DFW NACE

By Lance Panton, DFW NACE Communications Committee

On September 4, 2025, DFW NACE members and guests headed out to TX Whiskey Ranch in Fort Worth for our annual fundraiser, the Cowtown Hoedown. With sweeping skyline views and the rustic vibe of the ranch, the night was all about good food, live music, friendly competition, and raising funds for Cowtown Warriors.

Founded in 2013, Cowtown Warriors is a 100% volunteer-run nonprofit dedicated to serving and honoring wounded and disabled veterans of North Texas. Since inception, they’ve raised more than $2 million and supported over 100 veterans in need. The Hoedown gave our NACE family a chance to celebrate while supporting an incredible cause.

From the moment doors opened, there was plenty to do. Guests kicked things off with the TX Whiskey VIP Experience, a private distillery tour and tasting, while others tried the Texas Two-Sip Signature Cocktail/Mocktail—a Lavender Rose Lemonade served in a cowboy boot cup. Games kept the energy high all evening: the 50/50 Fundraising Drawing went to Tracey Autem of Tracey Autem Photography, the Heads or Tails game had the crowd laughing with Jessica Barbosa of Vestals Catering winning big, and the liquor cart raffle sent Ashley Scott of AFR Furniture Rental home with a prize.

Of course, the food was a major highlight. Our catering sponsors—Wolfgang Puck Catering, Beyond the Box Catering, Naborly Provisions, Vestals Catering, Low Country Quisine, Food Glorious Food, Yelibelly Chocolates, Reata Restaurant, Creative Cuisine, and Terry Black’s BBQ—pulled out all the stops for the Catering Competition. Guests sampled everything, cast their votes, and crowned Naborly Provisions as the winner of the night.

The silent auction was packed with getaways, wine dinners, and unique experiences, while specialty drinks from TX Whiskey, Sonoma Time Rosé, Archer Roose Wines, Silver Star Vodka, Devil’s Grin Gin, Community Beer, and La Pulga Tequila kept glasses full. And when the SMITH Band hit the stage, the dance floor filled with line dancing, laughter, and plenty of boots stomping.

A huge thank-you goes out to all of our sponsors and partners who made the Hoedown possible. TX Whiskey Ranch gave us a stunning venue, Shag Carpet Prop Rentals and Boozy Bar Dallas brought in creative rentals, and Auction & Event Solutions kept the silent auction running smoothly. Guests captured memories at photo booths from DFW 360 Booths and 209 Photo Booth Company, while The MacMeekens Photography and Bridges Cinema captured the night from behind the lens. Idea Fountain Inc., Texas Entertainment Group, and Encore Productions kept things lively with activations, and Yellow Rose by Kendra Scott was a hit with their jewelry and hat bar. Quest Events, Diversified Media Production Group, SpeedPro, and Custom Ink rounded things out with décor, AV, signage, and event supplies.

The Cowtown Hoedown was a night to remember—great food, live music, line dancing, games, and most importantly, a community coming together to support veterans through Cowtown Warriors. We’re grateful to everyone who joined us and helped make it such a success.

Looking ahead, join us for brunch on Wednesday, October 1, 2025 at the Fashion Industry Gallery for our October meeting. With its sleek design and vibrant setting in the heart of Dallas’s Arts District, FIG is the perfect backdrop for another can’t-miss NACE gathering. Register here to save your spot.

Wednesday, August 19, 2025
By Judy Philips, Director of Communications

On August 6, 2025, DFW NACE members and guests gathered for our annual “Back to Basics: DFW NACE Town Hall” at Hall of Lights in Carrollton. The meeting began with registration and networking at 11:00 AM, followed by lunch and an engaging Town Hall discussion led by a panel of our Executive Board—an insightful way to realign with our mission and vision as a chapter. Moderated by Renee Pool, CPCE, the panel featured our chapter’s leadership and offered candid reflections on our goals, accomplishments, and direction. Attendees left with renewed clarity on how we move forward together.

A Major Milestone: New CPCEs

One of the biggest highlights of this year’s NACE Experience Conference was celebrating four of our very own who earned their Certified Professional in Catering and Events (CPCE) designation. Congratulations to Vanessa Alston, Tammy Loving, Ashley Scott, and Shamica Sweat on this incredible achievement. Your dedication and leadership continue to elevate our chapter, and we couldn’t be prouder!

