On Tuesday night, the New York metro chapter of the International Special Events Society held its annual Big Apple Awards and board of directors installation ceremony at the Edison Ballroom. Incoming president Howard Givner called it the "most successful gala in several years." With more than 250 guests in attendance, the society praised event achievements of individuals and companies in 20 categories.
Along with revealing the winners of this year's awards, the society inducted industry veterans into the Hall of Legends in recognition of their career achievements. The four honorees were Ark Restaurants vice president Walter Rauscher, Marcy Blum Associates founder and president Marcy Blum, Pink Inc. C.E.O. and creative director Debra Roth, and Academy Bus C.E.O. Francis Tedesco. Additionally, the Child Abuse Prevention Program and New York City's Office of Citywide Event Coordination and Management received ISES CORE Awards for exhibiting the best event results to advance their mission.
Here's a look at the rest of the winners:
Best Corporate Event
Neuman's
Best Corporate Multiple-Day Event
Barkley Kalpak Associates
Best Demonstration of R.O.I.
Sophist Productions
Best Entertainment/Program Concept
Bounce Music and Entertainment
Best Fund-Raising
LW Events
Best Application/Use of C.S.R. Strategy or Green Initiative
Wizard Studios
Best Invitation Design
Ceci New York
Best ISES New York Metro Chapter Collaboration
Pink Inc.
Best New Rental Item
Pink Inc.
Best New Venue
92nd Y Tribeca
Best Overall Design/Decor
Wedding Library by Claudia Hanlin and Jennifer Zabinski
Best Photographic Image
Andre Maier Photography
Best PR/Marketing Initiative
Global Events
Best Social Event
Wedding Library for Claudia Hanlin and Jennifer Zabinski
Best Tabletop Design
Wedding Library by Claudia Hanlin and Jennifer Zabinski
Best Use of Social Media
Pink Inc. and Fifth Avenue Digital
Best Use of Lighting
Levy Lighting
Best Video for an Event
Avenue 5 Films
Here is the board of directors for 2010-2011:
Howard Givner, president
Debra Roth, president-elect
Jennifer Quinones, immediate past president
Nerissa Balland, vice president of communications
Rhonda Cosaluzzo, vice president of membership
Paul Newman, vice president of programs and education
Morgan Steele-Connacher, director membership
Beth Eisgrau Heller, directory of programs and education
Cheryl Kahn-Brocco, director at large
Andrea Figman, director at large
Mark Shearon, director at large
Ellie Winkleman, director at large
Among the gala's sponsors were Avenue 5 Films, Dave Lawrence Acoustic, Drape Kings, Edison Ballroom, Events Force, Photo Bureau, Pink Inc., Vali Entertainment, and Wizard Studios.
