2025 ILEA-MSP Minnesota Star Awards Nominees

We are proud to announce all of the nominees for the 2025 ILEA-MSP Minnesota Star Awards. This year, there was an outpouring of talent with 73 entries submitted across 22 categories. Join us on March 21, 2025, where we will announce the winners live during a celebration at the Four Seasons Minneapolis. More info here!

These awards are judged by ILEA event professionals from other Chapters worldwide. All entries are first reviewed against the rules by an auditor. Once the auditor has determined that all criteria has been met, all qualifying entries are sent to another ILEA chapter for judging.

The results are returned directly to the auditor, who supplies the information about the winning entries to the award production company. To maintain fairness in the judging, the Minnesota Star Awards submission must be anonymous. No mention of names or company names of the submitting company(ies) are allowed anywhere in the entry (including but not limited to in your answers/text, or on collateral or supporting documents).

CATERING

Best Catered Event Under $30,000

Griswold Family Christmas Party | CRAVE Catering

A local construction company reached out to host an employee holiday party using National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation movie as the template. The trick was to plan a great holiday event WITHOUT creating a disaster! From Clark’s boss Frank Shirley - to redneck cousin Eddie - to senile aunt Bethany, we were able to incorporate all of the chaos and none of the danger. One nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Amen.

Best Catered Event Over $30,000

The Roaring Revival: A Company Soirée | Lindsay Erstad, Chowgirls Catering

Tasked with creating a Roaring Twenties celebration for a valued repeat client, we transformed their four-story office into a Gatsby-esque paradise. The event featured a chef-driven menu, Prohibition-inspired cocktails, and immersive entertainment for 650 guests. Highlights included oysters and caviar, prime rib, a speakeasy-inspired food station, decadent desserts and late-night White Castle. This was a night of indulgence and connection that left their employees talking long after the event.

NetSPI Annual All Day Event | Karin Jasnoch, Food Gallery Catering

An all-day celebration for 400+ guests, where every detail was carefully designed to align with the client’s vision. From the owner of the company to the sales and operations teams, everyone worked together to bring this event to life. The culinary team crafted an exceptional experience that reflected the Moments of Magic theme and seamlessly incorporated the company's new branding throughout. Every dish and experience was thoughtfully created to keep guests energized, engaged, and immersed in the event.

A Golden Hour Gathering | Christie Altendorf, D'Amico Hospitality

For a milestone celebration of a growing national brand, where better to gather than the place it all began? To thank those who supported the business from day one, the celebration was held at home, of course! It was a heartfelt tribute to the founder’s passions: comforting cuisine, warm hospitality and joyful surprises. The event consisted of vibrant experiences at every turn, intended to delight guests and ensure they had one of the best culinary and entertainment experiences of their lives.

Best Menu or Beverage Innovation

The 11th Hour | Eleni Beloy, Chowgirls Catering

On New Year’s Eve, while the world celebrates, venue managers across the world work tirelessly behind the scenes. But The 11th Hour flipped the script. This dazzling event was their moment — an evening of whimsical elegance, late-night indulgences, and unforgettable magic. Designed to honor the dedication of these unsung heroes, it gave them the post-holiday NYE celebration they deserve, turning the spotlight on the ones who make every other event shine.

Crostini Canvas | Jenna Anderson, Chowgirls Catering

When creativity and collaboration meet sustainability and innovation, a work of art is born. This concept – “Crostini Canvas” – invites guests to engage in an interactive and edible experience. What begins as a visual masterpiece becomes a delightful surprise—it's not just art, it’s edible. Through this innovative approach, we’ve redefined how attendees experience and interact with food, creating a memorable fusion of taste and playful creativity.