Celebrating National Recognition

President Lauren Eck also shared a recap of the NACE Experience Conference, where our chapter proudly brought home two National Awards—Fundraiser of the Year and Program of the Year. In addition, Shamica Sweat, CPCE, was recognized nationally on the 2025 President’s List and honored as Emerging Member of the Year.

We also celebrated a truly special milestone for our community as Terry Shields, CPCE was inducted into the NACE National Hall of Fame, honoring his 25 years of passion, dedication, and service to the live events industry and to NACE. These accomplishments are a testament to the strength, creativity, and commitment of our DFW Chapter and its members.

Thank You to Our Sponsors

We’re deeply grateful to the sponsors who made today’s Town Hall possible. Hall of Lights graciously hosted the event, while Blue Fire Catering treated us to a delicious meal. Top Tier Event Rentals provided the gorgeous rentals that set the scene, and DFW360 Booths brought the fun with their interactive photo booth.

Diversified Media Production Group, led by Marshall and his team, once again answered the call by sponsoring both audio-visual and videography needs, ensuring everything ran seamlessly. KMG Creative Photography was on site capturing the details and energy of the day, while JPC Invites handled our event stationery with style.

We also enjoyed a calming tea station from MK Event Experiences, and the room was beautifully elevated with stunning centerpieces from Poppy Flowers. Speechless Music set the perfect soundtrack for networking and conversation, and AFR Furniture Rental completed the design with stylish lounge furniture for the stage.

Preparing for the Cowtown Hoedown!

One of the most exciting parts of today’s meeting was gearing up for our largest fundraiser of the year — the Cowtown Hoedown! Our Fundraising Chair, Jessica King, gave a quick update on everything that’s in store for next month, and trust us, you do not want to miss it.

Join us on Thursday, September 4, 2025, from 6–9 PM at TX Whiskey Ranch in Fort Worth for a night of incredible food, music, and community. This year’s event proudly benefits Cowtown Warriors, a nonprofit that directly supports veterans in North Texas.

A highlight of the night will be the Catering Competition, where some of the best chefs in the area will go head-to-head—and YOU will be serving as a judge. Get ready to taste the flavors of Fort Worth and help crown the champion caterer of the evening.

Register now for the Cowtown Hoedown and secure your spot for this rootin’-tootin’ good time!

Looking Ahead

DFW NACE continues to be a place for intentional connection, vision-setting, and celebration of our shared path forward. We loved having everyone there for this purposeful gathering—and we can’t wait to welcome you to our next event!

Written by Lance Panton, Communications Committee

This June, DFW NACE members and future members gathered at The Village Dallas for a one-of-a-kind scavenger hunt experience: Adventure Village. Built around the theme “It Takes a Village,” the event highlighted the collaborative spirit of the events industry. From curated cocktails to playful competition, the evening offered a fresh and immersive take on connection, creativity, and camaraderie.

Designed by Idea Fountain, Inc., the evening featured five unique venue stops around The Village, each paired with chef-crafted bites, themed drinks, and interactive activities that brought out the fun in all of us. Attendees were grouped into randomized teams to spark new connections and break out of their usual circles. As teams rotated between stops, they earned points for participation and creativity, culminating in a winning team who scored a set of Rangers tickets—one for each teammate!

Each stop offered a different flavor of fun: At La Mina, guests created Affirmations of Hope luminary bags to support local cancer survivors. Over Under Sports Bar served as the playground for Major League Team Building challenges, mixing relay games with cocktails on the patio. Sandy Pickle brought the energy with a Pickle-Inspired Cocktail Competition judged by NACE board members. High Dive VIP Lounge added a Vegas twist with roaming blackjack tables and lounge vibes, while The Drey Hotel closed the night with a tea infusion station at Anise.

Thank you to our incredible sponsors who helped bring Adventure Village to life! The Village Dallas provided the perfect immersive backdrop for an unforgettable evening. The Drey Hotel wowed guests with their generous hospitality and elevated culinary experiences. Idea Fountain, Inc. delivered vision, creativity, and seamless execution to make this event shine. Great Music and Games set the tone with great music all evening long. Patrick Schaefer Creative beautifully captured the joy and vibrance of the night through photography. And Quest Events elevated the atmosphere with their continued support and stunning rental contributions.

