Phoenix NACE

Phoenix NACE The National Association for Catering & Events www.phoenixnace.com

The National Association for Catering & Events offers members, partners, and the public a variety of rich resources that support, promote and enhance the catering and special events industries. From practical tips that you can use to provide better service to your clients, to recognition and marketing programs that enhance the credibility and professionalism of the field, NACE is on the cutting edge.

08/06/2026

✨🌌 More time to shine! 🌌✨

We heard you… so we’re extending the submission deadline for the 4th Annual NACEy Awards!

If you’ve been putting the finishing touches on your entry (or needed a little extra time to hit “submit”), this is your chance to showcase the creativity, innovation, and unforgettable experiences you’ve brought to our industry over the past year.

Don’t let your stellar work go unrecognized—we can’t wait to celebrate the incredible talent across the Phoenix events community.

⭐ New Submission Deadline: Wednesday, August 12th

🔗 Submit your entry at PhoenixNACE.com

Who’s in your network? 🤝At NACE Phoenix we help you connect with professionals who can support your career and open door...
08/04/2026

Who’s in your network? 🤝

At NACE Phoenix we help you connect with professionals who can support your career and open doors to new opportunities. Join our community and build lasting
relationships that will help you thrive!

Join by August 31 with code PHX2026 and we’ll waive the
application fee for your NACE membership.

We believe the best connections start with great conversation and even better food. 🌮✨Here’s a sneak peek at what’s fuel...
07/31/2026

We believe the best connections start with great conversation and even better food. 🌮✨

Here’s a sneak peek at what’s fueling our Beyond Impressive event:
🔥 Santa Fe Egg Rolls
🥟 Beef Empanadas
🥗 Southwest Tortilla Salad
🌮 Pulled Pork & Chicken Tinga Tacos

Now all that’s missing is YOU.

Who’s ready to network over tacos? 👋🏽

📍 | Hilton Garden Inn Tempe Research
📆 | Tuesday, August 18th, 2026
⏰ | 6PM – 9PM
🎟️ | Registration Link in Bio

🎭 The spotlight is calling… will you answer?Join NACE Phoenix and HSMAI Arizona for an unforgettable afternoon with awar...
07/30/2026

🎭 The spotlight is calling… will you answer?

Join NACE Phoenix and HSMAI Arizona for an unforgettable afternoon with award-winning speaker Rita Goodroe as she shares how to go Beyond Impressive—learning how to show up with confidence, stand out from the competition, and book more business.

✨ Early Bird Pricing ends Thursday, August 7!

🎟️ Pricing:
💙 $55 – NACE & HSMAI Members
👥 $65 – Guest of a Member
⭐ $80 – Future Members

Whether you’re in catering, events, hospitality, sales, marketing, or simply looking to elevate your personal brand, this is a session you won’t want to miss.

Secure your seat before Early Bird pricing disappears! We can’t wait to see you there.

✨ Mark your calendars, Phoenix! ✨We’ve got an exciting lineup of programs and events coming your way, and you won’t want...
07/30/2026

✨ Mark your calendars, Phoenix! ✨

We’ve got an exciting lineup of programs and events coming your way, and you won’t want to miss what’s ahead. From educational sessions with industry leaders to networking opportunities, our Annual Gala, and our signature F&B Pairing event, there’s something for every event professional this season.

📅 Save the dates:

💡 August 18 – Beyond Impressive with Rita Goodroe

🏆 September 20 – Annual Fundraising Gala + NACEy Awards

🎉 October 20 – Educational Program at ASU Kerr Cultural Center

🍷 November 23 – Annual F&B Pairing

More details and registration information will be announced soon, so stay tuned!

Visit PhoenixNACE.com for updates, and start filling those calendars! We can’t wait to see you at our upcoming events. 💙

✨ Meet The Speaker! ✨Join NACE Phoenix & HSMAI Arizona as we welcome award-winning sales and marketing strategist Rita G...
07/24/2026

✨ Meet The Speaker! ✨

Join NACE Phoenix & HSMAI Arizona as we welcome award-winning sales and marketing strategist Rita Goodroe for an engaging session on creating meaningful connections, standing out in a crowded marketplace, and turning relationships into real business results. Get ready to laugh, learn, and leave with actionable strategies you can put to work immediately!

Rita Goodroe is an award-winning sales & marketing strategist, keynote speaker, and emcee who helps organizations and professionals move Beyond Impressive™ to influential by focusing on the human side of how people communicate, connect, and act.

Known for her energetic storytelling, humor, and highly interactive sessions, including the viral “35 Dates in 35 Days” experience, Rita gives audiences strategies they can put to use right away to build trust, communicate more clearly, and strengthen the relationships that matter most.

She has worked with Fortune 500 companies like Kellogg’s and Volvo Group, as well as global organizations including MPI, NACE, and CMAA, and is recognized in the hospitality, events, and experience-driven industries.