A Jazz Age Revival | Madison Volkmann, D'Amico Hospitality

The event was a vibrant and stylish relaunch of our newly renovated historic venue, which continues to evolve over time. The goal was to offer a unique experience inspired by the legendary Ethiopian jazz scene. This eclectic blend of music, culture, and style set the tone for a dynamic celebration. Guests enjoyed exceptional drinks and delectable bites, from expertly crafted Negronis to a stunning table adorned with miniature desserts and cakes that were as beautiful as they were delicious.

Best Dessert Moment

Art & Architecture Inspired Cake Design | Leah Backstrom, Ink Sweets

Ethan and Alex’s modern x maximalist wedding cake was designed with ideas from the venue itself: Weisman Art Museum. This showstopper cake takes inspiration from the bold shapes and iconic forms of Frank Gehry’s architecture and blends it with minimalist details from the bride’s Lebanese culture. Ethan and Alex’s modern x maximalist wedding cake was designed with ideas from the venue itself: Weisman Art Museum. This showstopper cake takes inspiration from the bold shapes and iconic forms of Frank Gehry’s architecture and blends it with minimalist details from the bride’s Lebanese culture.

Millefoglie Moment: The Interactive Wedding Cake Experience | Anne Wilson and Andrea Field, Chowgirls Catering

An innovative wedding cake experience redefined cake design with a dynamic, interactive process. Our Pastry Chef and the couple collaborated to craft a stunning 36-inch Millefoglie (traditional Italian wedding cake) on a custom rotating platform, inviting guests to witness the magic in real time. This hands-on, memorable experience blended creativity, craftsmanship, and shared joy, transforming the traditional cake-cutting into a unique, lasting celebration.

EVENT DESIGN & DÉCOR

Best Design & Decor Under $30,000

Suzette & Scarlett Band Together - A Troll's Birthday Party | Gisela Soto, Elysian Events

This past summer, a magical children’s birthday party brought the Trolls movie to life, with vibrant colors that turned a backyard into a whimsical Trolls world, curated by Elysian Events. A colorful rainbow arch greeted guests at the entrance, leading them into a dazzling new Trolls-inspired realm.

Married on a Monday | Ashley Cook and Julia Jakubiak, Ashley Skeie Events

Blending the whimsical charm of Alice in Wonderland with Wes Anderson’s bold aesthetic, this intimate Monday wedding was a celebration of color, creativity, and love. Vibrant tablescapes, playful details, and artistic touches brought a sense of wonder to every moment. Thoughtfully designed to feel both unique and personal, the day transformed into an unforgettable storybook setting for the couple and their closest loved ones.

Olu’s Home 25th Anniversary Celebration | Brittany Morris, Bella Mystique

Step into an evening of heartfelt celebration and vibrant design at Olu’s Home 25th Anniversary Party. This milestone event blended bold colors, elegant decor, and meaningful touches to honor two-and-a-half decades of dedication, creating an unforgettable atmosphere that celebrated community, history, and hope—all within a thoughtful budget of under $30,000.

Best Design & Decor Over $30,000

Paige & Johnnie’s Swanky Jazz Age Club Wedding | Rachelle Mazumdar, Style-Architects Weddings

Paige and Johnnie celebrated their union with an over-the-top, New York, swanky jazz club vibe. Being old souls, they love the energy, the music, and the mystery of this bygone era. They wanted guests transported back in time but with a few contemporary twists. So we designed and planned a sultry, sophisticated celebration that felt like it was dropped in 1920’s New York.

IT’S A BARBIE POOL PARTY! | Todd Pinzuti, Bungalow 6 Design & Events and Char Mason, Mason Creative

A real-life Barbie Pool Party was the theme of this corporate event. Our “Barbie and Ken” guests arrived in full costume ready for fun and were treated to “Pink-a-licious” foods stations and on-theme Barbie drinks. The star of the design was a two-story custom Barbie Dream House with “pools” of blue balls and a 2nd floor DJ. Guests enjoyed eye-popping photo ops and dancing to a Barbie playlist. This event was praised by attendees as THE most enjoyable corporate party they have ever attended.

