Tuesday, November 3rd was the most recent Silicon Valley Nace meeting, the annual holiday party and with top corporate planners entitled “Over the Top” was filled with amazing sights, sounds and tastes. Today in part one, I’ll cover some of the excitement that happened prior to dinner.
From the moment people stepped out of the elevators and into The Capital Club (San Jose, CA), they were transported into a different world. First there was the greeting by the Phantom of the Opera (played by Allan Richard who was representing Alfie Dreifuss Events, and also has his own company, Shows to You). who sang to entrants and let them know now that they were finally here, the party could begin. I really enjoyed the different reactions people had to this greeting.
I was excited to see Jordan River, who was taking photos on behalf of the chapter at the event. It was ironically funny that the first NACE meeting I saw him at was at The Captital Club, as that is where I met him years ago at a wedding for which I was a second shooter and he was the DJ. Jordan has since expanded his company to include all sorts of entertainment and photography services.
The hours before dinner consisted of cocktail hours, and the chance to check out many booths of local businesses. Some of my favorite booths were those featuring appetizers. Here is some of the delicious and beautiful food offered at The Hotel Montgomery booth cooked by Patricia Ricci.
This juggling clown from Headliner Productions helped bring The Big Top/Circus theme to the evening. When I stopped at their booth, I was told they could provide virtually any character to parties or special events.
Cara Schwartz from The Spirit of Health gave wonderful relaxation chair massages to participants.
Amy Blach of AMB Designs enjoyed talking with various vendors about her gift baskets which could be customized to suit any need.
Tim Burman, of Doorstep Photos, provided onsite photos. I took the opportunity to have another taken of me with me Leica and will post it in another entry. Participants really enjoyed seeing their photos onscreen prior to receiving them in hard copy form in just a few minutes.
Shawn Parola, of All the Buzz, showed off many of her company’s promotional items, in what was one of the most colorful booths of the evening.
Coming tomorrow to this blog, “Over the Top” Part Two, where you’ll see photos of the exquisite decor for the grand dinner and some other great action photos from the rest of the evening.
by Danielle Stolman
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