Here’s the audio from Cindy’s talk she shared with the Detroit Chapter courtesy of Epic Motion. Feel free to download it to your iPod or listen to it online.
Cindy Novotny {Motivational Speaker} Presentation for Detroit NACE
Kelly and her parents
Where do you work/what is your position? State of Michigan, my title is Governor’s Residence and Events Director
How long have you been in the business? In the event industry 10 years, with the Governor 1.5 years.
What do you love about it? The constant change in pace! I feel like my position is equal to an architects where you generate something on paper and then watch it come to life and can see what you’ve actually created! It’s the best part of what we do!
How long have you been a NACE member? 5 years
How has NACE helped you along your journey? It’s been a dynamic educational experience for me. With my current job I often have to create a masterpiece out of nothing. NACE provides me with the trends and contacts to make that happen!
What are 10 things people might not know about you and/or your company?
1.) I’ve been in Athletic Events, Hotel Events and now Government Events.
2.) I work out of the Governor’s Home and not downtown.
3.) I am both a Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) and a Certified Professional Catering Executive (CPCE)
4.) I have my Masters in Sports Management and Athletic Administration with an emphasis in Event Coordination.
5.) I love Football
6.) I love coloring books and love to color to distress.
7.) I go to Aruba every year. This was my 8th year going
8.) I love the quote, “Luck is where preparation meets opportunity”
9.) I speak yearly at Michigan State’s Hospitality Business School
10.) I’ve been asked to speak at the Michigan Meetings and Events Expo in September.
Kelly and her sister
Where do you work/what is your position?
Imago Salon and Spa
Bridal/Spa Events Manager
How long have you been in the business?
I have been with Imago since it opened in September 2006, but have been in the wedding/events industry for about 8 years now.
What do you love about it?
I love being able to help a bride achieve her perfect day. From the salon standpoint, that means making sure the bride and her bridal party look perfect with their hair and makeup, but also making sure they have a wonderful experience on the wedding day. Knowing that I helped reduce some of the stress that comes along with planning a wedding makes me very happy as well!
How long have you been a NACE member?
I am a new member to NACE! I just joined in December 2008 and am also the Hospitality co-chair for 2009!
How has NACE helped you along your journey?
NACE has already helped me by introducing me to so many great people in the catering and events industry. So many of our salon/spa clients ask us for referrals for either their weddings or special events. NACE has provided me the opportunity to meet these great people and given me the confidence to refer one of our clients to another great vendor who happens to be a NACE member too!
What advice would you have for someone looking to hire a company that offers what you do?
We are a full service salon and spa catering to weddings and special events. Not all salons/spas cater to the bridal industry like we do. Meet with one of our service providers, talk to them about their work and experience, check out our facility, and you will realize that we are one of the best in the area!
What are 10 things people might not know about you and/or your company?
1. We are a full service salon and spa in Shelby Township.
2. We offer airbrush makeup and our senior makeup artist is one of the first makeup artists in Michigan to offer airbrush makeup!
3. We have over 4000 square feet of space for our salon and spa.
4. We offer couples massages, pedicures and facials – great for the bride and groom to relax and de-stress before the big day!
5. We had over 100 brides become Imago Brides last year!
6. We have a private bridal suite in our facility equipped with a lounge area, wet bar and mini fridge – great for hosting Bridal Parties, Spa Parties, Bachelorette Parties, Girls Night Out, and even Birthday parties!
7. Our salon won Best Overall Hair and Makeup at “The Really Big Hairball” show in October 2008
8. We were voted in the Top 5 in WDIV Vote for the Best in 2008.
9. In my previous life, I used to be a Project Manager for an IT consulting firm, so I am very organized and detailed oriented!
10. You can find our salon on Facebook and soon to be on Twitter!
NACE Member: Rachel Cytaciki
Where do you work/what is your position?
All Things Creative Wedding Coordination and Event Design and I am the owner 
How long have you been in the business?
I have been in the wedding industry for over a decade now. I started ATC last year.
What do you love about it?
OH MY GOSH… WHERE DO I START!!! I love everything about what I do. The fact that each bride is so different and has her own vision, is the best part. I get to be creative on so many different levels. Where one bride may want a small intimate garden wedding, another bride may want a huge wedding with all the works, lighting, linens, floral arrangements with crystals, etc. I love to see a good plan come together. I also LOVE, LOVE, LOVE it when a bride thanks me and says I have lifted a weight. That is what I am here for, that is what makes my day!
How long have you been a NACE member?
I have been coming to the meetings for years, but just joined this year. I love it.
How has NACE helped you along your journey?
In my business referrals and quality vendors are HUGE! When I refer a vendor to a bride, that puts my reputation on the line. If I refer someone and they don’t perform as they should, I would feel awful.. NACE has given me the opportunity to meet quality vendors in the industry and be picky about who I refer to my brides.
