frankly speaking

While speaking to a Chicago Venue, I mentioned that I was excited to be speaking at the monthly ABC Meeting coming at their property.  When the Catering Manager said “what meeting?” and it was only 2 weeks away, I called our State Coordinator Judy Alden with a “Houston, we have a problem” message.  Judy called and her it was a bunch of excuses with pretty much the result being they decided they didn’t want to host us, after telling Judy that “they would take care of everything”, linen, flowers, AV for my presentation, etc. 

So, Judy calls me in a panic. She was leaving for vacation on Saturday.  We made a call to the Hotel Intercontinental who had offered to host a meeting and welcomed us with open arms.  With this I told Judy, to just send the evite, and email blast announcing the change, and I would step in and take care of planning. 

Guests were welcomed with awesome an awesome string quartet, full bar and incredible passed HD’s. The pear and goat cheese pizza— I could have had as my dinner entree  Guests then entered the ballroom.  Floor length ivory damask linens, and chameleon chairs with several different types of “softwear” as we call it (Different fabric cushions and backs) were the base of the tablescape.  Gold beaded chargers and elegant centerpieces of hydrangea, and roses in summer colors of green, orange and and yellow graced each table. The containers for the flowers were wrapped in silk, and secured with a vintage broche.  The strings relocated and played all non classical music for dinner.  (Showtunes galore, as well as Cole Porter, George Gershwin, The Beatles). 

Dinner was incredible.  Menu was:

A duet of

Truffle Flan, Morel Consumme and Micro Arugula, with fennel and Kumquats, with Spicy Lemon Caper Drizzle.

Pistachio Crusted Filet Mignon, with Artichoke, Leek and Cherry tomato “Salad, and Potato Tart

Dessert was a Strawberry Rhubarb tart with Fresh Basil (the basil was a great accent of flavor).

We enjoyed wines by Simi.  I LOVED the Cab, and I am usually not a Cab fan.

 

I then gave the keynote speech that I did at the 2009 ABC Conference in Indianapolis.  It was very well received.  I think I can now do this in my sleep. 

 

I was thrilled to step in and save the day for ABC.  I am so grateful to the vendors who partnered with me that evening, and and such short notice.  It just shows me what wonderful relationships I have with my vendors, and know I can always count on them.

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