LIVE From NACE Experience: GSD Energy, Wine Wisdom & Why NACE Matters

Kevin Dennis (: 00:38

Welcome to the very first live Mind Your Wedding Business podcast. We're here live at Nace Experience 2025. In Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Where are we? Milwaukee, Wisconsin. I we just say MKE. MKE. Yeah, there we go. All right. I forgot where I was for second. I'm still looking for my Laverne and Shirley moment. ⁓ They wanted us to do a Laverne and Shirley bit. Yeah, they wanted us to do Laverne ⁓ that would be so cute. We didn't think anybody would remember, like the young ones.

onference. So NACE experience: 2025

Our event professionals and catering professionals come here and they have sessions, educational sessions, so they can continue their knowledge and depth and grow their learning. Thanks for leading me there. Thanks for helping me lead. All right. So who's with us? So with us today is one of the founding chapter members from one of our newest chapters. I like we should have a drink. I know.

Holly Holliday from Central Coast, California, NACE. Thank you. Holly, tell us a little bit about your first experience here. Oh, it's a lot of fun. It's very overwhelming, but it's a lot of fun. And actually, I'm really excited because the two of the sessions I'm doing tomorrow center around AI. we actually, our September program is all about AI. So I'm going to be taking it a lot.

to take back home and to give to our members and our non-members that are showing up. So I'm really excited for those topics. I love it. tell us the feel and what's going on in Central Coast with NACE. Because we got to experience it. Yeah. And we loved it. We loved it. Yeah. We loved the restaurant. What was the name? I don't even remember the name of the restaurant we went to, but we still present. was the best prosciutto we ever ate. We went to the. Giordani's. Giordani's. Giuseppe's. Giuseppe's. Giuseppe's. go. That was it.

my gosh. I don't remember an Italian restaurant. That's what we ended up after we left you guys. was the video for the opening part? That's where the video. Yes. Awesome. The bartender told us to do that video. nice. Awesome. Well, you know, we are a mighty group of type Ayers. We say type A plus A plus. We literally, literally promote that we get everything done with GSD energy, which is shit done.

Um, and, and that has been just like the basis of everything. So Melissa Kramer from Kramer events, who is well known throughout the industry all over. She's the one who really brought the topic of bringing nice to myself and Taylor and Corrine and said, Hey guys, want to do this? And we're like, of course we're your most type a friends. Let's do this. Um, but I love it because you know, we're, really going into places that

In our already strong event community that we have on the Central Coast, and we were already really bonded, what we're missing are a lot of the standards and education and really kind of pulling ourselves together to make ourselves more noticed on the Central Coast ⁓ from areas beyond so that we can bring in more group events, corporate events. And so while we are gonna be doing some networking, because that's always fun.

⁓ We really wanted to focus more on a lot of those educational programs that inspire. And then we're taking actionable steps from each of those programs and creating summits. So our first summit is actually next month. It's called the Transportation Summit. And actually, Michelle, you got an invitation for it.

Is it in my email? Yes, it is. We would love to have you there. But essentially, you know, what we what we identified in that April summit, the Travel Summit was that transportation was a huge issue. Yes. And I remember that when I left, I was like, wow, I didn't realize how little transportation organizations like infrastructure you had up there. Yeah, it was because the Central Coast is such a great space for yeah, for any type of incentive or small

executive meeting or even larger meetings, but yeah, transportation is a challenge. When is that summit? So that's gonna be August 26th. It's an invite only and what we're doing is we're bringing in transportation services, ⁓ planners that focus on group travel and corporate travel, hotels that focus on corporate and group travel, DMOs, DMCs all in the same room. ⁓

in a roundtable, essentially talking about actionable ways that we can create these solutions. Because I'll tell you, it's a 5 a.m. flight from Sloan to Denver. And I live a mile from the airport. And I still had to get there at 345 to get checked in. And when you think about groups who are doing corporate travel up into Paso Ropos or even into, know, San Inez Valley that fly in and out of San Luis Obispo, we're talking about maybe leaving for the airport.

around 2 a.m. and we don't have an airport hotel. So we are looking at like how do we create those solutions? How do we move those projects forward? And then how do we also pitch that to our groups coming in so it doesn't seem so unreasonable until we have everything in place? From what I gathered is like Northern California, Southern California folks, that's your big drive. Like drive market is a big thing or?

Are you trying to get people to fly into the We want we want fly in and we have an excellent airport. We have an excellent supportive airport. They were at your airport. I not stop talking to my airport. So my airport I love my airport. Springs is like one of my favorite airports. I got to slow and I just went you took with the cake. I think the funniest part was when I got off the we were getting off the airplane the flight attendant said if you need to locate with your baggage please ask one of the.

the staff in the terminal to let you know what baggage carousel your stuff's on. I came out of security, I turned right, there's one baggage terminal. I'm like, no. Okay. But it's a great airport. And I mean, it can handle a lot. But the transportation is definitely the key. Yeah, it's that key. people in from all over would be amazing to just experience Central Coast. Yeah, but that's been our driver is okay, networking is great.

But what are we doing to create these opportunities in areas where some of our local leaders have kind of stumbled or failed on it or not seen it as such a big issue? And without that power of NACE and bringing people together and that get shit done energy that we have, it would continue to be an issue down the road. I think one of the things I liked about the meeting we went to, Central Coast, the NACE community has really already engaged everybody in the community.

the airports ⁓ manager was there, CVB was there, Chamber of Commerce was there. That is not, I mean, those all belong to our NAIS community, but you don't see them usually in one space, especially at a kickoff meeting. So you have some serious get shit done energy, and ⁓ I just had to say it. Well, no, I was gonna say, let's talk a little bit about the get shit done energy.

Get shit done energy because you guys are already have a lofty goal you guys came in and you guys really wanted to try to go from Not being a chapter to being one of the biggest chapters in me. How many members you have right now? I think we're almost at 60 now Yeah, we've done a lot of work considerably it's considerable work to get our EIM program at Cal Poly University involved in fact

those students, the senior leadership students are going to be, they're going to be putting together our November mixer and that'll be their project and they're going to be helping with our big gala auction, our first one in February. So, you know, we've, we are in an excellent spot for it. But yeah, we want more. Yeah, no, I love it. There's a pizza party. There is definitely going to a pizza party in your future. Jill, if you're listening, it's coming. It's coming sooner than you think. Well, I want more of my friends.

in New Orleans next year for Nays. I'm like out here like solo traveling by myself. was sad when Melissa said she wasn't coming. She's my extrovert to my introvert. She's my little party buddy. Holly, we really appreciate it the first time ever come into experience and you stepped up and you're going to be on a panel tomorrow. Yeah, I'm really excited about that too. Yeah, stay. Sorry, I've been a little busy. I'm excited for you. She's she's like in charge of the whole thing. have no idea what's going on.

Yeah, no, she's on the State of the Wedding Industry panel. Amazing. Yeah, really excited. You know, outside of NACE, I'm also a venue manager for Tar Creek Ranch in beautiful Central California or Central Coast of California in a Royal Grandi. I'm actually really glad. Grandi, huh? Grandi. It's not grand. No, it's grandi. Thank you. I didn't know that. got saying I think a royal grand would be like a.

n and we are fully booked for: 2025

San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Dallas randomly. Really? we do have that direct flight. So. Oh, that's all. Yeah, we Dallas people also. Our viewing audience over here. Your people love the Central Coast. I was going to ask if it was mainly destination weddings, and it sounds like it is. Yeah, we do get some locals, but at our price point, it's mostly the destination. Makes sense. I love it. I love it too. I can't wait to come back up and visit you.