What advice would you have for someone looking to hire a company that offers what you do?
That is a great question. Make sure you feel comfortable with them and you like them. Other than the photographer, your coordinator is the only other vendor you will spend the entire day with. Trust your instincts.
What are 10 things people might not know about you and/or your company?
1. I have been in the wedding industry for over a decade.
2. One of my favorite meals is a combination of mashed potatoes, tomato soup, turkey meat, and corn… mmmm!
3. I have the best daughter in the world, I am addicted to her!
4. We do northern Michigan weddings and have a northern Michigan intern as well as a metro Detroit intern.
5. We have just introduced linen rental and floral design.
6. I used to work at Quicken Loans, that’s where I met my husband!
7. I started riding horses at age 2.
8. I cry at most acceptance speeches for the Oscars, Grammys, Golden Globes, etc.
9. I used to be a karaoke queen.
10. My dream car is a 73 Corvette.
If you would like to be highlighted in our NACE Member Spotlight, please contact Ryan Koral - our NACE Communications Chair - at ryan@epicmotion.com for more info.
If you haven’t caught on to the super addictive social networking craze, what better time than to join us on Facebook.
NACE Member: Janet Engelhardt
Janet Engelhardt
Where do you work/what is your position?
Royal Park Hotel / Social Catering Manager
How long have you been in the business?
5 years at the Royal Park – but in Catering all my life! My family owned/operated a restaurant. I was in my baby swing in the middle of the dining room! When I could walk, I would go table to table begging for French fries!
What do you love about it?
Every person and every event is different. Each day we learn something new about people. Despite all the differences in the world, everyone comes together around the table.
How long have you been a NACE member?
Going on my 3rd year
How has NACE helped you along your journey?
The people I have met and their dedication to their craft is the most amazing inspiration! Willingness to share ideas and work together toward the successful outcome of each event is unparalleled.
What advice would you have for someone looking to hire a company that offers what you do?
Please let your Catering Manager know what your “dream” is so that she/he can do everything possible to make it come true! I truly appreciate guests who “tell it like it is” and are not afraid to tell me what they want. This takes the guessing out of the equation and allows us to put all our efforts into making each aspect of the event EXACTLY what the guest would like.
What are 10 things people might not know about you and/or your company?
1. the Royal Park Hotel works with EVERY budget to offer all our guests a “Luxurious Experience”!
2. the Royal Park Hotel believes that Vendors are our Guests
3. the Conservatory was made in Belgium and shipped over to be rebuilt on our grounds
4. all the chandeliers in the Hotel are Murano crystal
5. the Royal Park Hotel is located along the Paint Creek Trail
6. I have two wonderful sons
7. My husband is an Executive Chef
8. we have had a Bride and her Bridesmaids jump in the Creek at the end of her reception! The Groom soon followed!
9. we experienced our first-ever wedding fireworks this November, 2008, with the help of Laura Davis Events, fellow NACE member
10. every menu is custom designed for each wedding to make it exactly perfect
NACE Member: Linda Savage
Linda Savage
Where do you work/what is your position?
The Toledo Country Club in scenic Toledo Ohio; Private Events Director
Toledo Country Club
How long have you been in the business?
I have been in some aspect of food service for 20 years but I have been Planning Events for 12 years now.
What do you love about it?
Meeting different people and making their visions become reality.
How long have you been a NACE member?
I have been a NACE member for 4 years and loving every minute of it. So much so that I have been on the Board for 3 of the 4 years.
How has NACE helped you along your journey?
NACE has kept me current in trends through education, both local and national as well as the relationships that I have built with our membership which has allowed me to provide my clients with everything that make their dream events come to life. Linens, décor, entertainment, etc, etc. You name I can get it. Thanks fellow NACE member!
What advice would you have for someone looking to hire a company that offers what you do?
Be sure to get testimonials from past clients. If the Event site is reputable they will be able to provide you a list of past clients with glowing testimonials.
10 things people might not know about me or Toledo Country Club:
1. I collect sock monkeys.
2. Toledo CC is the only event site in Toledo that is on the River and can provide the loveliest views that the town has to offer.
3. I am working on my CPCE certification. Yea NACE professional certification!!
4. I love to do centerpieces for the club occasionally. It’s a great creative release. Thanks, Mayesh!
5. I like to take road trips. Obviously, since I sometimes have to drive quite a ways to make our meetings.
6. I love to cook and entertain.
7. I am a fan of Red Carpet events and critiquing celebrity dresses.
8. I cry at almost all the weddings I host at the club.
9. Toledo Country Club has, in my opinion, the best Chef in the area.
10. I LOVE BACON!