The 2026 NACE Experience Conference brought catering and event professionals from across the country to New Orleans for several days of learning, reconnecting and, of course, some unforgettable food and celebrations. Messina’s was proud to be right in the middle of it.
The weekend began on August 1, when we welcomed 99 NACE Legacy Members to The Rooftop on Basin for the inaugural NACE Legacy Member Dinner. The evening brought together longtime members, retired and past national presidents, national and foundation board members, and Foundation of NACE staff from across the country. Some guests had been part of NACE for more than 50 years, and many traveled to New Orleans especially for this reunion.
Messina’s Creative Culinary Director Chef Dominique Macquet designed a menu featuring Creole Tomato Gazpacho Shooters, Octopus Ceviche, Le Misi Pompano “En Papillotte,” The MISI’s Signature Filet of Black Angus “Farci” and a Bananas Foster Flambé Station to finish the evening.
The NACE Experience Conference followed August 2–4 at the New Orleans Marriott, with educational sessions, keynote presentations, networking events and the NACE ONE Awards celebrating outstanding work from across the catering and events industry.
Messina’s co-owner and NACE New Orleans President Stacey Messina served on the conference planning committee. She also joined fellow NACE New Orleans member Michelle Dunnick to welcome attendees and officially open the conference at the Opening Session.
Messina’s had some fun serving guests during the NACE ONE Awards Celebration at The Fillmore New Orleans, too. Our “NACE McNuggets” cart let guests top chicken nuggets with several varieties of caviar, sweet chili sauce or remoulade. We also sent a roaming Tuna Tartare cart through the celebration with fresh Gulf tuna, wonton chips, tobiko and seaweed salad. Both offered a playful, elevated experience that was just right for a room filled with creative event professionals.
We loved welcoming longtime NACE members and industry friends to New Orleans and playing a part in so many special moments throughout the weekend. It was a wonderful celebration of the relationships, ideas and creativity that make this business so much fun.
