Denver NACE Podcast

In this episode, we interviewed Jared Judge, Music Director of Extreme Strings Electric Violins. Let's hear from him:
"Ever reminisce about a major life change that felt like jumping off a cliff? That's how my move from Milwaukee to Denver felt - leaving everything familiar behind for an unknown city. But it turned out to be a life-changing decision, thanks to the warm welcome I received from the Denver chapter of the National Association for Catering and Events (NACE). As the tables turn, I find myself on the other side of the interview table with Bryan Rossmanith from Ignite Experiences, sharing my journey in the events industry, from my humble beginnings in Milwaukee to my current work here in Denver.
Electric violin, once a novelty, has now become a mainstream sensation, bringing an electrifying twist to the event scene. But like any other discipline, it's not enough to just be good at it - marketing and strategy are key in establishing yourself in the field. By driving traffic to a well-crafted marketing funnel and measuring your return on investment, you can take your skills to a broader audience. As part of NACE, I've found that digital marketing not only increases my visibility but also helps attract new members - a strategy that I'm currently implementing for the NACE Denver chapter.
Working in the events industry, I've realized that no one succeeds alone. Building a stronger industry means creating opportunities for everyone involved, and increasing our membership is one way to lift us all up. By working together, Denver can become an appealing destination for events, propelling us onto the international stage. But it's not just about business growth, personal development plays a pivotal role too - learning to solve problems, adapting to change, and embracing new challenges is all part of the journey. So, get ready for an enlightening discussion, packed with insights from my personal experiences, the importance of mentoring, and the power of a unified event industry."

Embark on a flavorful expedition with Sarah Chianese, the gastronomic virtuoso behind Mangia and Enjoy, as we traverse her journey from the vibrant streets of New York to the scenic charm of Colorado Springs. Sarah's devotion to creating dishes that are more than just sustenance but rather, embodiments of affection, takes center stage in our latest podcast episode. With a focus on sustainability, her team's zeal for locally-produced and organic ingredients shines through every artfully crafted plate. Whether it's an intimate wedding or a grandiose event, Sarah's narrative is peppered with insights on the importance of a Farm to Table philosophy and the joys of uniting people through the universal language of food.
As we wander through the memories of Brooklyn's diverse neighborhoods, the place where my culinary flames were first fanned, we unlock the secrets of honing one's craft through the senses—even without a taste. I share tales of formative experiences, from cooking in Woodstock to a flourishing production career and back to my catering roots, emphasizing the gritty perseverance that fuels passion. Our conversation also spotlights the dynamic events industry and the significance of mentorship within it, weaving in our shared commitment to the National Association for Catering and Events (NACE). We wrap up with an open-hearted invitation to join the Denver NACE community, a beacon for anyone eager to blend, share, and expand their expertise in the eventful catering world.
Find Sarah at https://mangiaandenjoy.com/

In this episode of The Denver NACE Podcast, Jared Judge interviews Desiree Kelly, the owner of the Makery Cake Company and the president of Denver's only nut-free bakery. They discuss the National Association for Catering and Events (NACE) and its benefits for event professionals in Denver and Colorado as a whole. They also touch on the importance of personal development and finding a support system within the industry. Desiree talks about her experience running a business and how she prioritizes her marketing efforts to target a higher-priced market. Overall, the episode provides insight into the events industry in Denver and the importance of building relationships and supporting one another.

Unlock the mysteries of turning potential clients into actual sales with Alan Berg’s masterclass in event sales strategy. As an industry virtuoso, Alan joins us to lay bare the transformative power of understanding your brand's core. We'll navigate through the nuances of selling the dream, not just the service, and furnish you with the tools to ensure your creative talents are not just seen but handsomely rewarded.
My personal pilgrimage through the labyrinth of lifelong learning underscores the episode's ethos—growth is non-negotiable. I wax lyrical about the artistry of adaptability and regale you with tales of jazz-like improvisation in professional life. Get ready to absorb the essence of friction analysis and its profound effects on customer experience, and how even the tiniest of hurdles can derail your sales journey.
Rounding out our foray into sales and service, we scrutinize the subtleties of perception in photography and customer connections. We examine the impact of a photographer's rapport on client outcomes and discuss the broader implications for any brand. With a dash of storytelling, I share how service responsiveness influenced my HVAC choice, illuminating the critical nature of authentic brand communication. Finally, let's demystify the top-down approach to sales, where it's the result—not the price point—that reigns supreme. Join us, and you just might revolutionize your sales tactics.

Imagine stepping behind the scenes of Denver's most electrifying events with Kyrstin Schomberg, the producer of the Denver Nays podcast and a maestro of memorable experiences. She joins us to unpack the tapestry of her career, from the hospitality classrooms to the vibrant corridors of the Rally Hotel. Kyrstin, with a knack for conjuring up unforgettable events, offers a treasure trove of career insights and stories. She delves into the evolution of her role within the industry and the essential entrepreneurial verve that propels her success. It's a candid look at the gears that drive event planning, from meticulous budget management to ensuring every celebration leaves a lasting impression on both hosts and guests.

As the catering and sales manager at Denver's newest gem, the Rally Hotel, Kyrstin crafts events that are the talk of the town. She recounts moments when personal and corporate worlds collide in a symphony of planning and execution, like weaving a customized spectacle for Google. Her anecdotes span the spectrum of emotions tied to life's milestones—be it tying the knot or marking another trip around the sun. But it's not just about the glittering façade; Kyrstin also touches upon her inaugural year with NACE, the networking hub that's become her compass in the events universe. Tune in to share in the experiences that make Kyrstin Schomberg a beacon for budding and seasoned event professionals alike.