2025 ICON Award & Hall of Fame Honorees
The National Association for Catering and Events (NACE) is proud to announce two of its highest honors in recognizing exceptional leadership, innovation, and lasting impact in the events industry. Steve Kemble has been selected as the 2025 NACE ICON Award Recipient, and Joe Mahoney, CPCE, has been named the 2025 NACE Hall of Fame Honoree!
Together, these distinguished leaders represent the very best of the catering and events profession – each leaving a profound and lasting legacy through their contributions to leadership, education, mentorship, and industry advancement.
Steve Kemble Named 2025 NACE ICON Award Recipient
A visionary force in the global events industry, Steve Kemble has spent more than four decades redefining event design and experience creation. As Principal of Steve Kemble Event Design, he is widely recognized for transforming events into immersive, story-driven experiences that elevate brands and captivate audiences.
Kemble’s influence extends far beyond his creative work. A respected leader across organizations including NACE, MPI, and ILEA, he has helped shape professional standards, advance certification programs, and elevate event design as a strategic discipline.
An internationally recognized speaker, educator, and mentor, Kemble has inspired generations of professionals while fostering new talent through his firm and industry involvement. His numerous accolades, including induction into the Event Industry Hall of Fame and recognition as one of the Top 10 Event Planners in the World, underscore his enduring impact.
“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.”
Read the full press release: nace.net/blog/2025-Hall-of-Fame
Joe Mahoney Named 2025 NACE Hall of Fame Honoree
With more than 35 years of experience in hospitality and events, Joe Mahoney’s career is a testament to leadership, service, and dedication to the profession. From his early days in foodservice operations to his role as Managing Partner of HospitalityStaff®, Mahoney has consistently demonstrated a commitment to excellence and growth.
A NACE member since 2000, Mahoney has played a pivotal role in shaping the organization’s direction, including serving as NACE National President from 2015 to 2017. His leadership helped guide NACE through key transformations in governance, membership, and strategic growth.
Mahoney is also a passionate advocate for education and professional development. His contributions to the Certified Professional in Catering and Events (CPCE) program and his deep commitment to mentorship have helped elevate industry standards and support the next generation of professionals.
“Joe Mahoney exemplifies the heart and spirit of NACE,” said Jill Vidal-Raines, CPCE, President of NACE. “His decades of leadership, service, and dedication to mentorship have had a profound and lasting impact on both our organization and the broader events community. Joe’s ability to lead with integrity while continuously investing in the success of others is what makes him so deserving of this honor.”
Read the full press release: nace.net/blog/2025-ICON
Celebrating Excellence at the 2026 NACE Experience
Both awards will be formally presented on August 4, during NACE Experience 2026, where the industry will come together to celebrate these remarkable achievements.
As NACE continues to advance the profession, these honorees serve as powerful examples of what is possible through dedication, creativity, and a commitment to elevating others.