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National Association for Catering and Events

NACE (National Association for Catering and Events) encourages the professional development of caterers and event planners through voluntary participation in its certification program. The Certified Professional in Catering and Events (CPCE) designation is the catering and events industry’s most prestigious professional certification. Now open to a wide range of event professionals!

Click Here for Fundraiser Registration

NACE Las Vegas cordially invites you to the 2nd annual Catersource Fundraiser!
Indulge in Las Vegas' finest dessert stations & complimentary signature cocktails on Sunday, March 23 from 8:00pm - 10pm at The Gallery Night Club, Planet Hollywood Hotel and Casino.

Click here for more information and to register for the event.

Join us at Catersource 2014 for the CPCE Fast Track Seminar and Exam.

NACE CPCE Fast Track Seminar
Sunday, March 23, 2014, 8:00 am – 5:15 pm
Kate Patay, CPCE, Executive Director of Sales and Marketing, Creative Coverings, Reno, NV and Michael Testagrossa, CPCE, CHE, Catering & Convention Services, Caesars Palace Las Vegas, Las Vegas, NV

Prepare for the CPCE exam with the Fast Track Seminar. All attendees are welcome to register to participate in the seminar (Application not required for seminar). Purchase the Fast Track Seminar a la carte for $125 under the optional events in registration.

If you wish to sit for the exam, your CPCE exam application must be approved in advance (visit www.nace.net/cpce).

At the conclusion of this seminar, attendees should be able to do the following:

Accounting  - 8:00 am – 9:15 am

  • Define the elements of financial statements, including statement of cash flow, balance sheet and income statement.
  • Define basic accounting terminology for catering executives.
  • Define accounting and inventory valuation methods.

Beverage Management  - 9:20 am – 10:20 am

  • Describe fundamental characteristics of various types of beer, spirits and wines.
  • Identify the primary legal considerations with regard to alcohol service.
  • Explain how to calculate beverage cost and pricing for profit.

Catering Services – 10:25 am – 11:45 am

  • Describe basic characteristics of various styles of food service.
  • Distinguish table service from buffet service, station service and other types of food service.
  • Estimate staffing needs for typical catered events using a particular style of service.

Lunch Break – 11:45 am – 12:10 pm

Contracts and Agreements – 12:15 pm – 1:15 pm

  • Identify the components of a contract.
  • Explain essential clauses for receiving and products and services.
  • Explain “truth in menu” laws.

Event Management – 1:20 pm – 2:10 pm

  • Describe and identify various event functions and the appropriate sequences of events for those functions.
  • Describe the various ancillary services available to caterers and event planners.

Food Production –2:15 pm – 3:20 pm

  • Describe commonly used methods of food preparation for various styles of service.
  • Apply standard measurement systems for liquids and solids to convert recipe ingredients.
  • Calculate the number of portions necessary to prepare for various types of catered events.
  • Describe safe procedures for food preparation, storage and handling.

Human Resources – 3:25 pm – 4:15 pm

  • Describe the steps in the hiring process.
  • Describe the goals and information provided during the onboarding process.
  • Describe the stages of the training cycle.
  • Identify the basic functions and legal considerations involved in employee performance appraisals.
  • Identify guidelines for an exit interview program.

Sales and Marketing – 4:20 pm – 5:15 pm

  • Describe and explain how to target market segments typically served by catering and events operations.
  • Identify strategies in developing a marketing plan.
  • Identify elements of the sales forecasting process.

Schedule subject to change

The CPCE Exam
Monday, March 24, 2014
9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Application Fee*: $395 (NACE members), $495 (non-members)

Learn more and download an application at www.nace.net/cpce. Applications are due February 24, 2014 and should be submitted to [email protected].

*Fee includes exam and (1) copy of the Professional Reference Guide for the Catering and Event Industry (exam study guide). Group discounts are available! Contact [email protected] for more information.

The CPCE exam is offered by NACE, the organization that provides education, business solutions, local communities and national connections to professionals within the catering and events industry. With member benefits such as the CPCE certification, the Experience! ™ conference,  local chapters and national buying power, NACE has something for everyone. For more information, visit www.nace.net or find us on Facebook at facebook.com/NACENatl and on Twitter @NACENational.