As the founder of two award-winning communities, Rita has worked with thousands of professionals to increase influence, build stronger networks, and turn connection into measurable outcomes. Her work has been featured in The Washington Post, on NBC, CBS, and Great Day Washington, and she received the Change-Maker Award at the United State of Women Summit during President Obama’s administration.

Rita serves as the Director of Community Relations for the National Speakers Association Georgia Chapter. She lives in Savannah and can often be out on the water with her husband.

✨ We can’t wait for you to experience Rita’s energy, insights, and practical takeaways at our partnered August meeting. Trust us—you’ll walk away with fresh ideas, new connections, and the tools to show up, stand out, and book more business. We’ll see you there!

📍 | Hilton Garden Inn Tempe Research
📆 | Tuesday, August 18th, 2026
⏰ | 6PM – 9PM
🎟️ | Registration Link in Bio

✨ This August, Phoenix NACE is teaming up with HSMAI Arizona for a special collaborative event you won’t want to miss!In...
07/21/2026

✨ This August, Phoenix NACE is teaming up with HSMAI Arizona for a special collaborative event you won’t want to miss!

In hospitality and events, your service isn’t the differentiator—the experience you create is. And that experience starts long before the contract is signed.

Join award-winning speaker and communication expert, Rita Goodroe for an energizing, interactive session as she flips the script on traditional sales. Through her REAL Framework (and the lessons from her unforgettable “35 Dates in 35 Days” experience), you’ll discover how to attract high-value clients, create lasting connections, and become the brand people can’t stop recommending.

You’ll walk away with:
✨ A fresh mindset for selling through experience, not just services
⭐ Tangible ways to stand out by leading with presence, trust, and humanity
📈 Strategies to attract, convert, and retain clients in ways that feel good
💬 Storytelling techniques that build emotional connections and influence
🤝 Confidence to turn every interaction into booked business—or your next referral.

Who’s ready to be Beyond Impressive? 🎤

📍 | Hilton Garden Inn Tempe Research
7290 S Price Road, Tempe AZ
📆 | Tuesday, August 18th, 2026
⏰ | 6PM – 9PM
🎟️ | Registration Link in Bio

💎 Spirit of NACE 💎This month, we’re thrilled to recognize Mary Hotaling as our July Spirit of NACE Award recipient!With ...
07/17/2026

💎 Spirit of NACE 💎

This month, we’re thrilled to recognize Mary Hotaling as our July Spirit of NACE Award recipient!

With more than 20 years in the events and hospitality industry, Mary Hotaling brings creativity, expertise, and a passion for design to her role as Special Events Account Executive at AFR Furniture Rental.

Originally from Northern California, Mary began her career producing large-scale corporate events before transitioning into the luxury wine industry, where she created unforgettable experiences throughout Sonoma and Napa. After relocating to Arizona in 2021, she launched a new events department for Arcis Golf, leading weddings, fundraisers, tournaments, and marketing events while building strong relationships within the local hospitality community.

Mary studied Business and Interior Design and has been an active member of ILEA, WIPA, and NACE. She loves collaborating with clients, bringing creative visions to life, and creating memorable experiences through thoughtful event design.

When she’s not working, you’ll find Mary entertaining friends and family, exploring Arizona’s culinary scene with her husband, or spending time with their two dachshunds, Charlie and Scout. A fun fact? She was part of the design team for Extreme Home Makeover during the show’s 2024 Arizona build, helping style the home before its big reveal.

Thank you, Mary, for your dedicate to our industry, your creative spirit, and the passion you bring to the Phoenix NACE community. We are grateful to have you as a part of our community!

✨ Member Spotlight ✨This week, we’re excited to introduce another incredible member of our Phoenix NACE community! 💙Know...
07/15/2026

✨ Member Spotlight ✨

This week, we’re excited to introduce another incredible member of our Phoenix NACE community! 💙

Known for her calm demeanor, thoughtful communication, and passion for creating seamless event experiences, Cailey brings dedication and heart to every celebration she touches. Join us in getting to know Cailey Cilwa!

Cailey Cilwa is a Wedding and Event Manager at The Driver Provider. She combines more than five years of experience in event planning and sales with a genuine passion for creating a smooth, stress-free experience for every client. From assisting couples navigating the scary world of wedding planning for the first time to experienced corporate planners, Cailey is dedicated to the details.

Originally from Virginia and now proud to call Arizona home, Cailey is known for her thoughtful communication, organization, and ability to stay composed when plans evolve. She enjoys partnering with clients, venues, and planners to solve challenges before they become problems, allowing hosts and guests to focus on enjoying the occasion.

As an active member of NACE, Cailey values the relationships and collaboration that make the events industry so rewarding. When she’s away from work, she loves getting lost in a good book, attending live concerts, and spending time with her cat, Ollie.

We’re so grateful to have you as part of the Phoenix NACE family, Cailey! 🤍 Be sure to say hello and show her some love in the comments!


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