Steve Kemble Named 2025 NACE ICON Award Recipient
Celebrating a visionary leader whose legacy has shaped the global events industry
The National Association for Catering and Events (NACE) proudly announces Steve Kemble, Principal of Steve Kemble Event Design, as the recipient of the prestigious 2025 NACE ICON Award, the organization’s highest honor recognizing lifetime achievement, industry impact, and enduring leadership.
A globally respected event designer, producer, educator, and industry advocate, Kemble has spent more than four decades redefining what is possible in meetings and events. Known for his bold creativity and strategic vision, he has transformed events into immersive, story-driven experiences that elevate brands, engage audiences, and set new standards across the industry.
“Steve Kemble represents the very essence of what it means to be an ICON in our industry,” said Jill Vidal-Raines, CPCE, President of NACE. “His visionary approach to event design has not only transformed experiences for audiences around the world, but also elevated our profession in lasting ways. Steve’s impact reaches far beyond the events he creates. Through his leadership, mentorship, and unwavering commitment to education, he has inspired generations of professionals and helped define the future of our industry. His creativity, influence, and service make him exceptionally deserving of this recognition.”
Throughout his career, Kemble has served as a leader across major industry organizations, including NACE, MPI, and ILEA, contributing to the advancement of professional standards, certification programs, and global collaboration. His work has played a pivotal role in elevating event design from a logistical function to a recognized discipline rooted in strategy, storytelling, and experiential impact.
Beyond his design achievements, Kemble is widely celebrated for his dedication to education and mentorship. As an international speaker, educator, and advisor, he has helped shape curriculum, inspire emerging professionals, and create pathways for long-term industry growth. His firm, Steve Kemble Event Design, is equally recognized as an incubator for talent, having launched and mentored countless successful professionals and businesses.
Kemble’s extensive list of accolades, including induction into the Event Industry Hall of Fame, Special Event Lifetime Achievement honors, and recognition as one of the Top 10 Event Planners in the World, reflects both his creative excellence and his lasting contributions to the profession.
The NACE ICON Award honors individuals whose careers have fundamentally shaped the catering and events industry. Steve Kemble’s legacy, defined by innovation, leadership, and a passion for elevating others, exemplifies the very spirit of this distinction.
The award will be formally presented at the 2026 NACE Experience Conference on August 4, 2026.