In addition to the evening’s festivities, we were thrilled to welcome several new members: Alison Harik, Jess Olabarriet, and Rhoda Brimerry. We also celebrated milestone anniversaries for longstanding members who continue to shape the heartbeat of our chapter: Kevin Brant (36 years), Wendy Timson of Shag Carpet (19 years), Larry Goldstein of Catering by Larry (17 years), Eddy Panesso of Idea Fountain, Inc. (11 years), Vanessa Alston of BBJ La Tavola (3 years), Pablo Figueroa of Apricus Venue (2 years), Morgan Foreman of Quest Events (2 years), and Elizabeth Mendez of Aloft Dallas Downtown (1 year).

We also raffled off some amazing prizes, including a $100 Mi Cocina gift card, two bottles of wine, and a private tour and tasting for four at Silver Star Distillery. Congratulations to our lucky winners!

This event was a joyful reminder of why we do what we do. Adventure Village showcased the best of our DFW NACE community—talent, teamwork, and heart.

View the full photo gallery here.

Don’t miss our next monthly event: the DFW NACE July Happy Hour at Truluck’s Dallas on Wednesday, July 9 from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM. Register now.

Thank you for being a vital part of our community—we’ll see you soon!

by: Angela Barden, DFW NACE Communications Committee

This May, our DFW NACE community gathered for a refreshing and inspiring spring event: Brunch & Bloom at the beautiful Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden. Surrounded by nature in full bloom, attendees enjoyed an afternoon filled with education, connection, and celebration.

We were honored to welcome Julie Roth Novack, CEO and Co-Founder of PartySlate, as our featured speaker. Julie shared actionable insights during her talk, “5 Simple Ways to Streamline Your Business Using AI,” providing practical tools and strategies to help industry professionals harness the power of technology in their businesses. Her session was both informative and energizing—thank you, Julie, for joining us and generously sharing your time and expertise.

In addition to the main event, the Arboretum graciously hosted our Board Meeting and New Member Orientation earlier in the day. These sessions provided the perfect space for deeper connection, onboarding, and goal-setting as we look ahead to the rest of the year. 

A highlight of the day was a Kendra Scott Pop-Up Shop, where attendees were able to shop for a cause during cocktail hour. A portion of the proceeds benefited the Cowtown Warriors, DFW NACE’s 2025 fundraising beneficiary. Tim Hatcher & Bezan Morris, president & treasurer of Cowtown Warriors, presented more info about the organization and its mission, further solidifying the need to give back to such a great cause and adding heart to a beautiful afternoon.

Our deepest appreciation goes out to the many incredible sponsors and contributors who helped bring Brunch & Bloom to life:

• Dallas Arboretum & Botanical Garden – Thank you for providing such a stunning venue and hosting key moments of the day.
• Wolfgang Puck Catering – Your delicious brunch and top-tier beverage service made the day memorable. Lauren, your team nailed it!
• Best Mix Events – Thank you for your AV and DJ sponsorship, keeping our program running smoothly and our guests engaged.
• JPC Invites – We appreciate your beautifully crafted stationery and signage that elevated the visual details. Calva, your willingness to show up for us time after time is truly appreciated!
• Hey There Dahlia – Your floral centerpieces brought elegance and charm to every table. We’re so excited to have Faith Nabors as a new member!
• Big D Party Rentals – Special thanks to Pete, Emily, and the team for sponsoring our rentals and consistently supporting NACE events.
• Paige Marie Photography – We look forward to seeing the event captured through your lens as our May photo sponsor.
• Tru by Hilton Dallas Market Center – Thank you for providing accommodations for our guest speaker.
• Magnify Coffee Catering – Your coffee service kept our guests alert and delighted throughout the event. DFW NACE truly appreciated your continued partnership Kelly & Matthew!
• Makerz Home – Your live painting and take home portraits added a unique, artistic flair to our networking session.
• Reneegency – Thank you for capturing live video content and preserving these special moments.
• PartySlate – Once again, thank you to Julie for your incredible presentation and generous contribution to our chapter.