Moody Revelry: A Corporate Holiday Bash | Collected & Co.

The end of 2024 called for a celebration; a Moody Revelry delivered in upscale style. Held at a sophisticated venue, this luxury corporate event was a heartfelt tribute to the dedication, resilience, and exceptional contributions of employees and their spouses throughout the year.

Best Use of Speciality Decor or Installations

Winter Village Grand Opening | Jason Brown-Hoesing

The Winter Village Opening Party transformed the hotel into a winter wonderland, inviting guests to celebrate the season with a blend of curated experiences, gourmet delights, and immersive festive decor. The event brought together community members and hotel guests to kick off the Winter Village program, offering warmth, cheer, and luxury in a uniquely crafted atmosphere.

Southern Charm Meets Midwestern Flair: Heirloom Elegance & Dance Floor Magic | Collected & Co.

M + M’s fall wedding blended timeless elegance with modern vibrance. Rich autumnal hues and classic toile patterns set a sophisticated scene, while a stunning dance floor installation—surrounded by plush banquette seating—transformed the space into a high-end nightclub experience. Guests reveled in the rhythm of the season, celebrating love with an unforgettable fusion of tradition, luxury, and dance floor magic.

With This Weed, I Thee Wed | Kastina Morrison, Kastina & Co and Ashley Rugel, Style Society

Rachelle and Kurt’s wedding redefined event décor by integrating cannabis plants into every floral element—from bouquets to grand installations. More than a theme, cannabis became an artful design feature woven into elegant, modern décor, yet to be seen in Minnesota. Set on a local hemp farm with plants grown by the couple, the wedding blended cannabis use, education, and innovation, creating one of the first official ‘weed weddings’ done well.

Best Use of Floral

Chapter Aesthetic Studio Leadership Retreat - GLAMMY Awards | Carlie Knudsen, Event Lab

Each year, Clinical Directors, Nurses and Estheticians from Chapter Aesthetic Studios across the country come together for a weekend long retreat. In April 2024, the studios came together for a jam packed weekend of seminars, sips and celebration in the heart of Minneapolis.

The grand finale of their weekend is the GLAMMY Awards where they acknowledge their peers' efforts in client progress and regional sales. Lush fuchsia florals were the cherry on top for a noteworthy evening of achievements!

Francesca & Lancelot's Wedding | Christi Poppler Studio C Floral

Francesca and Lancelot wanted their wedding to mirror their vibrant and eccentric personalities in every detail. Their goal was to create an immersive experience for their guests, from the floral arrangements and cuisine to the bands and acrobatic performances. We knew this would be an event to remember and made it our mission to give them just that! Guests ate dinner under floral trees and danced the night away beneath a canopy of branches and vines.

VIP Valentine’s Day | Festivities

A breathtaking suspended floral installation transformed a grand ballroom into an ethereal Valentine's celebration. Two-toned pink tulle cascaded from a 24-foot span, with fresh roses dramatically suspended throughout, creating an innovative floating garden effect that captivated guests as they entered the space.

CREATIVE SERVICES

Best Graphic Design Collateral

Charming and Enchanted: A Romantic Garden Wedding | Jill Elaine Designs

Overflowing with romantic elegance and soft, warm beauty, this enchanting summer garden wedding stationery suite evokes a charming, refined aesthetic that perfectly suits the couple's nuptials at one of Minnesota's pristine country clubs. Delicate watercolor florals and a pillowy letterpress design elegantly reflect their style through striking hues of natural greens, rose tones, and pops of bordeaux, setting a breathtakingly romantic scene for their beautiful wedding day.

Best Event Photography

Come Sail Away to a Polynesian Paradise | Joe Szurszewski. Joe Szurszewski Photography LLC

Pinnacle Council is the top-level incentive event for a Fortune 500 financial services company, and in 2024 it ventured to French Polynesia where attendees and guests enjoyed a luxury cruise that visited 5 incredibly lush and beautiful islands, and the top 25 qualifiers also got to spend time on Marlon Brando's private island. Between fierce Tahitian warriors, extraordinary food, close encounters with manta rays & sharks, and breathtaking scenery, this was the tropical trip of a lifetime.