I can't wait for you guys to come back August 26th. Giuseppi's. Giuseppi's. I'll go with you this time. Next time I go, I'll let you know. We're going to have another... Yeah. The middle. Yeah, absolutely. I'll have to drive this time though instead of flying. Oh, that's fine. I like to drive this pretty. Oh, yeah. All right, Holly. Thanks, Holly. Thank you. It's all about the food this week. It is All Holly, we will see you tomorrow on the state of the wedding industry. And we look forward to coming back to Central Coast.

Excellent. We look forward to having you. Who are we bringing on next? I don't know who we're bringing on. bringing... ⁓ they're doing the The office. All right. Let's go. Come We're going to bring the foundation immediate past president, Terri Shields. And then we're also, I don't know if... Other immediate past president. Well, yeah. Well, yeah, she's immediate past. Well, you were immediate past. You're like a trustee. Get over here.

He's also this is a big you are not a nobody. It's a big deal. It's huge. Nice Hall of Fame winner this year. Yes. It's a big deal. It's a very big deal. Yes. Are you excited about it? Yes. Yes, I am. I have to say sorry. found out before you even knew. So I got excited for you before you even knew. Apparently you have the world. I think I did. No, I found out about it at that restaurant. Yes, we did.

restaurant I learned a lot in there. Yeah. Yeah. I have to say one of my favorite things that I've done so far with being president is telling you and Monique ⁓ that you won your two respective awards and your reaction was just it just warmed my heart. Well thanks. It's well deserved. You're gonna cry. I am gonna cry. It's been a long day. Alright.

So Terry, think before we go and talk foundation stuff, tell us a little bit about what NAIS means to you and like your journey with NAIS. I mean, how many years have you been a member? 25 this year. Wow. So you started when you were 10, right? Yes. Yes. Michelle and I started at the same time. Yeah. Yeah. So Kevin, you're asking me to give part of my speech for tonight. Well. And that's not OK. Give us two lines of it.

No, he wouldn't be able to. hasn't finished it yet. no, I think it's a long time ago. I just keep updating and changing. You know, like, for example, and I'll tell you this since it's I seem not coming out till after. Yeah. But this morning, the speaker, you know, I really, really good and glad to have her. But I, you know, I'm one of those people to take comparisons.

And with what she did in reaching Mount Everest, know, in her journey, this is kind of like my Mount Everest. So you'll hear it again. You hit the peak. That is very sweet. So just for example, so it means the world to me. All right. So what chapters since no one knows where you guys are from, where are you guys from and tell us a little bit about yourselves since, you know, we just jumped right into getting excited that we have.

Mr. Hall of Fame. So again, Terry Shields. I'm with the Dallas Fort Worth chapter. Immediate, immediate past president of the foundation for a long time. and that's it. You know, I'm Dana Blagr in Dallas, Fort Worth as well. And I am the immediate past president of the family. Can you do me a favor and just say your last name one more time?

She's got a little Texas accent. That's why it's given me a little. All right. So we had it. You're fine. OK, we're moving on. All right. So we had you guys here today because we want to talk about the foundation. It'd be weird if I just talked about it since, know, you guys. since you're only the president. Since I'm only the president. we want it. So tell us a little bit about what is exciting news about the foundation. Right.

cholarship, which will be for: 2026

I love it. All right. And then we also let's keep going. The raffle. We're going to be doing a raffle in the fall to keep the fundraising efforts going. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes, I do. Is this new news? This is new news. New news. a raffle. Yeah. Some fun trips. New Orleans, where we're going to be. Yep. Amazing. We've got some great trips coming up. So continue to support the foundation. It's not just a one time a year thing.

it is definitely not. That's what we're working on. That's of the goals is to try to make it to where everyone's given to the foundation year round. So that's really it's really exciting to see. So all right. So the party last night. ⁓ so fun. So funny. Thank you so much to David Caruso and his team and all the amazing vendors. ⁓ was awesome. It was. Yeah. And band was incredible. It was incredible. Yeah. We've had some really good bands in the past. This one has ranked up with our top. Yeah. Especially for an opening. Correct. Yeah. It was fun.

Very fun, good food, the fun t-shirts, pops, all the beverage that we had. Did you guys go to the? The fire truck? you see the The fire truck, I saw it, I did not have it. Actually, because I had to give the speech this morning, I did not drink anything last night, I very good. I drank the root beer. had root beer? Root beer on And I was standing there with Jennifer Burns, our executive director, and she was like, try this root beer. And I was like, OK. And it was real. I was probably some of the best root beer I've ever had.

I liked the fact that the inside was like that fun true party, but then the outside was really a little more of a relaxed like vibe. It still had that fun, bright vibe, but it was nice to be able to have that two different spaces. It kind of was like something for everybody. It really was. could have good time or you could be outside still in the beautiful furniture from AFR and the linen from BBJ LaTavola and still be enjoying the party. it's been fun to watch everyone because

getting on the Harley Davidson and then they were able to pick their background. Yes. The photo booth. That was really fun. It's fun to see all those Harleys. Yeah. And so this is the first time we ever did the Wall of Fortune, which I think went well. Yeah. It's been successful. 89 boxes and sold all of them. Yeah. Really. And the gifts were really cool. Yeah. from trips to CPC study guides. To a Whataburger. You know, Whataburger. Ice cooler, ice chefs.

Yeah, really fun. And they sold all of them plus eight raffle items of eight trips. Those those raffle items when I remember looking at inside, I'm like, wow, were full. I'm like, I don't stand a chance. I know I bought my hundred dollars and I was like, well, these are full. Yeah. Good winners. Yeah, I love it. And then it's kind of nice, I'll be honest with you, to have tomorrow or tomorrow or tonight to not to relax. Isn't it? It feels weird.

It's very weird. It's nice to be done early. Yeah. Normally we are meeting on our event on Monday night. So today we would be stressed out and we can't really enjoy opening session. This wouldn't be happening if the event was today. Different stressors of being the first event and, you know, making sure everyone's here. Yeah. Yeah. But thanks. That was a dig at me. I love I agree with all you. I love having the opening event.

being the foundation NACE because, and for those of us that have been here for 25 years, we remember having, well I'm talking about both of us, we're both 25 years or years, ⁓ I remember having that Monday night as the free night and then the foundation would always do something like super late at night. And I can't do super late at night anymore, I'm old. ⁓ So yeah, I'm loving this new model, we'll see if it continues. Yeah, I think that the Milwaukee.

boat trip tonight should be really too. So that's cool that then the chapter gets to take advantage. exactly. There was a time when the chapter really wasn't brought aboard and to participate and really do something, know, once it comes into their city, it's like, okay, we're here, but you don't have to do anything. We'll take care of it all. Correct. And for some chapters, that's fine. And other chapters, that's disappointing because they do want to make sure that people have a good time in their city.

Right. Exactly. very hard when it was sent out. Not that, but because we wanted to be involved as much as possible. Yes. Same with Palm Springs. Yes. Yeah. We're all doers, right? We are all doers. Well, that's probably an egg tie. We're all the get shit done-ers. Get shit done. I like that. I love that, too. That needs to be a new tagline. Yeah, it really should be a new tagline. GSD. And it's funny. They really are that way. When she said that, was I can't believe they already have 60 members. Yeah. I know. Right? Yeah.