We were also excited to announce this year’s DFW NACE scholarship recipients for the 2025 NACE Experience Conference! Congratulations to Thomas James (The Village Dallas), Christina MacMeeken (MacMeekens Photography), and Tammy Loving (Gnivol Events, LLC). These outstanding members were selected based on their ongoing contributions to the DFW NACE chapter and their commitment to excellence in the catering and events industry. We’re proud to support their continued growth and professional development!

This month’s event was a beautiful reminder of the power of collaboration and the innovation shaping our industry. We’re so grateful to everyone who attended and helped make Brunch & Bloom a success.

We look forward to seeing you at our next event on June 4th for our Adventure Village at The Village Dallas from 6 PM to 9 PM! It’s going to be an evening full of fun, friendly competition, and connection—you won’t want to miss it!

Register Here to reserve your spot!

Thank you for being a valued part of the NACE Dallas/Fort Worth community—we’ll see you soon!

Written by Kathryn Krieger, DFW NACE Communications Committee

On the evening of Monday, April 7, 2025, from 5:30 PM to 9:00 PM, I ventured out to a just-secluded-enough, picturesque farmstead in Fort Worth to join the wonderful community of DFW NACE for a rural evening in elegance. Hosted at the beautiful Timberview Farmstead, it was the perfect spring welcome—with bunnies, goats, and a touch of simpler times.

The Setting: Timberview Farmstead

The venue provided an enchanting backdrop. Our evening began under a stunning Amish-built pavilion, followed by a hayride tour across the scenic grounds.

During the ride, guests got to know the farm’s story while soaking in its natural beauty. Afterward, happy hour commenced with tunes from Alliance Entertainment Group, a runway photo booth by DFW 360 Photo Booths, and yard games from Enchanting Events & Design.

The Barn Crawl

Guests were grouped by colored bandanas and guided on a multi-stop experience through the farm. Here’s how the crawl unfolded:

Stop 1 – Goats

I was greeted with the mouthwatering aroma of Vestals Catering, serving curated bites detailed on signage by JPC Invites. I even fed a bottle to a baby goat—what a joyful start!

Stop 2 – Bunnies

Dozens of soft, friendly bunnies awaited us. The team shared sweet stories about their personalities, and a baby bunny (just weeks old) made a star appearance.

Stop 3 – Greenhouse & Aquaponics Farm

We explored the greenhouse and learned about the farm’s sustainable ecosystem, where fish help nourish the plants that feed us.

Culinary Highlights

Each barn stop featured divine bites from Vestals Catering, perfectly paired with signature cocktails crafted from Silver Star Spirits and rosé from Sonoma Time Wine.

Fireside Reflections

To close the evening, we gathered on elegant lounge seating from Bright Event Rentals for a heartfelt fireside chat with Jordan Swim, Owner of Vestals Catering. He eloquently shared the vision and journey of Timberview Farmstead—highlighting the importance of whole foods, meaningful community, and authentic hospitality.

Huge thanks to BEYOND for sponsoring the film coverage and to The MacMeekens for capturing incredible stills. View all of the event coverage here.

Thank you to all our sponsors and attendees who made this unforgettable spring night possible!

DFW NACE offers a scholarship opportunity for members to attend the Annual Experience Conference. This year, the conference will be held in Milwaukee, Wisconsin from July 27 to July 29 at the Hilton Milwaukee Hotel!

The DFW NACE Chapter Scholarship Fund supports members in attending the NACE Experience Conference, fostering their growth in catering education and chapter leadership development. All members in good standing are eligible to apply. Selection is based on active participation in chapter events and committees, as well as a demonstrated passion for people in our industry. Scholarships will be awarded by a review committee comprising of the Chapter President, Past President, and a Chapter President’s Council member. Applicants will be evaluated based on their commitment and financial need.

Scholarship recipients will receive:
A Conference Pass Plus to the 2025 NACE Experience Conference in Milwaukee, Wisconsin ($1,759 Value)
A $250 stipend for airfare
Half of your hotel stay — 3 nights at the Hilton Milwaukee during the conference (Sunday–Tuesday)

Scholarship recipients must:
Attend all conference sessions and NACE functions in Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Submit a written blog or social media reel(s) within 72 hours after the event

DEADLINE TO APPLY: May 2, 2025 

SUBMIT HERE

Questions? Email President@dfwnace.com

Monday, March 10, 2025

By: Judy Philips, Director of Communications

And the Winner Is…

Congratulations to all the nominees and winners of our 41st Annual DFW NACE Gala! Laissez les bon temps rouler! A huge thank you to the board members who worked tirelessly to make this event happen. Organizing a gala of this magnitude is no small feat, and every detail was absolutely stunning!

