Written by Judy Philips, Director of Communications
This October, DFW NACE members and future members gathered for a restorative brunch at The Venue at Fashion Industry Gallery in downtown Dallas. “Booked. Busy. Burned Out.” invited our community to pause, breathe, and remember that when doing more stops feeling good, it’s time for a reset. The theme encouraged everyone to prioritize wellness and live with intention — a timely message for an industry that gives so much, so often.
Guests arrived for a morning of connection beginning with wellness activations beautifully designed by MK Events. From sugar scrubs to calming eye massages, each activation reminded attendees of the importance of taking time to recharge. The elegant space at Fashion Industry Gallery offered the perfect backdrop, combining natural light and modern design for a serene start to the day.
Following a lively networking session, guests enjoyed a spectacular seated lunch courtesy of Naborly Provisions, whose thoughtful menu and service elevated the morning. Décor and floral design by Boujee Bloom brought warmth and vibrancy to the room, perfectly complementing the Zen & Chic “Yoga Meets Luxury” attire theme. Lawson Event Rentals and Event Ninja Pro ensured every detail — from rentals to audio-visual — was flawlessly executed, creating a seamless guest experience.
The program’s highlight was an inspiring presentation from Candice Denise Owens, Self-Care & Life Rebrand Coach, Digital Creator, and Speaker. Candice shared real-world tools and stories to help professionals manage their energy, mindset, and habits — ensuring that while we build our businesses, we also build ourselves. Her authenticity and insight left attendees feeling renewed and equipped to move forward with purpose.
Adding to the event’s vibrant atmosphere, live entertainment by LaRon Hearst set the perfect mood, while Lyons Paperie provided elegant stationery that tied the event’s aesthetic together. The MacMeekens Photography beautifully captured each moment, and Aloft Dallas Downtown ensured our guest speaker had stylish accommodations nearby.
Guests also enjoyed an exciting raffle featuring incredible prizes: two tickets to The Crown Room NYE Party (plus two bottles of wine), a five-pack class pass from Class Studios, a five-course custom tasting at Meridian, and a private seated wine class for up to 16 guests at Nice Winery.
This event was a beautiful reminder that true success is not just about productivity — it’s about balance, purpose, and community. “Booked. Busy. Burned Out.” left us all inspired to prioritize wellness, support one another, and continue building with intention.
Thank you to all who joined us for this memorable morning of renewal, connection, and inspiration.
View the full photo gallery here.
Up Next: Join us for our November Meeting – “Identifying Your A-Players.” This is one you won’t want to miss as we’ll also be installing the 2026 Board of Directors.
