EXPERIENCE 2008!

Photograph by Kiyomi

EcoChic is the green-envy catch phrase of the year. It incorporates the hottest trend in catering and event planning. For instance, wedding planners are now learning how to throw green weddings. This entails buying local and organic flowers and produce, hosting smaller guest parties, using recyclable invitations and favors, hiring drivers with hybrid limos and keeping the bridal ceremony close to home.


Photograph by Jon Adams
Professionals in this field recognize how vital it is to pay attention to the current consumer demand. The National Association of Catering Executives designed their conference EXPERIENCE 2008! - The Future of Catering and Event Design, to reflect current trends in the industry. The conference was held at the Loew's Hotel Philadelphia. EXPERIENCE 2008! showed NACE members how to equip themselves with the kind of cutting edge that will leave their clients with a positive impression of their event. It was exciting to be the opening keynote speaker at EXPERIENCE 2008.

Wrapped around the NACE event were a few media moments: two television spots (Fox and NBC) and one radio show. As busy as this trip was, I set aside time to find a great place to eat and relax. I discovered a wonderful restaurant that made me feel like I was hitting the the 1959 Havana Surf with all its glamour, music, great food, and exotic drinks. Take a look at Alma De Cuba's menu; a small sampling will show you 5 different kinds of ceviche, rum cured smoked marlin, Peruvian seafood chowder and black truffle and malanga gnocchi. Restaurateur Stephen Starr and Chef Douglas Rodriguez have crafted a remarkably bold Cuban adventure. If you find yourself in Philly, make sure you get yourself a table at Alma De Cuba.

Photograph by Adam Comerford (comerford.cc)