Formerly the Minneapolis–St. Paul Chapter
The Spark That Started It All
In 1988, long before hospitality degrees were common, the catering and events industry in Minnesota was built by passionate, self-taught professionals. At that time, there were few structured educational resources for front-of-house event professionals—chefs had culinary schools, but planners, caterers, florists, entertainers, and venue managers lacked a dedicated community for learning and connection.
That changed when four visionary leaders in the Minneapolis–St. Paul hospitality scene came together to form something groundbreaking: a chapter of the National Association for Catering and Events (NACE). Their goal? To elevate local professionals through education, networking, and community.
Creating a Community
From day one, this wasn’t just a chapter—it was a movement. Founding members were committed to building a vibrant, inclusive space where industry peers could support each other, celebrate creativity, and grow their careers.
Monthly meetings quickly became hubs for innovation. We spotlighted emerging trends, hosted educational seminars, and brought professionals together over great food and conversation. The energy was contagious, and the momentum undeniable.
Why It Mattered
At the time, hospitality professionals in Minnesota often felt isolated from national conversations in catering and events. This chapter bridged that gap. It gave local talent access to national expertise, certification programs, and professional development. It fostered collaboration over competition and gave Minnesota’s hospitality industry the platform it deserved.
Founding Milestones
The formal launch of the chapter happened the old-fashioned way—through coffee meetings, phone calls, and handwritten forms. We:
Elected our first board of directors
Adapted national bylaws to fit our local vision
Crafted a mission rooted in education, connection, and community impact
Secured sponsorships from local venues to support our earliest events
Our first official gathering? A networking mixer at a downtown St. Paul hotel—an evening full of optimism, connection, and promise.
Signature Events and Impact
As the chapter matured, so did our programming. We hosted:
Monthly meetings featuring local experts
Industry seminars and a local trade show in Bloomington
Curated food and beverage experiences showcasing local trends
One of our most impactful initiatives was our partnership with Open Arms of Minneapolis, raising funds for both charity and member scholarships to the NACE National EDU Conference. That experience inspired the creation of our own local EDU Conference—an event so successful it became a signature offering and even earned us the national award for “Best Chapter Event for Members Under 100.”
We’ve been honored to welcome high-profile speakers, national board members, and to be recognized on the national stage for our innovative programming.
Growth and Evolution
Roughly a decade ago, the chapter officially changed its name from the Minneapolis–St. Paul Chapter to the Twin Cities Chapter of NACE—a shift toward greater inclusivity and recognition of our broader regional reach. That identity continues to serve us today.
Today & Beyond
Now celebrating 37 years, the Twin Cities Chapter of NACE continues to thrive thanks to the passion, time, and talent of its members and leaders. We remain committed to advancing the industry locally and nationally—through education, innovation, and a deep-rooted sense of community.
We are proud of how far we’ve come—and even more excited about where we’re headed.
History provided by legacy member and chapter founder, Kathy Roberts, CPCE.
