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!