NICE Awards Feted the Industry on April 5

Hello readers,

I want to congratulate those of you who were nominated and took home honors at this year’s NICE Awards, held on April 5 at the Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center Hotel. 

Established 10 years ago, the NICE Awards recognize Chicago area members of NACE (National Association of Catering Executives) and ISES (International Special Events Society) for their achievements in event planning, catering, entertainment, and creative and support services.

Awards were submitted for entry and judged by members of NACE and ISES. Winners are recognized for creativity of the event and services provided, and through evaluation of how the event achieved its goals and objectives.

The theme of this special anniversary edition was Chicago Jazz and featured décor from Kehoe Designs, CORT Event Furnishings, and Anthony Gowder; production from The Meetinghouse Companies, Inc.; catering by the Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center and staging by Custom Design. 

Entertainment by Magnificent Events, Great Life Music, Ron Harris Music Group, Custom Comedy Capers, Comedy Sportz, O’Dea Entertainment, Art Beat Live, and Mystique Productions; rentals by Classic Party Rentals, Halls Rentals and BBJ Linen; event photography by Deja Views; and lighting and audio visuals by Intelligent Lighting Creations and Swank Audio Visuals.

Here is the full list of winners who took home an award on April 5:

>>NACE Rising Star of the Year
Julia Lebandz, Tech Cocktail

>>ISES Rising Star of the Year
Barb Harris, DMCP, Chicago Travel Consultants, Inc. (CTC)

>>NICE Awards Lifetime Achievement Award
Jack Scafide, CORT Event Furnishings

>>Best Corporate Event under $25,000
Tasty Catering

>>Best Corporate Event $25,000 - $75,000
Total Event Resources

>>Best Corporate Event over $75,000
Tasty Catering

>>Best Social Event over $75,000
Total Event Resources

>>Best Wedding under $25,000
Chicago Marriott O’Hare

>>Best Wedding $25,000 - $75,000
Christina Currie Events

>>Best Wedding over $75,000
Total Event Resources

>>Best Fundraiser/Non Profit Event under $25,000
The Meetinghouse Companies

>>Best Fundraiser/Non Profit Event $25,000 - $75,000
The Meetinghouse Companies

>>Best Fundraiser/Non Profit Event over $75,000
Total Event Resources

>>Best Picnic
Tasty Catering

>>Best Catered Event Off Premise over $25,000
Food Evolution

>>Best Buffet or Plated Presentation
Food Evolution

>>Most Creative Invitation
Frank

>>Best Theme Décor under $20,000
Oliveaire Artisan Events & Meetings

>>Best Theme Décor $20,000 - $50,000 (tie)
Tamar Productions Inc.
The Meetinghouse Companies

>>Best Theme Décor over $50,000
Kehoe Designs

>>Best Decorative Linen
BBJ Linen

>>Best Tabletop Design
Kehoe Designs
Classic Party Rental
Frank
BBJ Linen

>>Classic Party Rental
Frank

>>Best Use of Lighting
Freeman

>>Best Use of Tenting
Classic Party Rentals

>>Best Logistical Achievement for an Event
Frank & Freeman

>>Best Event Photography
Déja Views

>>Best NICE Team Event
Tasty Catering
Classic Party Rentals
The Meetinghouse Companies
Clowning Around/Celebration Authority

Congratulations!

Selena Fragassi
Editor
Illinois Meetings + Events