An unConventional Hair Affair | Joe Szurszewski. Joe Szurszewski Photography LLC

The bi-annual Great Clips Convention brings together several thousand franchisees, managers, and stylists from over 4000 salons around the US and Canada for 3 days of enthusiastic celebration, networking, training, and occasional inspired silliness. In 2024 this meant sing-a-longs, giveaways, awards, and the introduction of the new corporate mascot!

Friends, Family and the Hall of Fame in Frame | Joe Szurszewski. Joe Szurszewski Photography LLC

The 2024 Hall of Fame class of financial advisors gathered in Chicago with their friends, families and existing Hall of Famers for an elegant and relaxing weekend, culminating in a black tie induction ceremony in the Aon Ballroom at the end of Navy Pier. Current and previous inductees alike got the chance to catch up with old friends and celebrate their successes and many years of service.

Best Wedding Photography

Kelsey & Sal's Wedding | Athena (Feldshon) Hays, Empiria Studios

Kelsey and Sal opted for documentary wedding photography coverage, and were looking forward to just enjoying the day without performing or posing for the camera (beyond a few family photos). A few weeks prior to the wedding, we really did decide to take the day as it came, given that Sal's mom was placed in hospice care. No expectations, no plan, just a sheer hope that the day would be as joyous as possible. It was all that and more.

The Art of Authenticity: Celebrating Love and Nature Through the Lens | Andrew Vick, Vick Photography

This wedding was a once-in-a-lifetime event, both a creative dream and a professional challenge. As a photographer, I had to be everywhere at once while remaining invisible, capturing deeply personal moments without disrupting the intimacy they worked so hard to create. From a secret first look by the water to a choreographed “Dancing Queen” flash mob, every moment demanded a mix of artistry, adaptability, and technical precision. The stunning Wild Rice Retreat Center, hosting its first-ever wedding, provided breathtaking natural light but also logistical hurdles, from limited setup time to navigating a 20-person wedding party while ensuring authenticity in every frame. All of this resulted in a visual story that reflects not just a wedding day, but the soul of who they are as a couple, peaceful, vibrant, and completely in tune with the world around them.

BEST LOGISTICS

Best Logistics

Hockey Day Minnesota 2024 | Colin Ericson, Ultimate Events

Hockey Day Minnesota, an annual event that celebrates Hockey culture, selects a city every year to host the activities including outdoor hockey games, concerts, unique activations and next level hospitality. Supported by the FanDuel Sports network, this event would be televised throughout the day on Saturday, however the events and activations spanned over 7 days for the local community, Warroad Minnesota. Warroad, located on the northern Minnesota border, is a small but passionate hockey community and their passion for the sport was the center focus for a spectacular event.

NFT-MSP Culture Convergence 2024 | Jessica Barrett, Bigger Picture Solutions

NFT-MSP Culture Convergence 2024

transformed an open-air mall into a multi-day festival celebrating art, music, technology, and community. With weeks

to plan, the team coordinated logistics, security, and vendor management, repurposed vacant retail spaces, and installed thousands of feet of barricades for smooth crowd flow. Despite holiday weekend challenges, strategic partnerships and creative solutions ensured a seamlessly executed event.

Jimmy & Rosalynn Carter Work Project | Hannah Hegman & Kalsey Beach, Do Good Events; Bryanna Nagan, Tori Quittem, Kaitlyn Dormer & Jake Kirchgessner - Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity; Jeffrey Riley - Chef Jeff Catering; Colin Ericson - Ultimate Events

Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity hosted the Jimmy & Rosalynn Carter Work Project with the support of Minnesota event vendors. The project brought together thousands of volunteers, celebrities, elected officials, and others to cast a spotlight on affordable housing and build 30 homes in St. Paul's East Side. The Heights is the organization’s largest-ever development! This week-long project activated 20,000+ square feet of tenting, 27,749 volunteer hours, and literal tons of tools and supplies.