It's very exciting, five new chapters. mean, as long as we've all been around, that's amazing. Yeah. I mean, think about it. We went to their kickoff meeting in April. April. And they had, at that time, 30? 35, I think. 30, yeah. And sometimes people have a lot at the kickoff. But then what doesn't actually transpire to members. So that's what's so exciting. And they sold out. The kickoff meeting was sold out. At 80. Yeah. So it was amazing. Yeah. They're also doing things a little different, which is kind of interesting. They do their meetings from 3 to 5.

Yeah. Interesting. And I would just... We're changing that a traffic thing? I think that's what they want to do. I was asking that question, but that's... They're changing it up in Dallas, too. Like you guys said yesterday, or I don't remember when, but that people want more daytime meetings. Yes. after work time is not work time for the younger...

Millennials and so they are gonna do at least one lunch meeting a quarter next year. No, that's nice All these are like I'm not going all the way down there during the day, but My dating of lunch, but never gonna please everyone. Yes All right, so now any other exciting news that you can think of on the foundation front or we we're just so excited about all the fundraising that's taking place this week and All the hard work is paying off and setting us up for the success of the next year

I'm very excited with how much money you've raised so far this year. Yeah, Parade of Giving. We hit our goal. It was more than last year. Yeah. So exciting. Yeah. All good stuff. All good stuff. Just so we can have more speaker series and give back. We love that. That's right. It's all about give back. Yeah. All right. Well, thank you Thank you. You won't give us any more, any more, a little bit about your speech or your closed lips over here. If you can get her to give you anything about the introduction.

I've already read it. I've already read it. I've read it. already know. Of course, everybody knows about me. There is a box of Kleenex on the stage. was going to ask, do I need to bring Kleenex? You put pressure. I got to say. How's that? Tex, do you have any questions about me? Like, I haven't known you for 25 years. Well, I know that. I know that. But you asked me a question. said, well, here, let me give you this information.

Just in case. think we need to bring the couch in. I need some time to have a little therapy session. have to realize a couple of decades, you know, here and, you know, like, you know, everything I do, we're going to be like, yeah, everything I do, then she does, you know, so maybe she's just like. Following his footsteps. There you go. do. But they're there. They are. Those are some big shoes. OK, I will tell you something else. OK.

We got a little something. So, and this is mainly for Dana, but you know, I don't know how it hit me, but I thought, you know, if somebody were to ask about our relationship, would, first thing that came to mind was like, oh, Dana is my mini me, you know, and then I thought, well, is she really, you know, because then maybe I'm her mini me.

Because she's always together, always poised, always gracious, always giving. And I'm like, I aspire to that. That's so sweet. Thank you. We're going to need tissues tomorrow, I could tell already. I love it when somebody that has aspirations for one person, I feel like just from knowing you two, he's a mentor to you. But to have it come back around is very cool. Yeah, very cool. Yeah. Thank you.

More to come. to come. Another 25 years, right, Terry? Yes. By then, we're only going to be, I don't know, 35. We'll hit 50. Oh, yeah. There we go. We're going to be 60 by then. Yeah, we'll be 60. There we go. Again. I'm not there quite yet. All right. Thank you both. Sure. We'll see you when we see you. President's reception.

Yes. Thank you. Thanks. Bye bye. don't know. Monique. Yeah. Exactly. Miss. We get to hold close. to hold it close. Like it's a like it's a glass of wine that I'm savoring. I feel like we should have glasses of wine right now. It does seem a little empty. It does. It does. At some espresso martinis. I was telling Monique this morning as we're both going to get some water and I had said.

I had commented how we were gonna do champagne at our toast this morning, but I said, no, we're in Milwaukee, we have to do beer. And Kevin goes, it's nine o'clock, we're not doing beer. I said, yes, we're beer. Oh, it's eight o'clock, but yeah. He goes, in the morning, we're not doing beer. And he goes, it's Milwaukee, you can do anything. Yeah. My first thought was Bloody Mary's. Then she told me this great story. Yeah, I told her this great story that when I was in Pullman, Washington a few months ago, we went to breakfast and the very top of the menu said adult breakfast.

breakfast beverages, screwdriver, Bloody Mary, mimosa, espresso martini. And I'm like, yes, yes, that is exactly That's brilliant. That is brilliant. Yeah. Because we had this discussion that we're of an age that espresso martinis are too much alcohol and caffeine that late at night. Well, some of the venues we work at are putting them actually on tap. Wow. I'd be up all night. That was at the Tiso event. Remember? I was like, this is the best wall ever, but I can't.

It's becoming like a lot of the wedding venues in my area, they have them on tap. It's like all the beers and then the espresso martini. Oh, I love that. That's brilliant. Well, I was also told when I was at a restaurant, I won't say which one, I had made a comment. I'm like, I can't have another one. I got to go to sleep. goes, I can make a decaf for you. I'm like, oh, yes, please. there you go. There's always a solution. Always is. I love everyone wants to be a can do person. And I want a solutions. I like solutions oriented people. I love it. Yes.

Come to me with an issue and then give me three options to fix it. Don't just give me an issue. Let's move forward. Solution. Solution, yes. I feel like we need to introduce. ⁓ Hi. We'll get there at some point. Michelle's new to this podcasting thing, but we'll get it. We'll it. Well, I just like, each other, so I felt like we just need to. Exactly. No, it's fair. So. Fair. Let's go.

All right. Would you like me to introduce myself? Well, Monique G. Sudak, founder of thirst for knowledge, educator, adventurous life enthusiast. How's that? So I don't think we could do any better if we tried. No, no. Sometimes called the wine goddess, the wine girl. Why no. Hey, you. Hey, Yeah. Hey, that's why I thought when you called. ⁓

When she called me to tell me, so, and I'm also this year's Icon Award winner. Which is a big deal. Very big deal. Because Icon, there's an, actually, this will air after our... No, it's gone right now. Okay, well then... We didn't have the heart to tell Terri. ⁓ no! Well then I can't tell you my little spiel about what Icon stands for, so ⁓ I'll save it for tonight. But when she called, I thought she was calling because I've been...

bugging people to see if I could help moderate a panel because I did the one in Vegas for the culinary and loved it. And so ⁓ I've been throwing out a few feelers and she called and I thought she's calling to see if I want to moderate the culinary panel. And then she says, we won't let you know that you've been selected as this year's icon. And I was like, what, what panel is that? I have no money for, I don't even know how many years I've been you. ⁓

I have never heard you speechless. know. And you realize how funny that is. You've never heard me speechless. But yes. Yes. And I just couldn't wrap my brain around what she was trying to tell me. And I was like, no, those are big people awards. Those are... Is that what she told you? Big people awards? No, no, that's what I'm thinking. That's what... Those are grown up things. don't know. Those are big people awards. so amazingly flattered.

It's still in shock and awe, but I'm learning to enjoy it because my picture's on a poster here. I had to go and get new pictures taken. yeah, because my other ones I'm like, so I had go get pictures taken. And now I'm really disappointed I did not bring my crown and sash. So probably find you one. Well, someone offered to run to CVS and make me a sash. And I was like, thank you.

⁓ so I have my own. want to sash, but not that badly. Is that, is that bad? That's rude. Yeah. Okay. Just, yeah. So, ⁓ it's been a great conference. One of the first I've not spoken at because I didn't even think I was going to be able to make it to this year's conference. So I did not submit to speak. So I don't know what to do with myself. Just walk around. is. Yeah. I do. I walk, I espresso martinis. I got on the bus last night after the party and it was a great party and people were like, the icons on the, on the bus.

