DFW NACE February Meeting Recap: Celebrating Lunar New Year and Longevity in the Events Industry
Written by LeeAnne Rogers, DFW NACE Communications Committee
DFW NACE members and guests gathered at The Carlisle Room to welcome the Year of the Dragon in style! February’s meeting celebrated the Lunar New Year with vibrant energy, meaningful education, and a family-style feast that brought everyone together in community and conversation.
Networking, Lunar New Year Style
The brunch began as guests were greeted with poise by Platinum Parking, as they generously provided valet parking. Once inside, guests joined a fabulous networking cocktail hour in the venue's ceremony space. Guests were treated to Lunar New Year drinks and appetizers, and the opportunity to connect and make new personal and professional connections. Beyond the Box Catering provided Wagyu Potstickers, Ahi Tuna Bites, and Interactive Caviar Pancakes. The bartenders created drinks with flair, featuring Lunar New Year ice cubes, wine, mocktails, and aromatic garnishes that set the tone for the day. KMGCreative Photography thoughtfully captured candid portraits of guests and the decor throughout the day as well.
Celebrating Achievements, Welcoming New Members, and Ways to Give Back
Once guests moved upstairs into the stunning main event space, guests were greeted with dramatic draping, beautifully styled tables, and entertainment and AV from Alliance Entertainment Group. The beautiful centerpieces were provided by Lavish Event & Floral Design, complete with tables and all tableware from Quest Events. The gorgeous menus were designed and printed by JPC Invites.
During the soup course, the Board shared updates on exciting upcoming initiatives, including:
- Local Award Submissions now open
- Vote for Chapter Member and Business Partner Awards
- Details for our March Gala
- The launch of new membership tiers designed to offer more value and flexibility
- National Conference in New Orleans this August 2-4 and NACE One Awards deadlines
- A sneak peek at our September Fundraiser, NACE Fair of Texas, benefiting Mercy Chefs
Members were also invited to sign up for February’s community service opportunity, underscoring NACE DFW’s commitment to both professional excellence and local impact.
Savoring the Experience: Food, Flavor, and Festivity
The Lunar New Year theme carried through to the culinary experience from Beyond the Box. Guests enjoyed a family-style Asian-inspired dinner, encouraging connection and conversation around each table. The combination of flavor, ambiance, and celebration created an atmosphere that truly captured the spirit of the New Year—renewal, prosperity, and togetherness. The meal was capped off with a delicious interactive dessert station as guests departed.
Education Spotlight: Built to Last with Jen Trotter
Our featured speaker, Jen Trotter, shared an inspiring presentation titled “Built to Last: Relevance, Resilience, and Real Success without Burnout.” Drawing on her 30 years in the events industry as a makeup artist and speaker, Jen offered powerful insights on sustaining career momentum without sacrificing well-being.
Her message was both practical and deeply personal—reminding us that long-term success depends on adaptability, self-awareness, relationships, and a clear sense of purpose. Attendees walked away feeling empowered to approach their careers with fresh energy and perspective, equipped with strategies to thrive in a fast-changing industry, especially when we lean on each other.
Connection & Community in Motion
As brunch concluded, the energy in The Carlisle Room reflected the vibrancy of the DFW events community. Conversations flowed easily during networking, with members and guests exchanging ideas, referrals, and connections. Whether reconnecting with familiar faces or meeting new collaborators, the evening embodied what NACE does best: cultivating meaningful professional relationships in a welcoming environment.
Thankful for our Vendor Partners
DFW NACE Events are only possible through the generosity, creativity, and support of industry partners who believe in community over competition. Our chapter extends heartfelt thanks to the vendors who donated their time and talent to bring this evening to life:
Event Partners & Contributors:
The Carlisle Room – Venue Host
Beyond the Box Catering - Bartending and Caterer
Alliance Entertainment Group – Entertainment
KMG Creative Photography – Photography
Quest Events – Event Rentals
JPC Invites - Menus
Lavish Event & Floral Design - Centerpieces
Platinum Parking - Valet Parking
Jen Trotter - Educational Speaker, Lip Service Makeup
Your collaboration and support continue to strengthen the DFW event professional community, and we are grateful for your partnership.
Join Us at the Gala Event in March
Our chapter is successful because of the accomplishments of our members and future members! Join us on Sunday, March 8th, as we gather at The Joule for our Annual Gala! This year’s theme is White Lotus and will be an unforgettable evening where we champion the accomplishments of the thriving events industry in Dallas/Fort Worth. Get your tickets today!
We can’t wait to see you at The Joule!