The 2026 NACE ONE Awards honored the outstanding work of individuals, chapters, and companies across the catering and events community who made a significant impact in 2025. With a record-setting number of nominations across all award categories—including industry, chapter, and member recognitions—this year’s finalists represented the very best of creativity, service, and excellence in the catering and events world.
Nominees submitted entries earlier this year, which were reviewed and scored by independent panels of industry experts. Finalists and winners were selected based on merit, innovation, and impact.
Winners were revealed during the 2026 NACE One Awards Ceremony and Celebration on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, at the iconic Fillmore New Orleans in New Orleans, Louisiana, during the 2026 NACE Experience Annual Conference for Catering and Events. Awards were handed out by NACE National President Jill Vidal-Raines, CPCE, with members of the NACE National Board of Directors and trustees of the Foundation of NACE joining her to present and announce honorees throughout the evening.
Highlights included the induction of Joe Mahoney, CPCE, into the NACE Hall of Fame and the presentation of the ICON Award to Steve Kemble.
We are proud to recognize all of this year’s winners for their innovation, leadership, and commitment to advancing the catering and events profession.
Industry Awards
2025 Catered Event of the Year
Less than $50,000
2025 Catered Event of the Year
$50,000 - $100,000
2025 Catered Event of the Year
Greater than $100,000
2025 Event Design & Décor of the Year
Less than $50,000
2025 Event Design & Décor of the Year
$50,000 - $100,000
2025 Event Design & Décor of the Year
Greater than $100,000
2025 Event Entertainment of the Year
2025 Event Photography of the Year
2025 Event Rental Collaborator of the Year
2025 Event Production of the Year
Less than $50,000
2025 Event Production of the Year
$50,000 - $100,000
2025 Event Production of the Year
Greater than $100,000
2025 Team Event of the Year
Less than $50,000
- Hill Top Hospitality Farm Dinner
2025 Team Event of the Year
Greater than $100,000
TISOH's 20th Anniversary Gala - A Night to Remember
2025 Wedding of the Year
Less than $50,000
Chapter Awards
2025 Chapter Community Service of the Year
Up to 30 Members
31-64 Members
65+ Members
2025 Chapter Education Program of the Year
Up to 30 Members
31-64 Members
65+ Members
2025 Chapter Fundraising Event of the Year
31-64 Members
65+ Members
2025 Chapter Program of the Year
Up to 30 Members
31-64 Members
65+ Members
Member Awards
Member of the Year
- Linwood Campbell, CPCE, DFS
Student Member of the Year
- Alex Garton
Emerging Member of the Year
- Bonnie Vidal, CPCE
Michel Malecot Culinary Excellence
George Zell Spirit of NACE
- Erin Dennis, CPCE
2025 Partner of the Year
- AFR Furniture Rental