Oh my gosh, you're having that wow. Yes. You're having that. I am. And so I just waved. Yes, of course. Yes, that's what I did. But in my real world, I'm a wine educator these days. to say I sat in one of your sessions and it was very, I was very educated. In every session she's had at an experience. Thank you. Yes. Yes. James always sits in it's usually his birthday. It's around his birthday, think. So and he says that's part of his birthday. And I'm like,

You don't get out enough, but I the same thing. Dude, I love you. But come on now. But no, Nace has been a big part of my life for 20 years now. I also was voluntold and you were 10. I was 10. I'm a little older than you. I was 12. So Margie Reinhart, Gary Bowman, the Houston chapter adopted me. Nice was Houston was hosting nice experience. And no, no. Oh, the first time first time around.

With the gentleman in the bathtub doing bathtub gin martinis. I missed that year. That was before, that was... What year was that? Either 02 or 04. It was 04. Okay. Because 02 was Charleston. Okay.

s kind of how I am at. Was it: 2002

we started in Houston back in: 2007

And so I point out that all my volunteer efforts revolve around wine and puppies and orphans have to take care of themselves. Because it's all about the wine. Yes, is all about the wine. you can't really have, well, you can have alcohol at puppy events, but it's not good to have wine at, you know, like orphan events or children events. It's not appropriate. So that probably won't be there. Curious because I come from a wine country. Yes. Small.

Livermore outside of Napa. Wonderful. But know, right? Houston. Yes. Where did the wine connection come from? For me or for the for you? For me? ⁓ we should be we should be drinking. OK. No, I was working. I have a degree in economics with a minor mechanical engineering from the University of Texas. And and so by nature, then I went to work in a hotel in sales. Yeah. OK. No, I was working front desk when I was going to school.

And when I graduated, general manager came to me and said, we just had an opening in sales. Do you want a job? And I was like, I don't have to leave Austin. And these guys sponsor my softball team. I'm staying. That's exactly what I just paid all this money to get a degree. My father was like, what are the benefits? like, benefits. What are those? I don't know what. cleaning. Yeah, exactly. And I get $35 a night, friends and family rate. That's the benefit. And so from there, I am

had a practice first marriage that led me to Bryan College Station and I got a job at a winery. I wasn't sure if I heard what you said. You heard it correctly. to process it in my practice first. So I ⁓ needed a job and I got a call from a winery, Messina Hoff Winery is a very well known Texas winery and they were looking for a salesperson to do group tours, group sales to bring groups.

into the winery. And so I had been doing group sales for the hotel. And so I began doing group sales for the winery. And I didn't really like the way they did the tour. So I helped revamp that. And then I realized we could be making money doing. We could be making money doing box lunches, doing box lunches, because you see people would come take a tour and buy wine, but then they would leave to go have lunch. And we're like, ⁓ wait.

We could have them. So we helped create a special events team and then I ran the retail room and see you were just born to be in. was. Well, and I grew up overseas in the 70s. My parents were in the oil business or my dad was. you know, there was it was the cool 70s and they were doing lots of entertaining and they would do dinner parties. And I was just always around that. And.

Exactly. so being in the wine business, I just told my dad because he was in the oil business. said, daddy, this is the last industry where you get paid to drink for a living because the oil field back in the day, you know, a lot of big business back in the 70s and 80s. know, that's how it was done. at lunch, you see, I would point out if you drink wine at lunch, it's part of a lifestyle. Correct. But if you drink cocktails at lunch, you're just a lush. OK, so I have a lifestyle. I'm a lifestyle person.

Such an education. know. Okay, so I am so I'm now allowed to drink espresso martinis for breakfast. Yes, because they're breakfast drinks. Yes. I can have wine for lunch because it is a lifestyle. And then I can have vodka sodas at dinner because just because because it's cocktail hour. Yes. Just because. Well, no, actually, you would have the vodka soda before dinner and then I'm gonna have you go back to wine for dinner. There we go. And then the decaf espresso martini.

Wow, it's gonna be a rough day. If you do it right. I'm willing to try. If you do it right. Yes, ma'am. Yes, ma'am. is. Oh my God. Yes. All right. So curious. What's some of your favorite wines? Just out of curiosity. Where am I and who am I with? You're in California. I'm in California. I'm in the Russian River. drinking Pinot Noir's. Yes. Yes. And then we had...

Central Coast on here earlier. Yes. So being from Livermore, I went down to the Central Coast. I'm like, oh yeah, they have a wine country down here. I was thinking, I was thinking like, like it was like this little itty bitty and then come to find out they have 200 is huge. 200 wineries. I was like blown away and then they were whining and dining us and it was, it was amazing. Oh, it is. Yeah. One of the funnest ways though to travel through life, in my opinion, of course, is through the lens of wine, because when you go to a place,

and you figure out what is their beverage, what is their wine, that speaks to their history and their culture, their food. Because you don't drink wine without food and you don't have food without wine. I mean, that's just, that's a life lesson, honey, right there. Just think about it. I've been doing it wrong.

Well, mean, you can do it as you're thinking or getting ready. You can be thinking about food while you're drinking wine. And that counts. And that counts. But it speaks to the history of a place. know, who were the people that came into the Central Valley? Who came to Livermore? Those families. What did they bring with them? And it speaks to all of that. During COVID, because we had nothing to do in the event industry, of the Wente vineyards. I'm very familiar. I love those people. So Wente was bringing us in and they were trying to figure out how to bring wine to the people in and give them.

a wine country experience. So we started doing virtual wine tours and they would ship everyone the wine. And they even went to the point where they'd ship them a meal and the chef would come on. And so we were in charge of producing all this. will be honest with you. That wasn't the great education I got because I learned that the gentleman that started it, Mr. First Generation Wente, used to work at one of the big wineries up in Napa. Krug, believe. Yeah, I think it is Krug. And brought him and then he was buying property in Livermore.

And then that's how he started. And did you know that the Winty clone, something like 80, 95, 90 plus percent of all Chardonnay clones in the United States are based off the Winty clone that they brought over and propagated there in Livmore. They consider themselves the first family of Chardonnay. Yes. I would absolutely concur. I would absolutely now on to the fifth generation. it's just great. Still family owned. Still family owned. Yeah.

And it's the history. But like you said, it's the history and because and they're the longest continuing operated winery because they were still producing wine in prohibition. They're in prohibition. They're making it for the churches. Yes. I always thank my Catholic friends. You're welcome. Yeah. We're meth. I'm a Methodist. We're grape juice people. And every time we get a new preacher, I'm like, I got I got a hookup. We could we could get more people in here on a Sunday. Yeah. Right. But some wine. No, nobody's going for it yet. Not yet. One more quick little wine fact that I learned.

Okay. So Wente now operates off of Charles Wetmore had a property and he was the first gentleman to go over to the French and went at the World Exposition and he was the first American to win the wine competition. Yes. And he was from Livermore. Yes. And Wente now operates off of that. Yeah I've read that. Yeah and it was such an amazing story because they were when they were telling it it was like they were like you just don't jump on a jumbo jet and fly over with your wine. This gentleman made a truck to get that wine over there.

st their mind. So there's the: 1976

But it's a fun fun movie. Okay fun fun from movie, but wine wise ⁓ If we were talking weddings, I would still say that my biggest challenge you're asking what's my biggest challenge in this industry Ben? No, I was just asking what your favorite was. No, I'm let's go the challenge. Yes. That's what I like the challenge I think that's a great my biggest challenge is still that Wine tends to be one of the last decisions made in the wedding planning or event planning process

A commitment is made to a venue that we will do or a caterer will do $50,000 worth of food and beverage. It's not till that sort of set aside. And then they get a dance floor and flowers and lighting and a band and a DJ and a quartet and this and that, you know, they have squirrels do the calligraphy. There's all sorts of money spent on things. And then they get down to the food part and they want this fabulous meal. But now they've run out of money. Yeah.

