Dianna K. Shitanishi, CPCE, CMP

Owner and Director of Special Events at HAWAII WEDDINGS AND EVENTS

Honolulu County, Hawaii, United States

About

Dianna K. Shitanishi, former director of catering and conference services at the Kahala Mandarin Oriental, Hawaii, has formed a new event company called Hawaii Weddings and Events. Headquartered in Hawaii Kai, the new venture draws on Shitanishi's expertise. She has coordinated over 800 weddings and countless special events, theme parties, graduation celebrations, fundraisers and galas during her 20-plus years in the hospitality industry. Among the events coordinated by Shitanishi have been President George W. Bush's Honolulu layover visit, a press conference for Michelle Wie, the AAA Five Diamonds Award Dinner, Chaine des Rotisseurs dinner, and numerous off-premise events for Hawaii¹s top business professionals. President of the Honolulu chapter of the National Association of Catering Executives (NACE), she also is a member of Les Dames d¹Escoffier and is the only person in Hawaii to hold both the distinctions of CPCE (Certified Professional Catering Executive) and CMP (Certified Meeting Planner). She won the 2005 Best Themed Food and Beverage Presentation award at the National Association of Catering Executives Educational Conference. Her experience also includes serving as director of weddings, catering/conference services manager for the Kahala Mandarin and earlier positions with the Sheraton Royal Hawaiian Hotel, Sheraton Princess Kaiulani Hotel, Holiday Inn Waikiki Beach, Holiday Inn Honolulu Airport and Plaza Hotel Airport. Hawaii Weddings and Events offers statewide contacts and the ability to handle events of any size on all islands. Keeping abreast of the latest catering and wedding trends, the new company offers free initial consultation for those interested in having an event. Specialties: Only event planner in the State of Hawaii that has earned the designations of Certified Professional Catering Executive (CPCE) and Certified Meeting Planner (CMP) to effectively service all type of events

Experience

  • President at Hawaii Event Group (HEG)
    Oct 2007 - Present · 18 yrs 10 mos

    The Hawaii Event Group was founded by a core group of event industry professionals that each has their own individual businesses, but as a group join their collective talents and over 250 years of combined event planning experience to produce large scale events and exclusive VIP events.

  • Member at Oahu Wedding Association
    Apr 2007 - Present · 19 yrs 4 mos

    The O'ahu Wedding Association is committed to enhance & promote the image of the wedding service industry of O'ahu. We promote the Aloha Spirit with high standards of work ethics and positive & professional attitude.

  • Owner and Director of Special Events at HAWAII WEDDINGS AND EVENTS
    Mar 2006 - Present · 20 yrs 5 mos

    Hawaii's only dually certified wedding and special events planner, Dianna K. Shitanishi, CPCE, CMP will help create a theme that is unique to you, from flowers to entertainment, finding your Hawaii caterer, decor, and all the little special touches you haven't even thought about yet. "The Best of The Knot 2012 Pick" Grace Ormonde Platinum List 2011 and 2012 2008 to 2012 Brides Choice Award Winner, Hawaii Weddings and Events is known for Amazing, Fun and Stress-Free events and offers a variety of services to meet everyone’s needs:

  • Member at National Association of Catering Executives Hawaii Chapter
    Jan 1999 - Present · 27 yrs 7 mos

    The National Association of Catering Executives (NACE) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to promote fellowship, education and professionalism in the catering industry. In addition to continual educational opportunities for its members through our monthly Chapter programs and the annual NACE Educational Conference, the Hawaii Chapter prides itself in being able to provide scholarships to students interested in pursuing careers in the catering/food service field.

  • Chapter President - Honolulu at National Association of Catering Executives
    Jan 2000 - Nov 2008 · 8 yrs 11 mos

    National Association of Catering Executives (NACE) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to promote fellowship, education and professionalism in the catering industry. In addition to continual educational opportunities for its members through our monthly Chapter programs and the annual NACE Educational Conference, the Honolulu Chapter prides itself in being able to provide scholarships to students interested in pursuing careers in the catering/food service field.