Held on Fat Tuesday, March 4, at the beautiful Thompson Dallas Hotel, this year’s gala was a spectacular celebration of talent, creativity, and excellence in our industry. Guests were greeted in true Mardi Gras style with jesters, jugglers, and stilt walkers, all courtesy of Mystic Kathryn Event Experiences.

The evening kicked off with a breathtaking Just Bead It display, featuring vibrant Mardi Gras balloons and beads, designed by The Party Department. Attendees enjoyed delicious passed hors d’oeuvres, followed by a three-course meal and an open bar—offering both alcoholic and zero-proof options—all expertly provided by the Thompson Dallas team. The décor was a stunning tribute to Mardi Gras traditions, with dazzling centerpieces in gold, purple, and green, adorned with feathers and intricate details, designed by Gardenia Event Decor. Lyons Paperie added an extra touch of elegance with beautifully crafted menus and custom table reservation signs.

Entertainment was top-notch! Cocktail music and a lively second-line procession, leading guests into the ballroom, were performed by Monique Renee Entertainment. Harmland Visions kept the energy high as the DJ and Voice of God, while Encore Global set the stage with exceptional A/V and lighting production. No detail was overlooked—luxurious linens from BBJ La Tavola (those sequin cocktail tablecloths were a showstopper!), exquisite rentals and draping from Quest Events, and AFR Furniture Rental’s elegant lounge furniture pieces created the perfect atmosphere for mingling and celebration.

The fun didn’t end there! Guests were dazzled by the DFW 360 Booth during cocktail hour, featuring a one-of-a-kind magazine photo booth, while Misugo.Studio captured the night’s magic with live paintings of attendees.

A heartfelt thank you to our incredible photo and video sponsors—Alliance Entertainment Group and A Love Poet—for capturing every unforgettable moment of the evening. Your time, talent, and resources made this event truly exceptional, and we are deeply grateful for your support.

And did I mention EZ provided us with a TREE? A large tree, adorned with beads, colorful feathers, and even stuffed beignets, served as an eye-catching centerpiece for the room.

This year marked a historic moment for DFW NACE, as we inducted four exceptional members into the Hall of Fame for the first time ever! Congratulations to Sarabeth Quattlebaum, CPCE, CMWP, Beth Albright (who delivered a stunning Oscars-style speech), Crystal Walker, and Justin Lopez. Each of you has dedicated over 10 years of service to our chapter, and we are truly grateful for your commitment. Your passion has helped shape our community, and this recognition is well-deserved!

It was an incredible night of celebration, community, and unforgettable memories. The flow of the evening was flawless, honoring so many of our talented catering and event professionals in DFW. The room buzzed with magnetic energy, filled with cheers and laughter. It was a true testament to the passion and dedication of our extraordinary community.

Here is the complete list of winners:

Self-Nominated Awards

• 2024 Videography of the Year: Judy Philips, BEYOND

• 2024 Photography of the Year: Jennifer Crenshaw, Jennifer Crenshaw Photography

• 2024 AV Production of the Year: Fantasy Sound Event Services

• 2024 Event of the Year: Idea Fountain, Inc.

• 2024 Wedding of the Year: Shamica & Co. Event Planning and Design, LLC. & DJ Rose Red, Harmland Weddings

• 2024 Catering Event of the Year: Low Country Quisine, Wedding Event Design, and Nicole Smedley Event Designs

President’s Awards

• 2024 President’s Award: Shamica Sweat

• 2024 President’s Award: Lance Panton

Individual Awards

• 2024 Committee Member of the Year: Marchantia Smith

• 2024 Business Partner of the Year: The Party Department

• 2024 Rising Star of the Year: Sir J. Starks

• 2024 Member of the Year: Chantel Boudreaux

Hall of Fame

• 2024 Hall of Fame: Sarabeth Quattlebaum, CPCE, CMWP

• 2024 Hall of Fame: Beth Albright

• 2024 Hall of Fame: Crystal Walker

• 2024 Hall of Fame: Justin Lopez

Legends of NACE

• 2024 Legend of NACE: Paula Fenner, CPCE

• 2024 Legend of NACE: Kevin Brant, CPCE

Chapter Meeting Awards

• 2024 Meeting Entertainment of the Year: LeForce Entertainment | Lindsay Knight Piano | Yelibelly Chocolates