And we still end up with beautiful plates of food and really inexpensive wine being served. And I think we could still continue. That's been my mission to upgrade wine service and presentation at events. would hope you do well on that crusade because there's nothing worse than attending, like going to these conferences and you go to the industry event and it's.

the food. I feel like they forget about the food and the wine, but yet we're at a food event. Right. Well, see, last night I will compliment that all the food was great. And I know that the sponsor for the wine, they did a really nice job. Yeah. So those were two really great wines. And I was very tickled to see that the signature drinks, everyone's like loving those. But I was like, what are the ⁓ excellent. They weren't house wine. No. And I've sold a lot of house wine and there is a place for it. But we are not always giving our clients

the best options. And I think that would be my big challenge. So there we go. Thank you. I feel like we could just continue to talk. feel like we could talk about wine and alcohol for the four We could. And so it's probably just as well we're not tasting. we don't taste. We don't drink. We taste. And it's much more classy. It's classy. lifestyle. It's a lifestyle. And so we'd be tasting wine, not drinking. Yeah.

California. It's a California thing. That's how we do it. That's right. Yeah. Guys, thank you. Thank you so much. Yes, I appreciate it. And congratulations. It's such a big deal. It's such a big honor. Yeah, it really is. So well deserved. The panel that you're going to be doing. No, but I'm already working on New Orleans. Next year. I'm already working on that one. So yay team. Thanks. It was fun to get to know you a little bit more. Yes. I'm nice. I'm nice version of hers out.

the best way I'd describe it. Do you want me to say that? Do want me to agree with that? Yeah. Oh, can I do my own personal plug that I also was on foundation? Oh, yes. I did serve three years under Gary, again, voluntold. Yeah, voluntold. He took me to breakfast and said, would you like to help me on something? And I said, sure. had no idea what it That's exactly how I became a foundation That's how it starts. I was voluntold by Tim Lamb. He's like, I need you. I want you to be a trustee. then next thing you know. thing you know. That's why you're here. Yeah. Well, Frank's a millionaire. I'm more a inventor.

Bantering y'all are great at it. You've done it. You all have done a wonderful job this year And I love the teamwork between foundation and it's in the board really hard to get that back. Well done and we're here 18 definitely. Thanks. Congratulations. All right. See you tonight. See tonight. Yeah, we're gonna on next. Well, I think we're gonna bring on Dana Cadwell. Are you? Oh, well, I'm not she might be She coming on over hanging out with us So hello I'm now okay, so I'm now feeling a little

Relief? No. I don't know what's over. Well, yes, I really. Where is this going? Because we've been so stressful. Now I'm a little more intimidated. Why? Well, I told Kevin and I don't think I want to put this on the live, but now I got to experience podcasters and I'm. Oh, yeah. Doing great. You're doing great. You are. You're bouncing off a conversation. Well, that's the most I did in their beginning sex. So that could have been. I didn't hear that. So it's fun.

All right, so, Miss, what's your new title? She hasn't, well, we'll be her new title. We'll be your new Next year I'll be president-elect. I love that. So we're with royalty. ⁓ We're all with royalty. That's funny. So, are you excited? I am, I am excited about it. ⁓ I think it just feels very surreal still. Okay. Like.

And it's very different. Like last year I ran unopposed. And so when you get elected, you're just kind like, well, they didn't really have choice. That was me the entire time, way up. like, whoo. Yeah. So there is a different feeling. Not that it would have been any less responsible feeling or heavier, but it just feels more validating. Correct. I don't know that's the way to say that. So yeah, so I'm still kind of processing it, but I am very excited about it. Yeah.

All right, so the future's bright for the folks that don't know if you were living under rock and know nothing about Dana Cadwell Tell us a little bit about Dana Cadwell Who is she? Who am I? Well, no, Own a wedding venue called the Bradford right outside of Raleigh and a vim planning company We used to have two scene events C &D events in anthem house and that just merged into anthem house just to make it easier Make life easier and then I have hustle and gather which is my consulting company and we do

venue only conference every year. I'm in my second year. the conference, you know, my life keeps me up at night, wakes me up at three o'clock in the morning sometimes. But no, it's great. It's one of the things I love about NAIS. It's just the community and being in like-minded rooms with people and having great education is always my passion. So I wanted to bring it to the venue space where we just don't have a lot of that anywhere. So yeah.

Excellent speaker. thank you. But I had the I would say it's a privilege to see you speak at BSAGE this year. And I actually cried. I was in the audience crying. Well, I cried too. So it was just she killed it. So thank you today. Or what are you here speaking about today? Yeah. So I'm talking about work life balance and I wanted to call it work life balance is bullshit. We're where? Yeah, because we already have to get shit done. OK, got it. OK.

⁓ but I made it a little bit more PC. So it's about, yeah. Yeah. Cause it's true, but I forget work life balance, Saba integration. So it's really, it's not far from the story I told at B stage, but it's really about two pivotal moments in my life where I realized my life was out of control with like, that's where I cried. Yes. So I can relate. Yes. So one is the birth of my son and one is the death of my grandfather. So just those two very impactful moments and how there's a story in between all of it, but

I can never get through my grandfather's story without crying and I'm not gonna cry right now so we're not gonna talk about we're gonna talk about it. We're moving on. Moving past that. This is not meant to be depressing. So as you're looking ahead, because the future of is right here with you, what are you seeing for NACE as we continue to grow? Yeah, no, it's a really great question. think that ⁓ NACE has, I think we're just on really solid footing, which has been really neat to see that kind of

move forward. Like I joined CLC during the pandemic. And so my whole CLC career was getting chapters through the pandemic. so was very rough. It was rough. And but I loved it. I felt like there was a purpose and a time when I felt very like, you know, I didn't know where I was going. ⁓ And so it's been really neat seeing some stability in that area. So it's what I said yesterday, I think we finally can dream again. Like, it's not just trying to maintain, you know, status quo or get back to pre pandemic. It's like, okay, we're here.

So now let's look at what does the future look like for our industry? And how can we continually be the place where people go to get education, resource, networking? And so that's going to take thinking outside the box, I think. Because the world's changed and the next generation is odd. Love them, but they're different. They're different than our generation. They are different. Yeah, and they've got different quarks. We've got to connect with them through the phone. Yeah, and quickly.

And quickly, yes. Lots of things. So I think there's a lot of that, trying to figure that out. But I'm excited for the board next year. It's gonna a great group. It should be a great group. I'm excited for it. And I think harvesting some of that energy from the Central Coast people. yes. Yes. I have WIPA background where I've opened chapters and seen the excitement of people opening chapter. I have never experienced anything that I experienced in Central Coast. We both were at dinner. We were like, what?

