The Langham Hotel, formerly Le Meridian, is one of Boston's premier properties. This was evident during the fabulous networking portion of our May event as guests sipped fine beverages and were treated to deluxe appetizers including scallops on pancake, grilled fromage panini, a fabulous antipasto and the Langham's famous Polenta Station with sauteed portabella mushrooms and assorted accompaniments. Bridget and Cindy of Party By Design unveiled the new "After dark" collection of event furnishings providing a bold contemporary look to compliment the design of the room. Gorgeous linens by Rentals Unlimited and music by disc jockey, Victor Barruzza of Entertainment Specialists added a pleasing musical and visual backdrop that including a variety of genres and styles.

NACE New England President, Michelle Minasian welcomed everyone and thanked Director of Catering, Kerry McGill and the staff at The Langham for their superior service and continued dedication to NACE. Program Chair, Lyndsay Pacciano then thanked our sponsors as well as Valerie Albrecht and Lisa MacDonald, sales representatives from The Knot.

Next up, our featured speaker, Alan Berg from The Knot indicated his intention to have every one of us walk away with at least one good idea. However, Alan provided us with many goods ideas including using the internet the same way in which we would use other forms of advertising. Using common sense can make it easier for clients to navigate through your site. Don't make information hard to find. A well designed web site is useless if no one can find you. Other ideas included consistent visuals, minimal flash, phone number on every page and no annoying music.

Alan demonstrated a thorough knowledge of the subject and went into extended detail on the subject. Time did rear it's head after a while but what we learned from Mr. Berg was invaluable. Just another benefit of being a NACE member. The raffle followed to close out our event.

Special thanks to Kerry McGill and the staff at the Langham Hotel and to our sponsors, Entertainment Specialists, Party By Design, Rentals Unlimited and The Knot. Also, thanks to our raffle sponsors, the Fairmont Copley Plaza, Groove Entertainment, BC Essentials, the Light Touch Lighters from Entertainment Specialists and the Langham Hotel.

See you in June,

John Zucco

Entertainment Specialists

Secretary

New England Chapter of NACE