Hello Readers!
Now in its 13th year, the annual NICE Awards were held on April 7 at the new Hotel Chicago to recognize the movers and shakers in our industry-literally. With this year’s theme, "Travel is NICE," guests checked in to receive their boarding pass for the night’s exciting ride. The NICE Awards are a joint venture of the Chicago chapters of NACE (National Association of Catering and Events) and ISES (International Special Events Society) that celebrate achievements in event planning, catering, entertainment and creative and supportive services. Join me in celebrating these well-deserved winners.
Best Corporate Event: Total Event Resources
Best Social Event: Christina Currie Events
Best Wedding: LK Events
Best Non-Profit or Fundraiser Event: Advocate Charitable Foundation
Best NICE Team Event: Catering by Michael’s with Kehoe Designs
Best Green Event: Catering by Michael’s
Best Fair or Festival: Magnificent Events
Best Catered Event, Off Premise: Catering by Michael’s
Best Buffet Presentation: Catering by Michael’s
Best Plated Presentation: Catering by Michael’s
Best Musical Entertainment: Magnificent Events
Best Interactive Entertainment: The Actor’s Gymnasium
Best Use of Printed or Digital Collateral: Greenstar Paperie
Best Theme Décor for a Social Event: Christina Currie Events
Best Theme Décor for a Wedding: Oliveaire Artisan Events & Meetings
Best Use of Tenting: Arena Americas
Best Logistical Achievement for an Event: Catering by Michael’s
Best Use of Rental Equipment: Arena Americas
Industry Excellence Award: Nancy Brockway of Hall’s Rental
ISES Rising Star Award: Michelle Castady of 360 Destination Group
NACE Rising Star Award: Whitney Taylor of Drape Kings.
Be sure to stay tuned for all the winners of Illinois Meetings + Events’ 9th Annual Readers’ Choice Best Of Awards, which we will announce next week!
Happy planning!
Selena Fragassi
Editor, Illinois Meetings + Events magazine