The winners of the Chicago Readers' Choice Awards were announced at the BizBash IdeaFest on Wednesday at the Merchandise Mart. Readers were first invited to nominate local event professionals in 13 categories, then later, to vote on the finalists through our interactive voting site. The winners are:
Association Event Planner of the Year
Kristina Tarantino, Portland Cement Association
Caterer of the Year (In-House)
Connie Bolle, Chicago Botanic Garden
Caterer of the Year (Off-Premise)
Cindi Webber, Jewell Events Catering
Corporate Event Planner of the Year
Pattie Monahan, Chicago Is...
DJ of the Year
Megan Taylor, Fig Media
Entertainment Act of the Year
Arlen Music Productions
Event Designer of the Year
Bridget Johnson, Kehoe Designs
Event Producer of the Year
David St. Martin, AgencyEA
Fund-Raising Event Planner of the Year
Jeremy Hilborn, Chicago House
PR Professional of the Year
Mary Doyle, Zapwater
Reality Show Event Planner of the Year
Samantha Goldberg, Samantha Goldberg & Company
Social Event Planner of the Year
Candace Polk, Glitz Event Design
Venue Manager of the Year
Marley Bellwood, River East Art Center