Best Audio Visual Production

Children's Cancer Research Fund's DREAM Gala | McKenna LaFave and Megan Pellettiere, Heroic Productions

A long-standing tradition, the DREAM Gala, is the Twin Cities’ event benefiting Children’s Cancer Research Fund (CCRF). This annual event is beautifully crafted with exciting experiences, inspiring stories, and fabulous food, all for a meaningful cause: to end childhood cancer.A long-standing tradition, the DREAM Gala, is the Twin Cities’ event benefiting Children’s Cancer Research Fund (CCRF). This annual event is beautifully crafted with exciting experiences, inspiring stories, and fabulous food, all for a meaningful cause: to end childhood cancer.

The Wonderful Company | Dan Schlueter, AV For You

We crafted an immersive networking experience for 200 nutritionists from around the globe, using creative lighting and projection mapping to evoke the ambiance of a vineyard. By transforming the venue with dynamic visuals on white walls and blacked-out windows, we showcased the company’s products while fostering meaningful connections. This setup allowed attendees to engage with the brand in a way that felt both personal and innovative.

Best Entertainment Production

Rio Carnival | Enticing Entertainment

Rio Carnival was a night bursting with electrifying energy, where vibrant culture met seductive rhythms and dazzling performances! VIP guests of Grand Casino Hinckley were transported to the heart of Brazil, surrounded by samba dancers, aerialists, acrobats, and feathered characters whose hypnotic movements brought Carnival to life. Sparkling sequins, infectious music, and joyous revelry set the stage for an unforgettable 5-day New Year’s Eve Celebration. From breathtaking group routines to intimate duets, every performance radiated passion, vibrance, and sultry sophistication. The festivities culminated in an immersive blend of roaming entertainers, dazzling dinner shows, and interactive experiences, creating a vibrant atmosphere that invited patrons to fully embrace the magic of Carnival!

NFT-MSP Culture Convergence 2024 | Jessica Barrett, Bigger Picture Solutions

NFT-MSP Culture Convergence 2024 brought live music, action sports, dance, and interactive art together for an electrifying experience. Featuring BMX stunt performances, breakdancers, DJs, and national headliners, the festival delivered high-energy entertainment. Despite a tight timeline, the team secured top talent, managed staging and production, and ensured seamless show flow, creating a captivating, immersive celebration of creativity and culture.

EVENT PLANNING

Best Corporate

Moody Revelry: A Corporate Holiday Bash | Collected & Co.

LeCreuset New Color Launch | MAVEN

An exclusive, open-air corporate event at a winery celebrated the Midwest launch of a renowned kitchen brand’s latest color release. Sixty VIP guests, including media, industry professionals, and brand enthusiasts, were welcomed at a cocktail station before enjoying an unforgettable evening featuring a James Beard-nominated chef, live music, a live painter, and a French market-style flower bar. Thoughtfully curated design, storytelling, and seamless execution ensured a memorable brand-driven experience.

Bauer Built's 80th Anniversary Party | Jenna Culley, Jenna Culley Events

Bauer Built’s 80th Anniversary rocked an epic 80’s theme in a small town turned big-time venue! A massive tent set the stage for 500 guests, two killer bands (one straight from Nashville), and KISS-inspired stilt walkers. With six food trucks, dazzling décor from multiple vendors, and non-stop energy, the night ended with a jaw-dropping 300-drone light show. Totally rad, totally unforgettable!

Best Non-Profit

MAN DOWN: The Green Edition | Gayle Smaller Jr., The MAN DOWN Project

MAN DOWN is committed to transforming the conversation around men’s mental health by using the influential platform of fashion to raise awareness, challenge stigma, foster open dialogue, and provide tangible support and resources for men seeking help.

