Dear Silicon Valley Chapter Members,

I got the opportunity to attend the Cater Source/Event Solutions Conference in Las Vegas this month, and I hope all of you can get the chance to attend next year's CATERSOURCE in Las Vegas. 

All I can say is WOW! The conference was AMAZING!  Here is a recap of what the industry professionals think will be the Top 10 Event Trends in 2010.

~The Overall Atmosphere - A more architectural, modern and environmental look will be prevalent, versus a frilly and fussy atmos-phere!

~Alternative Spaces - People will continue to love the com-forts of being able to produce their event or wedding in a hotel, but will want to use alternative spaces in the hotel for their function(s).

~The Lounge Look - Furniture of all shapes and sizes will take center stage! Groupings much like you would see in a hotel lobby will be wildly popular!

~Table Design - Long share tables remain popular and on trend! Additionally square and rectangular shapes will be requested even more in 2010. People want texture; they want delights both to the touch and eye!

~Lighting - Whether it is gobos, dimming, gelling the existing lights in the ballroom or contracting with a lighting designer and company to wash the ballroom in color, lighting will be at it most popular height ever!

~Floral - More organic arrangements that are loose and lush, using the natural shape of a vine or branch to guide the arrangement. More fruit will be used in the floral arrange-ments...the look of a still life painting!

~Going even more Green! - Organic flowers, recycled paper for invitations, biodegradable plates and uten-sils, reusing materials, and scrapping unnecessary and waste-ful flourishes will become standard.

Photography/Videography - There is a trend toward more high-concept, fashion editorial-style pho-tos with an edge that are shot very much in a photo journal-istic manner.

Entertainment - Jazz, photo booths, Wii games, dance lessons on vinyl covered dance floors, DJs and mixing various forms of entertainment (jazz with dinner, band for dancing and a DJ for an after-party) will be all the rage in 2010!

More predictions about Food and Beverage:

~ His and Her Stations (each having their respective favorite foods!)

~ Sample Stations - for example, pairing wine and cheese. Not only fun, but educational!

~ Small Plates - I love the pairing of comfort foods along with something a bit more on trend and decadent!

~ Familiar/Identifiable Foods - jazzing them up a bit. For example, Abigail Kirsch in NY does Portobello sirloin burgers with truffle potato chips instead of basic sliders.

~ Ethnic Food Stations - for example, stations based on the Pacific Rim. Caterers are also telling me they predict that Greek, Middle Eastern, North African and Lebanese cuisines will grow in popularity.

~ Seeing fabulous family-style platters and the trend of using fabulous and unique serving pieces for a combi-nation of beef, fish and all types of sides.

~ Late Night Snack - becoming even more popular, whether it's a traditional egg offering, or pizza and slid-ers. I have seen gourmet popcorn stations served in little brown cups.

~ Seeing lots of tray passed sweets, lollipop-style and mini ice cream sandwiches are very popular

~ A special treat while guests are waiting in their cars, such as warm chocolate chip cookies, mini milk shots or root beer floats.

~  Wine - becoming more popular served in fabulous decanters and paired with food.

~ Also seeing dark drinks come back; whiskey and scotch are becoming increasingly popular! Seeing lots of scotch bars.

~ Specialty Drink Bars - once I saw a six flavor Bellini bar that was amazing. Fun champagne bars with mix-ers (Chambord, Midori, cranberry or pineapple juice).

~ Seeing lots of stylish items to dress up your drinks such as lavender or rose petals.

Please welcome our newest members:

Susan Kelly
Three Sisters Flowers & Events

415-722-3756
Susan@ThreeSistersFlowers.com

Robert Kusters
Silicon DJ

408-306-3719
robert@silicondj.com

Membership is 54 and growing! 

Interested to join us?  First click here to contact David Ethridge, our membership chairperson, and then click here for the NACE National Online Membership Form!

Welcome to Last Month's Guests
   Please join us again soon.

Elizabeth McGuire, of Picture 2000
Robert Kusters, of Silicon Valley ADJA
Christine Le, of Pink Lincoln Design
Molly Kilby, of Molly's Desserts
Jennifer Jaciw, of Lone Star Limousine
Alex Jaciw, of Lone Star Limousine
Lindsey Barrow, of BridalShowNOW.com
Leslie Butlar, of Double Delight Events
Debra Chin, of Champagne Lillies Wedding Planning
Cindy Chin, of Champagne Lillies Wedding Planning
Yvonne Chan, of Champagne Lillies Wedding Planning
Bob Farnsworth, of Video Madness
Karen Gitter, of Blue Water Party Rentals
Toni Hill, of Blue Water Party Rentals
Jennifer Khan, of Blue Water Party Rentals
May Bojorquez, of May Inspired Designs
Lisa Meneses, of May Inspired Designs
Kimi Potwin, of San Jose Chocolate Fountains
Jason Spencer, of Spencer Weddings and Entertainment
Dawn Turner, of Cort Event Furnishing
Monina Wright, of Monina Wright Skincare & Beauty
Leonard Ybarra, of Music Plus Events
Marivic Cagatao, of Marizette Paperie
Zuesette Zamora, of Marizette Paperie
Megan Zhuo, of Megan's Flowers
Danielle Stolman, of Not So Still Life Photography
Craig Dolin, of Catered Too
Erica Storch, of Williams Party Rentals
Turner Hayes, of Elite Entertainment
Jonathan Moore, of North American Theatre Technology Inc
Nicole Snethen, of Events of Excellence Catering & Events

What a night at the Ste Claire Hotel!  Nicole Lisanne, of Nicole Lisanne’s Weddings and Events by Design, wowed everyone with her old Hollywood inspired design. She captured the essence of the St. Claire by remaining classic in design, but allowing colors like pops of red and fuschia to come through almost like the "lipstick" of a very black and white table top. Stars like Audrey Hepburn were also an inspiration for the design. Tables were named after old glamorous movies that stars like Audrey had been a part of.  A special thank you to Christine Le, of Pink Lincoln Designs, May Bojorquez and Lisa Meneses, of May Inspired Designs, for the elegant menu cards and table cards, BBJ Linens, and Natti Pierce-Thomson, of North American Theatre Technology, for bringing Nicole’s vision to life.  A highlight of the evening was Andy Ebon’s presentation, “Electrifying your Marketing Edge”.  He inspired us all with tips and tricks for marketing to today’s bride.  Special thank you to Dina Ardizzone, of the Ste Claire Hotel, for hosting such an incredible evening!  Photos will be posted soon.

We support a different community non-profit at each meeting. 
Upcoming Donations:

April: The Princess Silicon Valley Project  

Please bring your new or gently worn evening wear & gowns, to benefit the Princess Project Silicon Valley, which has been dressing and accessorizing financially challenged girls, for their high school proms, since 2006.

May: Humane Society of Santa Clara

Pet food donations

June: Career Closet

Please bring new or gently worn suits or business clothing, to support Career Closet, a non-profit organization in northern California. They provide a wonderful service to economically disadvantaged women who are trying to get back into the workforce.

July: None

August:  Hugs Across America 

Hugs Across America Inc., has provided over 410,000 teddy bears to victims in traumatic situations, through first response agencies that help children in crisis circumstances, including:

• • house fires
  • police emergencies
  • medical emergencies
  • parental deployment to war zones
  • domestic violence
  • natural disasters
  • terrorism

September: None

October: 2nd Harvest Food Bank

November: Toys for Tots

(We'll invite a Marine and host his meal at the gala, and then he'll take the toys afterward.)

Classified Ads

Nothing this month

Job Bank

Nothing this month.