Terry Shields, CPCE, CSEP Named 2025 NACE Hall of Fame Inductee

The Board of Directors of the National Association for Catering and Events (NACE) has announced Terry Shields, CPCE, CSEP, as the recipient of the 2025 NACE Hall of Fame Award. The Hall of Fame is NACE’s most prestigious member honor, awarded to individuals whose contributions to the association and the industry have created a lasting legacy.

A 25-year member of NACE, Terry is widely recognized for his national leadership, lifelong mentorship, and deep commitment to elevating the catering and events profession. With a career spanning more than three decades, Terry has produced thousands of events—including experiences for U.S. presidents, foreign dignitaries, and global celebrities—and continues to serve the industry through his firm, Terry Shields Consulting and Events.

Terry’s extensive service to NACE includes roles at both the local and national levels. A transformative leader for the Dallas/Fort Worth Chapter, he served as Chapter President from 2005–2006, spearheading initiatives that increased membership retention, reenergized programming, and ultimately helped the chapter earn multiple national accolades. Nationally, Terry chaired numerous committees—including Certification, Awards, and New Chapter Development—and served on the NACE National Board. He also helped lead a full review and update of the CPCE exam and was a key advocate for NACE’s “one membership” model.

From 2017–2025, Terry served as a Trustee on the Foundation of NACE, including as its President during the COVID-19 pandemic, where he led efforts to provide dues relief, education grants, and member support at a critical time for the industry.

“Terry Shields represents the best of our profession—passionate, collaborative, and unwavering in his support for others,” said NACE National President Michelle Stansfield, CPCE. “His impact on NACE is profound, and this recognition is a celebration of his decades of leadership and dedication.”

Terry has received over 50 industry awards throughout his career, including the George Zell Spirit of NACE Award in 2013 and the DFW NACE Lifetime Achievement Award in 2008. He is also an active leader within the International Live Events Association (ILEA), the Society of Wedding Professionals, and several charitable organizations throughout Texas.

The NACE Hall of Fame Award will be presented during the NACE ONE Awards Ceremony and Celebration Party on Tuesday, July 29, 2025, at the 2025 NACE Experience Conference for Catering and Events in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.