Minnesota Children's Museum:Play-A-Palooza | Samantha Groves, Event Lab

In May 2024, the Minnesota Children's Museum hosted its annual fundraising event, a one-day celebration aimed at raising funds for the museum’s programs and initiatives. The event joined together donors, supporters, and community members, to enjoy the museum transformed into a tropical paradise.

Best Public

NFT-MSP Culture Convergence 2024 (Event Planning: Public) | Jessica Barrett, Bigger Picture Solutions

Held at West End Shopping Mall, NFT-MSP Culture Convergence 2024 was a three-day festival celebrating art, music, Web3, and community. With expert panels, interactive exhibits, action sports, and live performances, it drew attendees nationwide. Creative use of space, live streaming, and strategic partnerships fostered real-world connections while positioning Minneapolis-St. Paul as a hub for innovation and culture.

British Legacy Dinner | MAVEN

Inspired by the Regency Era and

Bridgerton, this immersive dinner transported guests for the evening. Hosted at Paris Dining Club, a candlelit long table was adorned with vintage china, candelabras, and florals. Guests were introduced in true Regency fashion, received Society Papers like Lady Whistledown’s, and enjoyed a curated dinner by James Beard-nominated chefs. The Queen crowned a “Diamond of the Evening,” making for a truly regal affair.

Creative Renaissance | Annie Clark, MB Activate & Fashion Week MN

The Creative Renaissance Fashion Show at the Minneapolis Institute of Art celebrated the Twin Cities’ vibrant arts and culture scene. The event showcased over 30 local designers and boutiques emphasizing inclusivity, representation, and collaboration. Local luminaries like Chef Sean Sherman, Michelle Young, and DJ Taylor modeled designs, demonstrating fashion’s deep ties to identity and culture. The evening featured a dynamic runway show, immersive art, and music, culminating in a lively dance party, highlighting the city’s creative energy and diversity.The Creative Renaissance Fashion Show at the Minneapolis Institute of Art celebrated the Twin Cities’ vibrant arts and culture scene. The event showcased over 30 local designers and boutiques emphasizing inclusivity, representation, and collaboration. Local luminaries like Chef Sean Sherman, Michelle Young, and DJ Taylor modeled designs, demonstrating fashion’s deep ties to identity and culture. The evening featured a dynamic runway show, immersive art, and music, culminating in a lively dance party.

Best Social - Non-Wedding

Winter Solstice: Dusk Dinner | Laine Palm, Laine Palm Planning and Design and Mandy Heathcote-Curry, Chowgirls Catering

“Winter Solstice: Dusk Dinner” offers a unique and elevated dining experience designed to nourish the body and soul. Focusing on solstice themes of renewal, introspection, and warmth, the event weaves together intentional practices, exquisite flavors, and human connection—all in an alcohol-free environment. This celebration of stillness and connection reimagines what it means to gather - creating a space where meaningful interactions and thoughtful details take center stage.“Winter Solstice: Dusk Dinner” offers a unique and elevated dining experience designed to nourish the body and soul. Focusing on solstice themes of renewal, introspection, and warmth, the event weaves together intentional practices, exquisite flavors, and human connection—all in an alcohol-free environment. This celebration of stillness and connection reimagines what it means to gather - creating a space where meaningful interactions and thoughtful details take center stage.

Smokey Mountains Birthday | MAVEN

A milestone birthday celebration at an exclusive farm retreat was meticulously crafted to balance luxury, adventure, and intimate connection. Despite record-breaking storms and last-minute itinerary pivots, we delivered a seamless, immersive experience where every meal, excursion, and gathering unfolded effortlessly. Guests indulged in award-winning farm-to-table dining and daily activities in a once-in-a-lifetime celebration.

