On April 5, event pros headed to the Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center Hotel for the 10th annual N.I.C.E. Awards. Hosted by local members of the National Association of Catering Executives and the International Special Events Society, the evening celebrated achievements in everything from invitation design to best use of tenting. Here's a look at the winners in each category.
N.A.C.E. Rising Star of the Year
Julia Labandz, Tech Cocktail
I.S.E.S. Rising Star of the Year
Barb Harris, DMCP, Chicago Travel Consultants Inc.
N.I.C.E. 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 Inc.
Best Wedding Over $75,000
Total Event Resources
Best Fund-Raiser/Nonprofit Event Under $25,000
The Meetinghouse Companies
Best Fund-Raiser/Nonprofit Event $25,000-$75,000
The Meetinghouse Companies
Best Fund-Raiser/Nonprofit 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 Decor Under $20,000
Oliveairé Artisan Events and Meetings
Best Theme Decor $20,000-$50,000 (tie)
Tamar Productions Inc.
The Meetinghouse Companies
Best Theme Decor Over $50,000
Kehoe Designs
Best Decorative Linen
BBJ Linen
Best Tabletop Design
Kehoe Designs, Classic Party Rentals, Frank, BBJ Linen
Best Use of Lighting
Freeman
Best Use of Tenting
Classic Party Rentals
Best Logistical Achievement for an Event
Frank, Freeman
Best Event Photography
Deja Views
Best N.I.C.E. Team Event
Tasty Catering
Classic Party Rentals
The Meetinghouse Companies
Clowning Around & Celebration Authority
