kinds of people, backgrounds and personalities, it is hard to know how to communicate effectively and how to show appreciation. Dana Kadwell, CPCE, has partnered with her sister (Courtney Hopper) to build and operate three successful businesses, including a wedding planning company, an event venue, and an education and consulting business. Team building and thought leadership are her passions, and she is on a mission to inspire others to take big leaps, dream big dreams, and create amazing teams that grow profits while fostering an enjoyable but productive culture.
To register for these webinars and to learn more about NACE, visit nace.net/events.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Lynn Graham is a custom wedding stationer based in Boston. She creates bespoke designs for discerning clients who are looking for one-of-a-kind suites that reflect the vision of their event. Lynn has a background in graphic design and has been part of the wedding industry for over 10 years. She is currently the NACE Boston president, chair of the National Education Committee and a proud member of Boston Wedding Group.