Best Wedding

The Everything Wedding | Reena Maheshwari, Kahani Events & Design

This wedding was a 4-day celebration, encompassing 7 venue spaces, both outdoor and indoor, 3 modes of transportation, 30+ vendors), fusion foods, cultural nuances, personal details and literally everything the couple imagined. The wedding weekend all took place in downtown St. Paul and it was an absolute jam-packed weekend.

Be Our Guest | Gretchen Culver, Rocket Science Events

We created two unforgettable environments for one unforgettable couple. A chic, circular ceremony space was the perfect home for Tim and Adam’s heart-felt vows, and then as guests enjoyed a fun-filled cocktail hour - complete with custom pull tabs and an oyster shucker - we delighted everyone by secretly flipping the ceremony area into a Michelin star restaurant space for the reception. Guests enjoyed a multi-course dining experience and then ended the night celebrating on the dance floor.

Andrea & John’s Bold Reception & Babylon After-Party | Rachelle Mazumdar, Style-Architects Weddings

Andrea and John were married in their kitchen in 2022 and that was the end of the plan. Until one day, John decided that Andrea deserved the gown (or three!) and an entrance. They realized that celebrating their union was not about them, but about celebrating the people who were part of their wild ride to happiness and who stuck with them. The result? A blow-out reception filled with gorgeous details and capped by a shocking Babylon-style after-party.

GENERAL

Best Industry Innovation

OTHERWORLDLY | Monica Birrenkott, Full Swing Productions; David Kisan, SIP 'N BLOOM; Edward Raeker, Starlux

Step into a world where fashion meets survival. OTHERWORLDLY is a runway show where botanicals reign supreme and style meets sustainability. In a future where the planet’s fate hangs in the balance, haute couture is redesigned for a world where oxygen is the most precious commodity. The runway unveils a vision of fashion that merges necessity with elegance with an curated atmosphere of dystopian technology and lighted nature.

With This Weed, I Thee Wed | Kastina Morrison, Kastina & Co and Ashley Rugel, Style Society

Rachelle and Kurt’s wedding was a first for Minnesota, seamlessly incorporating cannabis into nearly every aspect of the event. From floral arrangements featuring live cannabis plants to a budtender bar led by a licensed counselor, the wedding prioritized education, thoughtful consumption, and guest experience. Held on a hemp farm with plants grown by the couple, it set a new standard for integrating cannabis into weddings in a responsible and innovative way.Rachelle and Kurt’s wedding was a first for Minnesota, seamlessly incorporating cannabis into nearly every aspect of the event. From floral

arrangements featuring live cannabis plants to a budtender bar led by a licensed counselor, the wedding prioritized education, thoughtful consumption, and guest experience. Held on a hemp farm with plants grown by the couple, it set a new standard for integrating cannabis into weddings in a responsible and innovative way.

Best Sustainability Effort

Cultivate: A Sustainable Event and Wedding Showcase | LUUM Collective

Cultivate, the 2nd annual Sustainable Event and Wedding Showcase, welcomed planners and event industry professionals alike to learn more about sustainable and inclusive event design from expert speakers and curation of niche vendors. All were welcomed, wherever they are on their sustainability journey, to join in taking small actions that when done collectively can lead to powerful change.

The 11th Hour | Annie Pennings Edmond, Chowgirls Catering

It feels like it’s the 11th hour to save our planet, can caterers rise to the challenge? Venue managers rarely get to celebrate on New Year’s Eve. But this time a glamorous mid-January night of whimsical glitz, late night bites, and magical delights await these hard-working humans. However, this is an exclusive event and not everyone made the cut. Single use plastic decor just didn’t make the list. Food waste? Didn’t make it past the door. Plastic straws? Not at this party!

Best ILEA Team Effort

Be Our Guest | Gretchen Culver, Rocket Science Events; Katiee Wandmacher, Apres Event Decor & Tent Rental; Sarah Johnson, Machine Shop; Christie Altendorf, D'Amico Hospitality; Josh Reitan, AV For You; Jenna Culley, Linen Effects