• 2024 Meeting Décor of the Year: AFR Furniture Rental | Arts District Mansion | BBJ La Tavola | Center Stage Floors | Diversified Media Production Group | Garden Gate Dallas | Gardenia Event Décor | JPC Invites | Lightware Labs | Lyons Paperie | Shag Carpet Prop Rentals | Shamica & Co. Event Planning and Design, LLC | The Party Department | Top Tier Event Rentals

• 2024 Meeting Culinary Presentation of the Year: Low Country Quisine | Boozy Bar Dallas

• 2024 Meeting Facility of the Year: Arts District Mansion

• 2024 Meeting Program of the Year: Meredith Commender, CSEP – “Strategies and Challenges for Adding Corporate Events to Your Portfolio”

• 2024 Meeting of the Year: Apricus Venue | BBJ La Tavola | Big D Party Rentals | Boozy Bar Dallas | BEYOND | Charlie Duhon Steel Drums | Diversified Media Production Group | Eduardo Lua / Bella Luna Venue and Events | Hannah Way Photography | JPC Invites | Low Country Quisine | Shamica & Co. Event Planning and Design, LLC

Due to recent weather conditions in Texas, Chris Harmon, Past President of DFW NACE, was unable to pick up the awards for the gala. We all had a good laugh and gave him a friendly roast. But true to his word, Chris personally hand-delivered every award to the recipients’ businesses and documented the journey on social media. Thanks, Chris—your dedication made this gala one to remember!

Next, it’s time to head to the farm! We hope you’ll join us at Timberview Farmstead for something a little different on Wednesday, April 2. Registration is now open!

Also, registration is now open for our Community Service & Painting With Purpose Fundraiser event. Sign up today!

Monday, February 10, 2025
By Lance Panton, Communications Committee

On February 5, 2025, the Dallas-Fort Worth Chapter of the National Association for Catering and Events (DFW NACE) gathered for an evening of education, networking, and industry insights at The Mason Dallas. The event, themed “Insightful Bites,” guided attendees through estate planning, strategic hiring, and intentional networking, providing valuable knowledge from expert speakers.

The evening began with networking and cocktails at 6:00 PM, setting the stage for meaningful conversations before guests embarked on their three-course educational experience. Each speaker delivered an essential “bite” of knowledge, beginning with Soluto Uba, Esq., founder of Uba Law Group. Soluto led the First Bite: Estate Planning, emphasizing that estate planning is a responsibility, not just an option. He explained how a revocable trust helps individuals avoid Texas’ default estate plan, ensuring assets are distributed based on personal wishes rather than state law. To encourage attendees to take action, Uba Law Group is offering $500 off a Peace of Mind Strategy Session exclusively for DFW NACE members.

The Second Bite: Strategic Hiring was led by Deborah Rose, a seasoned entrepreneur and business coach with more than 25 years of experience in legal, investigative, and mediation fields. Deborah shared strategies for making smart hiring decisions to build high-performing teams. She emphasized the importance of screening candidates effectively, aligning talent with company culture, and ensuring long-term success through strategic hiring practices.

The evening concluded with the Third Bite: Networking, presented by Paige Mejia, FPO, FEO. Drawing from her extensive background in the events industry, Paige offered actionable strategies for building strong, lasting connections. She encouraged attendees to dress the part, engage in open-ended conversations, take notes on new contacts, and follow up on LinkedIn or Instagram to foster meaningful professional relationships. She also shared a comprehensive list of DFW networking organizations, which can be accessed here.

A heartfelt thank-you goes out to the incredible sponsors who made the February DFW NACE meeting a success! TheMason Dallas provided an elegant and inviting venue, while Naborly Provisions Catering delighted guests with insightful bites, serving hors d’oeuvres followed by a beautifully crafted four-course spread. Top Tier Event Rentalsenhanced the atmosphere with beautiful tabletop décor, while Marchantia Smith Events added an elegant touch with stunning centerpieces. Inkredible Sounds provided audio/visual support and dinner music, ensuring a seamless experience throughout the evening. Jennifer Crenshaw Photography captured the night’s best moments, while also taking headshots of the 2025 DFW NACE Board. Guests enjoyed snapping memories at Say Cheeze Squad’s roaming and stationary photo booths, while Pinky’s Valet provided exceptional valet service.