Like we were trying to like detox. But there were, you remember the past few years, it's like, it's been a struggle for association. Right. Even have people want to be an association. So I feel like that's swinging back around. Cause I think that that period was very isolating for so many people. Like they didn't have the colleagues and the camaraderie and they're like, and they're like, this isn't a way to live. Like I do this. I agree with that. You know, and so now like, we need this. And so I think what's really interesting is seeing how in the past, sometimes even like regional

chapters did well, but they're not even asking for that. They're asking for specific. Like, I don't want this to be regional. I want this like my city, my market. So I think that's kind of cool. is very cool. See where that It's nice to see it start growing again. I mean, even right before the pandemic, it was, I mean, we were holding steady the excitement that was seen in the last year. I mean, between the five that we just chartered in the last six months, which is... Which are the five? So the five that we just chart, we chartered two in January or February. We chartered Music City.

and Hampton Roads. Yes. I thought she was going to forget the names. We chartered two. That was it. Three this time. Sorry, continue. If you can't tell, Kevin likes to pick on me. It's fine, though. And then we chartered three yesterday. We chartered ⁓ Asheville, Central Coast, and ⁓ Salt Lake City. I almost forget one. But Salt Lake City. And then we've got two or three more that are interested and working. Like I've got one who's

felt that dropped off. End of: 2001

I don't want any more of this and I'm working too much now. Did any of you participate in Clubhouse during your time? I thought that was like the coolest new thing and it lasted like, it didn't even last a year. I don't even think it lasted, maybe even like nine months maybe. But it's nice to see that event professionals want that. Well I think what's super cool is seeing some of the revitalization of chapters that were struggling and they're kind of coming back and these new chapters that about half of them are from young leaders.

like young professionals like under the age of 30 which we need which we need for the future and that's been super cool because it's great if we say we want it but they have to say they want it so the ones are gonna have to carry the torch to go on so i think that was really neat i agree with that yeah so i think the future's bright i'm very excited about it i love it yeah all right anything else for us girl i don't think so all right we'll let you go prep for my session all right have fun good luck yeah try not to cry

I'll try not to, although I fail at it. And my emotions are already at the surface from yesterday and all that. So it's going to be a mess. know it's fine. I'll be all right. Bring your tissues. I will. All right. Thanks. All right. Congratulations, Dana. right. So it's just me you now. no.

No, really, okay, what were you saying? No, go ahead. I was gonna say, really feel like that Jersey is calling my name. Actually, it's calling your name. No, no, no. We're passing. We've moved. We've moved. Okay. We've moved. So, all right, back here. Let's talk about the year. My year's not done yet. It's only six months in. It's been a really... Well, why don't we say, where do we start the journey?

So the journey for presidency is very interesting. So as I reflect on the last 12 months, I remember coming to Experience last year and being a ball of nerves. And I've been a ball of nerves this week, but nothing like I was last year, which is so bizarre if you think about it. I wasn't on stage last year, I was on stage once. But it was the anticipation of looking around going, oh my gosh, this is me next year. And I don't want to say it's my show, but like.

the president is, it's. There's pressure. There's pressure. It's your conference. You were on stage. is. It's your conference. And I was like, OK, this is going to this is like it took a little while for me to really come into the acceptance of that. am the next president. ⁓ And then move forward to January and.

Where were we were in Vegas? No, that was February. But yes, when we were in Vegas. Yes, once again. That's why I was hoping you would say the journey began. The journey did really begin. Actually, the journey did begin for us in Vegas in January. It did. When we were invited to go install the Vegas chapter. That meant a lot. That really kind of took the the my gosh, here's my term. Yeah. Like it's here. It's real. We're doing it. Yeah.

And then Evolve came. And I can say that the last six months have challenged me. In what ways? I am not a conflict person. I hate conflict. Like conflict is stressful. I shy away from it. Hard conversations are hard for me. ⁓ As a leader of an association, I had to learn it very quick. And I've learned it, but I really had to learn it. And I feel like I've gotten good at it.

I don't shy away. So, like in my speech today, I did talk about how I have grown. I think in the last six months, and you can attest to this, because you've known me for...

⁓ the amount of ⁓

confidence that I have on a stage now. Oh, with one of these? Yeah. Yeah, much better than it was like even two years ago. Oh, wow. So, and then Evolve really pushed up for me. So this year's been a growing experience for me. I've really loved being president. I've loved the board I serve with. They are amazing people. I don't think this association would be where it is without them. And put Dana and Jill coming into the helm.

Yeah, we're in good shape. is bright. The future is bright, just like she said. But yeah, I've enjoyed it. What about you? Well, it's funny, when you were saying that about last year, I was thinking the same thing. I was watching Dana and Michelle do their thing, and I was like, man. That's us. I would look at you, and I'm like, man, Michelle and I have to do that. And there's pressure. So like opening night last night, I did not have a cocktail. I did not have anything to drink. I was good. was like, because I wanted to.

know, represent the foundation in the best way possible. And so, I mean, it just, it was a little bit of pressure, you know, but I think it was a good pressure, other than our teleprompter friend that we will name. I don't even know his name, but. I do, we won't talk about But I won't, mean, literally. We don't talk about Bruno. Well, yeah, but it's funny, this morning I was sitting, you were up there on stage, and I just, I never feel for you, I'm always mean to you, but I was like, the first time I think of my life, I'm like, poor Michelle.

Because I'm sitting on the ground behind this man because I was reading my speech to prep and this man was like scrolling up scrolling down and he was all over the place and I'm like and then so then my heart's like pounding because I'm like I have to go back out. You did such a good job. I'm gonna be honest with you. You did a good job because you were able to look around because I was like where she's pulling these names out of her. Yeah, but you looked on the

confidence monitor and you were able to start pulling names and you saw faces and you know you know so you you did you did a great job so thank you I appreciate that because that was I mean you knew me this morning I was not I was that ball of nerves this morning and that just well Steve Kimball ⁓ sent Vince you're gonna laugh when you hear this ⁓ from our I have it in my I have it yes teleprompter lives better so I showed that to ⁓

the ⁓ amazing woman who's been working with us. The production woman. And she goes, but do they really? So anyway, so we had, so we've had some technical difficulties today. We got through it. We're good now. We're in Milwaukee. It'll not happen tomorrow. We had a very successful. I love that. that event was so fun last night. Well, and I love that we're coming together. Foundation and like I felt like we had a little bit of.

I agree with that. And then I feel like Amber Allen is the one that I think we really need a credit with making that relationship strong again. Amber and Dana. Yeah. Well, yeah, Amber and Dana. I can give Dana credit, but it's okay. I'll give Dana credit. And I'll give Amber credit. There you go. But then it got stronger with Michelle and Dana. Absolutely. feel like it's continuing to get stronger as we As our presence goes. And I agree with that. think, I mean...

Yes, we had that divorce, I really feel like we had that divorce of two parents that really do get along. Yeah. But they just can't live together. Yeah. That's exactly how it is. ⁓ But we live together. do. But we I mean, Nace and the foundation and Nace are so intertwined and have been for the 40 years that ⁓ this I'm I'm very proud of the relationship that we've continued to have.

I feel that the relationship will continue for the next Oh, 100, for 40 years, for sure. And it will keep getting stronger. And the biggest thing I think for us was, apparently, I didn't know this, back in the day, we were like a beneficiary of the opening night party. Oh, really? Mr. Historian Terry said it. At one point we did do that. Oh, so we lied in our video? Yeah, maybe. But I think that was a big deal for us as the foundation. And I hope...

that we were able to take a little stress off of you guys, because you guys didn't have to worry about the opening night party, because it was on us. But then I think tonight is nice, because then it gives everyone another. It gets a relax tonight. Well, because normally, when we were interviewing Terry and Dana, it's like, today, this would have never happened. This would have never happened. We were stressed out trying to get an event ready for very picky people who come to, know, event people are the worst people to go to events, because.

