Recent South Bay Professional Connection Hospitality Appreciation Evening

By Joy A. Kennelly

You are curious about our recent South Bay Professional Connection "Hospitality Appreciation Evening" at The Shore Restaurant and Lounge this past week or you wouldn't have clicked on the link right?

So, without further ado... here's some pix and information on who graciously attended, and who our wonderful sponsors/participants were.

We had a great response from a variety of quality hotels from all over Los Angeles because we were fortunate to have someone who works with all the hotels through her concierge job circulating our invite on our behalf in addition to all the personal, hand-delivered invitations The Shore guys and I passed out, and all the emails I sent out.

Here's our invite just in case you're curious what got everyone so excited! Doesn't Brittney, our graphic designer on this invitation, do nice work?  She was truly a lifesaver the night of the event too.

Thank you Brittney!

Apparently a lot of people liked it because some of the hotels that responded included: Ayres Hotel, Indigo Hotel, LAX Marriott, Loews Hotel, Courtyard by Marriott, Ritz Carlton, La Quinta Inn, Torrance Marriott, The Grafton on Sunset, Doubletree Hotel, Foghorn Harbor Inn, AM Resorts, Hawthorn Suites, Hampton Inn & Suites, The Portofino Hotel & Yacht Club, LAX Embassy Suites, Holiday Inn Express, The Westin LA and numerous others. Thanks for coming everyone!

These lovely ladies, Johanna and Molly, were on hand to welcome all guests including those representing Enterprise, Express Shuttle, and Air Canada which was a lot of fun.

Here's some more pix from the evening.

I also invited some of my new BNI buds to attend because then they could see The Shore in action too. You might recognize some of these professionals seeing as they're locals.

JC, the Redondo Beach Fireman on the far left of this shot is married to Dayla of UBS Financial Services (in yellow) and we all teased him about being the only guy in the shot. The other ladies represent the local Marriotts (Torrance and LAX respectively.)

Another fellow BNI'er, Gayle of Redondo Beach based G Body Therapy, joined JC & Dayla later on. Isn't that a beautiful dress she's wearing? Courtesy of our local Hermosa Fiesta thank you very much.

I took advantage of her massage therapy services the next day with much satisfaction. Felt like a new woman and may have to go back soon since my neck & back injury still isn't completely healed. Highly recommend her! Tell her I sent you!

Here's some of the Air Canada folks and others who came out to join us. Mike Sribney, the co-owner of The Shore, is Canadian and enjoyed catching up with them.

Isn't this a cute shot of he and his new wife, Kristina? I think they're a cute couple and very nice to boot. Say that with a Canadian accent ok?

I shot this pic just as the evening was beginning and the guy in blue is Stephen Haller, a local Redondo Beach resident, who represents Loews Santa Monica.

We had a great mix of Owners, General Managers, Sales Directors, Concierges, Catering Directors, Event Directors, Executive Assistants and everyone really connected on a personal, yet professional level.

One of my good friends, and event planner buddy who I've known for years since we produced a charity event together over at Luxe Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills when she was working there, Lana Leazer now Sales Director for Globiwest Hospitality Group, complimented my by saying this was one of the first hospitality oriented events where people actually let their guard down and were honest and friendly with others in the business.

Coming from her, I count that as high praise. Here's a pic of us goofing around together. She was trying to teach me the Paris Hilton/Nicole Ritchie pose, but I just didn't get it. Oh well, it's funny regardless right?


We actually had quite a fun bunch of people show up courtesy of Abigail Fernandez, Catering Director of the beautiful Portofino Inn and Yacht Club in Redondo Beach. Ironically, a lot of the guys who came out were the winners of the free manicures courtesy of the new Hermosa Beach Elegant Nails & Spa sponsor. Thanks Rebecca!

Here's some of the happy winners.

  And we had more winners too.

B-Side Players were performing later that evening and joined the raffle as our guests too. They won the $50 framing gift certificate courtesy of Lisa's Gallery over in Manhattan Beach.

Thanks Jay & Linda!

Local Manhattan Beach husband and wife hoteliers, Jim & Deidre, joined us and won a Dreadstar CD and amazing car detailing respectively.
This gentleman won the free hour fitness training from Debbie Dmirdijian (sorry Debbie, I'm ruining your last name!)

These handsome guys came out from Cardex and enjoyed Chef David Linville's cheesy fries along with their specialty Cocktail drink.

Chef made the rounds as he always does bearing foodie gifts for everyone which were a big hit. Notice the silver Equinox goody bag hanging from Lana's arm.

They, and Skechers, graciously provided bags that also included donations from our local Hermosa Beach businesses, Paciugo Gelato, Brix 1601, The Comedy & Magic Club, Pedone's Pizzeria, Hermosa Beach Chamber of Commerce and Breathe Activewear, and Manhattan Beach Business group, and Stylist Carmen Butts of The Loft, Barbie K, Iduna Medical Aesthetics, among many others.

Redondo Beach based Seeking Sitters service missed the goody bags due to our error. I'm giving them an extra plug here because I'm sure you all might have kids and would welcome a resource that provides easy, safe, reliable babysitting solutions.

Go to www.seekingsitters.com or call Michelle James at 424 634-1018 for more information.

Thank you sponsors one and all. If I forgot anyone, my sincere apologies, just know you are appreciated!

Okay, I think that's all. Thank you everyone for coming. This won't be the last time we hold a hospitality evening and look forward to meeting more of you in the near future.