NACE Announces 2024 Hall of Fame Recipient
The Board of Directors of the National Association for Catering and Events (NACE) has announced Michele Polci, CPCE, CMP, CED as the recipient of NACE’s Hall of Fame Award. The NACE Hall of Fame is the association’s most prestigious member honor.
In recognizing Michele, the NACE board cited her commitment to improving the catering and events industry, mentoring of future catering executives, and wide renown and acclaim as a creative force in the profession.
A 34-year catering professional, Michele has been an integral to the success of Caesars Entertainment, Inc, for the past 27 years and currently serves as Director of Citywide Catering Sales Las Vegas.
Her dedication, creativity, and drive for excellence have been recognized with 18 NACE One Awards, including Caterer of the Year and the prestigious George Zell Spirit of NACE Award. She has received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the NACE Las Vegas Chapter in addition to awards and recognition from Smart Meetings Magazine, BizBash, Interstate Hotels Corporation, the National Association of Women Business Owners, My Vegas Magazine, and the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce.
Michele's dedication to mentoring and education has influenced and shaped the careers of many catering and event professionals. She has been a Guest Lecturer at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) where she provides students with a real-world perspective on the intricacies of event planning and catering, bridging the gap between academic theory and professional practice.
Her dedication to community service has created lasting impacts. Michele has been a key figure on the boards of the Las Vegas Hospitality Association and the SEARCH Foundation, a charity dedicated to helping event professionals in crisis. Additionally, she serves as the Wellness Chairperson at Caesars Entertainment, emphasizing holistic health within the hospitality industry.
In announcing the award, NACE National President Michelle Dunnick, CPCE, MBA stated, “Michele Polci has inspired NACE members and leaders on a national and chapter level throughout much of her 34-year catering and events career. Her commitment to mentorship, education, and her relentless pursuit of professional excellence and creativity have created a profound legacy. Her dedication to NACE and the catering and events profession are inspiring. NACE is honored to recognize her with the Hall of Fame Award.”
The NACE Hall of Fame Award will be presented at the NACE One Awards Program on Tuesday, July 23, 2024 in Denver, Colorado during the NACE Experience Conference for Catering and Events.