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MN STAR AWARDS
Beyond the Awards
The International Live Events Association (ILEA) – Minneapolis-St. Paul Chapter established the Minnesota Star Awards in 2005 to celebrate the creativity, passion, and innovation of professionals in the special events industry.
More than just an awards ceremony, the MN Star Awards is a testament to the talent, dedication, and collaborative spirit that define our community. It recognizes the outstanding work that goes into creating, planning, managing, and executing events across the region and beyond.
The MN Star Awards is open to anyone who has produced events (or components of events) within the region represented by the ILEA Minneapolis-St. Paul Chapter, or to professionals who work in this region but produce events elsewhere.
ILEA membership is not required for most categories.
Entering the ILEA Minnesota Star Awards allows you to showcase your expertise and demonstrate the caliber of work that sets you apart. This is your opportunity to gain industry recognition, elevate your brand, and highlight the incredible events you and your team create.
The judging process is conducted by ILEA event professionals from chapters worldwide to ensure fairness and impartiality.
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Initial Review: All entries are first reviewed by an auditor to ensure compliance with submission rules.
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Anonymous Judging: Qualifying entries are sent to another ILEA chapter for evaluation, with all identifying details removed to maintain fairness.
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Final Results: Judges submit their scores to the auditor, who provides the winning results directly to the awards production team.
Note: No mention of names or company names of the submitting company(ies) are allowed anywhere in the entry-
The Director of the MN Star Awards leads a team of dedicated volunteers who collaborate with industry sponsors and professionals throughout the Twin Cities. Together, they create an immersive and inspiring event that honors excellence in the events industry.
Become a Sponsor
This event wouldn’t be possible without the generous support of our sponsors. Sponsoring the MN Star Awards is an incredible opportunity to showcase your brand in front of the Twin Cities' top event professionals and industry leaders.
Volunteer
The MN Star Awards is entirely volunteer-driven—from the Director to committee members to the behind-the-scenes teams who bring this event to life. Get involved and be part of the magic that makes this celebration unforgettable!
Cool, we'd love to hear from you. Feel free to email us at info@ilea-msp.org
Year | Milestone | Director | Location | Theme |
|---|---|---|---|---|
2005 | 1st | Jodi Collen | Blaisdell Manor | The Stars are Aligning |
2006 | 2nd | Sheree Bochenek and Jean Peine | The Loft at Barfly | Club ISES |
2007 | 3rd | Nancy Jacobs | Minneapolis Central Library | Elements |
2008 | 4th | Jodi Collen | The Great Hall, St. Paul | al.lu.sion-An Evening of Timeless Decadence |
2009 | 5th | Matthew Trettel and Ryan Hanson | Minneapolis Children's Theatre | Surerality: Behind Closed Eyes |
2010 | 6th | Pete Nelson | Hyatt Hotel Minneapois | Ritmo Caliente |
2011 | 7th | Leslie Larson | Roy Wilkins Auditorium | Rock the Roy |
2012 | 8th | Amy Dalton | Nicollet Island Pavillion | Bootlegger's Ball |
2013 | 9th | Elly Carlson | Heroic Productions | Steampunk |
2014 | 10th | Susan Diamond | Orchestra Hall | Celebrating 10 Years |
2015 | 11th | Gretchen Culver | Aria | Storytellers Ball |
2016 | 12th | Jim Leighton and Craig Oliver | Metropolitan Ballroom | Studio ISES |
2017 | 13th | Jessica Barrett | Machine Shop | Unluckiest Bash |
2018 | 14th | Lisa Marie Borchert | Mystic Lake Casino | Undercover Affair |
2019 | 15th | Jason Brown-Hoesing | The Depot, Minneapolis | Ides of March |
2020 | 16th | Rachel Geertsema | Virtual | Cosmic Fantasy |
2021 | 17th | Amy Fuerstenberg | Quincy Hall | A Divine Comedy |
2022 | 18th | Kastina Morrison | The Whim | From the Ashes |
2023 | 19th | Ashley Skeie | Urban Daisy | Waves in Motion |
2024 | 20th | Lauren Bohm and Christie Altendorf | McNamara Alumni Center | The Twentieth |
2025 | 21st | Ariel Gutierrez | Four Seasons Minneapolis | Area 21 |
Year
Milestone
Director
Location
Theme
2008
4th
Nancy Jacobs
Minneapolis Central Library
Elements
2009
5th
Nancy Jacobs
Minneapolis Central Library
Elements
2010
6th
Nancy Jacobs
Minneapolis Central Library
Elements
2011
7th
Nancy Jacobs
Minneapolis Central Library
Elements
2012
8th
Nancy Jacobs
Minneapolis Central Library
Elements
2013
9th
Nancy Jacobs
Minneapolis Central Library
Elements
2014
10th
Nancy Jacobs
Minneapolis Central Library
Elements
2016
11th
Nancy Jacobs
Minneapolis Central Library
Elements