Some 475 catering professionals were treated to a full menu of education sessions and entertaining events at the 2003 NACE educational Conference, July 16-19 at the Boston Park Plaza Hotel, Boston.

The conference kicked off with a “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” theme breakfast, at which NACE president Jerry Edwards, CPCE, stepped out of a giant Tiffany box. Renowned chef Martin Yan, of the TV show “Yan Can Cook,” addressed the group, reminding planners to avoid dishes that are a mishmash of cultures while giving guests a welcome dash of theatricality in meals.

Seminars included “Business-based Seasonal Marketing,” “Romancing the Beer,” “Selling Without Boundaries,” and “Event Safety: Do You Know What You Are Doing?”

Carrying out the conference’s theme of “seasons,” noted event planner Steve Kemble of Dallas with David Rand, events director for Northeastern University, presented four themed tabletops corresponding to each season.

Debuting as this year’s conference as a fund-raiser for NACE scholarships. Called “NACE Idol,” the light-hearted karaoke show at the Ritz-Carlton, Boston Common.

The conference ended with a “Paint the Town Red” gala ceremony and dinner dance.