We picked the event apart. We totally felt like last night you went to that event and it was, I mean, maybe only thing I could pick apart was the couple mosquitoes that bit me. Oh. I thought... You got that sweet blood. I know. They like you. But no... For the record, I did not get bit last night, so... I can't guarantee I did, but I think I did. It was a fabulous event. I was not, unfortunately, I was not in the VIP lounge. My money comes later. Okay.

But everything, as I said at beginning, I loved the party inside and the relaxed outside. you kind of gave everybody. for everyone. Right. people that didn't want to be in the loud, like fun excitement of the band and the Harley Davidson photo booth, which was amazing. Wasn't that amazing? Oh my god, I loved that. It was nice to able to go outside and kind of relax in the chairs and just enjoy some fresh air. Yeah, and I absolutely love the theme.

Like, was so colorful last night and it was just fun to see. Keep going. The vibrance. Like everyone went with really beautiful, vibrant color and it was everywhere last night. And I have to say thank you for making it so that we didn't have to go out. We didn't have to go out and buy something unless you wanted to. Yeah. So thank you. Yeah. Well, yeah, because this damn conference is all about Pinterest boards. It's like, what am I going to wear? What am I going to do? I just got rid of my Britney Spears.

with the inspired ⁓ outfit the other day. was like, I'm never wearing a short skirt ever again. Same thing, I clean up closet. like, I wore that at a nice conference and I'll never wear it again. The only thing I am kind of bummed about is, because I just literally just got rid of a bunch of nice clothes. And last year's event, no, yes, last year's was in the, was in Denver. was at the park. Yeah, the light. It was the light. And we were supposed to wear neon, right? No, no, no, you wore black.

and let your tennis shoes shine bright. That's right. So my tennis shoes were yellow. Oh, yep. So I had looked at my daughter, go, am I ever going to wear those things? She goes, So I came to, well, and then yours came out. was like, oh, should have kept the Yeah. It's funny because I was like, could wear the same shoes I last year. me, oh god. Except you needed to be a little bit more colorful. Yeah. It was fun. It was a great event. You guys did a great job. David Caruso always hits it I think he did a great job showing off the city. Yeah, he really did. Yeah.

Yeah, and then that whole story about his dad. Who would have known that his dad was part owner of Harley-Davidson in the 80s. Yeah, never in million years. so that was a great story. Go ahead. No, go. I was going say I really loved to see the passion for his city. He has such a passion for He really does. Yeah, and it's a beautiful. I've never been to my first time. It's my second, and I've been out a little bit. I haven't been able to. I'm hoping to get out on Wednesday. beautiful buildings outside know, I see buildings in blue skies. ⁓

But I remember when people were saying, wait, where are going? I'm like, I'm going to Milwaukee. They're like, oh. I'm like, I love the city. I will come back on vacation. I'll do like a Chicago, Milwaukee trip. Yep. I love it. Yeah, because they're an hour and a half from each other. can do both cities and go from there. And you can drive. All right. As we're looking ahead, like you said, only halfway through. We're only halfway through our year. halfway through. I mean, are we all downhill from here? I don't think so. I mean, we still have more work to do. There's a lot of.

I almost feel this is downhill, when like, mean, board meeting starts again next month and we've got more work to do. We've got policies and initiatives that we're trying to still kind of push through and not push through, but like get implemented. ⁓ We always have things to do. It's never a downhill slide. it never. And is there one big thing you want to make sure gets done before your presidency's up?

I think right now I've already, the five chapters were kind of my. That's a good one. That was a good one. But what if you got two more before the end of the year? I would love to two more before the end of the year. Has any president ever opened as many chapters under their? Well, first of I didn't open them. Under my presidency, has any presidency had as many chapters chartered? No. Oh, look at that. Look at you. That's impressive.

It is impressive. But I mean, it wouldn't have happened without the work of the task force and Lynn and Jill and Gil and everyone that has contributed to make sure that those chapters are getting the help they need and getting the work done to get opened. All right. So we're going to shift gears. OK, where are we going now? So real quick. So I am listening and I don't.

I'm not part of an association. Why should I be even a part of an association? What do you think that the magic there for that? How long do you have? ⁓ No, we got lunch at some point today. An association, love an associate. There's different associations and not all associations are the same. So I always like to preface it by this. So I'm comparing apples to apples. No, you are comparing apples.

to steak and yeah, they got some of them are not even comparing them to vegetables or fruits anymore. We're going all over. Yeah. So I think when you're looking for an association, you got to figure out what you want. Okay, like, I are you looking to are you looking to get business? That's like, that is your main goal. My main goal is I'm going to come in here and I need somebody to hand me business. Or like, ⁓ are you coming in because you want a network you want?

the ⁓ education, the continuing trends, which do, and the relationships that you get from networking, you end up getting business from that. I can say that I have belonged to four different associations in my life. I belong to two currently. Obviously, NACE is one of them. I would hope you're a member of NACE. I have to be. Jesus. ⁓

rly, she said it best back in: 2020

⁓ extroverted person, somebody needs to be able to walk over to me and bring me in. Or if I walk to a group, I need to be able to be brought into that group of people to say, ⁓ hey, nice to see you. You're the first time here. What's your name? Instead of me trying to find, like if I walk up and nobody really acknowledges you, those are hard ones to get in. So I always try to find the most inviting one.

And ones that align with what I'm trying to. They're not clicks, yeah. Clicks are not fun. And I still go to something like that. I'm an extrovert. I've gotten a little more introverted as I've gotten older, but I'm an extrovert. I was in a sorority. I know how to talk to people. I've had to for my entire life. I walked into one, and I walked out two hours later going, I think I talked to two people the entire time. Nobody would talk to me. No. I was like, that's wrong. No.

nd look because ⁓ early mid: 2000

Gigi. ⁓ love Gigi. But she's an inviting person. But she's what I call a connector. she's very much a connector. And she'll come in and she'll like, Hey, Kevin, you need to meet Michelle. Michelle, meet Kevin. And then it breaks the ice. And then now you and I are going to have a conversation. And Gigi will walk out. Yep. And then at that point, somebody else walks in. But and that's what it's about. And so I felt welcoming. I felt other than I will say,

Nattie who was the girl that was working the front desk. She... Love you, you just called her out. No, I'm gonna call her out because I've told this story because Nattie and I served on the board of directors together. Okay. And my introduction when I walked up to the meeting is she goes, I'm the only lighting company here. Just want to let you know. I get all the business and if you're and I see you're new and you can get leftovers maybe. And I was I looked at her and I'm like...

In my head, I was like, ⁓ shit, I'm like, maybe I joined the wrong group. Exactly what I would have said in my head. I would have thought, why did I just spend the money to do this? But then here comes Gigi. You know what I'm saying? then like, like literally turn the whole, but it was because Natty wanted to monopolize. Of she did. And that's why she's sitting at that table. Yeah. Like, and that's the thing about associations. If you don't like, they work for you. If you work for them.

You don't have to work for them, but there's certain things you need to do. Like if you want to know everybody that walks through that door and be able to give yourself your pitch, do it at the hospitality table. That's it. It's funny, in our office we put on a little networking group for wedding professionals in our area because we are 45 minutes east of San Francisco. None of the folks in our little valley wants to go to San Francisco to the networking groups. So we started this about 13, 14 years ago.

And Lindsay in our office, who runs the front desk, can tell you everybody's name, everybody's company, and knows what they look like. And it's always, it's my Debra Worsprout of moment. She's always, I'm like, I feel like I need her to whisper in my ear. I do that. I unfortunately have not been able to make it to as many of my meetings this year, my local meetings. And so when I do walk in there, I see all these new faces. I walk in the person at the desk, because I was like, who's the person in the red shirt?