Director of Fundraising Jessica King took the stage to announce the 2025 DFW NACE charity beneficiary, CowtownWarriors. Founded in 2013, Cowtown Warriors is a veteran-led nonprofit that provides direct assistance to wounded, disabled, and displaced veterans in North Texas. The organization is entirely volunteer-driven, offering support ranging from housing and essential needs to mental wellness and career transition assistance. Jessica shared a touching story about Patrick, a veteran who lost both of his legs while serving in Iraq, and how Cowtown Warriors helped build him a custom wheelchair-accessible motorcycle and shop, allowing him to rediscover his passion for riding. The first fundraising prelude event benefiting Cowtown Warriors is scheduled for March 27 at Times Ten Cellars, featuring a Painting with a Twist experience led by Lauren Twitchell, CPCE.

In addition to the evening’s programming, DFW NACE shared several important announcements, including the much-anticipated 41st Annual Awards Gala set for Tuesday, March 4, 2025, at Thompson Dallas Hotel. Members had the opportunity to vote for Business Partner of the Year, Rising Star of the Year, and Member of the Year, with the winners to be revealed at the gala. Self-nominated awards, including Wedding of the Year, Event of the Year, Catered Event of the Year, Event Photography/Videography of the Year, and Audio-Visual Event of the Year, remain open for submissions until February 12. Tickets for the gala are on sale now and are expected to sell out quickly. Register Here.

The evening also welcomed new members into the DFW NACE community, including Christina MacMeeken of The MacMeekens Photography, Sabrina Renteria of The Perfect Plan DFW, Heather Zsido of Calabrese Southlake, and Andrea Bey of Prep Kitchen.

DFW NACE continues to foster valuable networking and educational opportunities for industry professionals, and the upcoming Annual Awards Gala promises to be one of the year’s most spectacular events. Mark your calendars for Tuesday, March 4, 2025, and secure your spot today. Register Here.

We can’t wait to see everyone again next month!

Who’s ready to celebrate all of their wins from 2024?!  I cannot wait to see everyone in March at the Annual Awards Gala to celebrate YOU! But before we completely leave 2024 behind, we want to celebrate the hard work and events that we did so mark your calendars for TUESDAY, March 4th, Venue To Be Announced.

Below is information about our self-nominated awards. We would love for you to submit your incredible events in the categories listed below! 

Here are the categories you’ll see for the self-nominated awards this year:

We’ve streamlined the nomination criteria to simplify the process! Here are the categories and submission form(s) for the 2024 self-nominated awards:

1. Separate categories for Wedding of the Year based on budget (below $50,000 and over $50,000) so that micro weddings aren’t competing with larger weddings – Wedding of the Year Submission Guidelines
2. Separate categories for Event Production of the Year based on budget (below $25,000 and over $25,000) for smaller and larger events – Event of the Year Submission Guidelines
3. Catered Event of the Year! The Catered Event of the Year award recognizes outstanding planning and execution for on-premise and off-premise events that include food and beverage  – Catered Event of the Year Submission Guidelines
4. Event Photography of the Year! The Event Photography of the Year award recognizes outstanding photography and the photographer’s artistic talents. – Event Photography of the Year.
5. Event Videography of the Year! The Event Videography of the Year award recognizes outstanding videography and the videographer’s artistic talents. – Event Videography of the Year.
6. Our new 2024 category is AV production of the Year! This will recognize outstanding execution of audiovisual elements for catered events. – Event Audio/Visual Production of the Year.

**DEADLINE TO SUBMIT: WEDNESDAY, February 12th, 2025 – 5 PM!  Don’t miss your chance to be recognized for your 2024 efforts! 

DFW NACE Members can submit awards for free. Non-member submissions are $50 per award nomination.  There will be ONE award given to the person who actually submits for the award.  Additional trophies can be requested for a fee. 

Questions?  Email: pastpresident@dfwnace.com

Chris Harmon, DFW NACE Past President