No, there's a lot of power in being the person that volunteers. one is if you're going to be part of an association, you've got to get involved from sponsoring an event to getting on a committee to eventually maybe joining the board, all that. You've to get what you get. Right. I think it might have been, I don't want to credit the wrong person, but it might have been Rachel Sheeran who said it. It's like a gym pass. You're not going to get the...

you're not gonna get out of it if you don't go. No, actually I do think it's Rachel that would say that because if, yeah, I have a gym membership, I probably should go a little bit more than I do. I go like twice a week. Yeah, but they're not happy with me there, but that's okay. But it's not, it's the same thing. You get what you put out of You do. And to our credit, I mean, you're looking at us and yes, we have volunteered on the highest level we can. ⁓ But when you join it, like, you don't need to go that. I people don't have that much time sometimes.

find that little microvolunteerism that you can do. It's going and just putting out name tags or helping them put out linens that day. Any little thing that gets you more connected with the group is what you need. And that's how you grow both your leadership skills, your professional skills, as well as that ROI that you're looking for. Yeah, I agree.

So something else I think we should leave people with when it comes to the associations is you don't go to one meeting and get business. Oh, God, no. No. Again, it's relationships. It is. It takes time. I'm a big believer. I have a theory. I think there's unless I always say, unless you own a business that is like there was someone that did pet sitting. So that's a very unique business. You're going to get four events. people can bring their dogs and usually just dogs. But you're going to go.

But in other words, a gentleman in my area that had like a VW bus that he turned into a photo booth. Love those. Okay, very unique, very different. You're gonna get business pretty quick. Right. Right. If you're a photographer, a planner, a caterer, you name the discipline, it's gonna take time. It's gonna take time. Because there's more. relationship building. And that's what it is. It's come down to that. In my past life, when I was a wedding planner, I was very, very, very loyal, a loyal Nace supporter. I still am, but not...

quite as much as would hope so as the president of the am, but I'm not quite as much as I was, and you'll understand why I say this, is I would go to Nace Vendors first. And right now, the chapter I'm in does not have a whole lot of the corporate side of it, so that's why I can't always go Nace first. But I always went Nace first. And I also would have those new vendors in town that would call and say, hey, can you meet for lunch? And I'm like,

No, but you can meet me at the NACE meeting on Wednesday night at 530. I'm happy to meet you there. Talk to you then. Learn about your business. But one, it frees up my time because when you're a planner or even when you're in a hotel, you have so many vendors coming to you. And you're like, if I did that, I would one, weigh 400 pounds and two, I would never get anything done. But this also gives

that person the opportunity to network with so many more people. So it's that connector piece that they don't quite realize that you Yeah, they don't realize that part. The other thing that's amazing too is you made me think of something when you said that as a hotel or a planner, you get asked probably right away, I want to be on your preferred vendor list. So when I would go to the city with, we have a group of like venues in my area and a couple others, we would all kind of carpool out and go to the event together.

and we were talking about Wintay Vineyards earlier, the Wintay girls would get it, because they're kind the most famous property in our market. They're like, ⁓ here's my card, can you put me on your preferred vendor list? It's like, no. They know nothing about you, why are they going to refer you? Right, that's exactly right. goes back to, I have a theory, two to three years. It's a two to three year about building the relationships, taking the time, so really when you join an association, it's about the investment.

It is about the investment and you have to be willing to invest and anyone that's in business for themselves know that you have to spend money to make money. Yeah and it's time. It is. You got to let it marinate. And sometimes it might be quicker. The more you... there is a florist and a planner from Palm Springs that I love the florist. I've been using the florist for years. I still actually use it when it's corporate. But I remember talking to one of the other planners and I had talked about

Ron and she's like, you know, I haven't really had a good experience. like, how can you not? Like, he's amazing. She ended up calling him like, I think two or three weeks later with a proposal request and she's not stopped since. And that was at a NACE meeting talking about it and he was also a NACE member at the time. it's that right there. It's also the connection you make between your fellow members.

that this person can come in, you don't know him, but you've worked with him, and go, yeah, he's really good. So you could have a quicker connection, but that two to three years is definitely. Yeah, I really feel like it's always been that way. Yeah, it's long. But it's the other thing is come to these meetings prepared, ready to go. I'm old school. I have business cards. Business cards. I do, they're in my bag. Well, no, it makes me, because people go, tap my phone. I'm going to forget about you if you go in the.

that might hang in my phone. I don't know how to tap the phone. The tap phone doesn't work for It works. Do you remember the old days of bump? Yes. I liked bump. Yeah. But still, it would go in your phone, you forget that person's even in your phone. You know? Correct. I remember going to a networking. It might have been at NACE, actually. Somebody said the way you remember it is you take a picture of the card. You take a picture of the person. You send both of them to your text them to yourself.

to: 2010

ake it to Baltimore. That was: 2013

I didn't make it that one. That was one of my gaps. Yeah, so it was like three years after I joined. So yeah, there was a New Orleans in there somewhere. New Orleans was 12. Yeah, Austin was 11. And Reno was. Reno was 11. Because Reno's where I took my CPC and then I walked on stage in NOAA. there you go. That's exciting. See, that's how I remember those. And then Austin, I have another one that we won't talk about how I remember that one.

Well, that's how my Baltimore one. Yeah, we ended up at a bar called the horse you rode in on. I'm just say I'll just say I'm happy that we do not have a closing speaker on Wednesday mornings anymore. Yeah, I agree. It's never a good sign. No, it's because we let it loose. I mean, I feel like come Tuesday night, we're at the gala and I get off that stage. Yeah, it's like, let's go and have fun. don't do those at night. I will tomorrow night.

All right, all right, so we're gonna wrap this up. Okay. What do you got? little words of wisdom, Madam President? gosh, I think my words of wisdom are gone. No. You know, somebody said to me, because I've been a ball of stress, someone looked at me and they go, relax, am I supposed to keep calm and carry on? And they just started laughing. like, I've never used that phrase, but that's kind of my phrase right now this Yeah, my only word of wisdom for you is gonna be always bet on black.

So that's what I'm gonna know. Always bet on red. Go chiefs. Go Raiders. All right, folks, we're going to wrap it up live from Milwaukee. Live from Milwaukee. No, no, no, no, no. Live from MK. Thank you, David Caruso. Yes, thank you. All right. Thanks, Kevin. Thanks for making my first podcast. Enjoyable. was fun. Yeah, we had a good time. Good guess. We did. We had grumpy guests. We had good guests.

I you were grumpy. I actually am going to say one thing. When Kevin asked me to do this, I said, sure, it is in my calendar for a 10-minute slot. I kept you the whole time. I captured you. You did not tell me I was going to sit here for two hours. I had fun. I had a blast. It did not feel like two hours. We've here two No, it's hour and a half. Hour and a half, yes. Have we been going for an hour a Yes, we have. Oh my gosh. Yeah. That is absolutely amazing. Yeah.

Well, this is the longest podcast we've ever done. I give a shout out? Cause I think somebody's watching right now. I think our friend's watching. Who? Wendy. Wendy. Wendy, if you're watching. Hi. Are you really watching us? She is. That's amazing. So Wendy, we're weird and you know it. Love you. All right. Well, we're signing off. Remind your wedding business. We really appreciate everyone. know, fine. MKE out. MKE out. All right. Bye everyone.