DFW NACE 42nd Annual Awards Gala | The White Lotus at The Joule Dallas

Written by Christina MacMeeken, Communications Committee

There are events that check the boxes.
And then there are events that completely transport you.

The DFW NACE 42nd Annual Awards Gala—The White Lotus—did exactly that.

Hosted at The Joule, this year’s gala stepped into a layered, immersive world where every detail felt intentional, elevated, and just a little bit indulgent in the best way. From the moment guests arrived, it was clear this wasn’t just another awards night. It was an experience.

A Fully Immersive Design Experience
The White Lotus theme wasn’t just referenced—it was woven into everything.

Layered textiles, custom table linens, and lotus-inspired place settings created a rich, tactile foundation across the room. Lush greenery and vibrant florals brought movement and life to each table, while warm candlelight softened the space into something that felt both intimate and high-end.

Above it all, draping transformed the ceiling into a resort-inspired escape. And along the walls, projection mapping added depth and storytelling—bringing in tropical landscapes, wildlife, and subtle motion that shifted the entire atmosphere of the room.

Even the audio experience played a role. Carefully timed DJ sound effects during the awards added an unexpected, cinematic layer that made each moment land just a little harder.

It wasn’t just cohesive. It was immersive.

The Flow of the Evening
The evening unfolded with intention from start to finish. Guests began the night with cocktails and networking on the terrace, easing into the experience before transitioning into the main ballroom for dinner and the awards program. As the room filled, the energy shifted. Conversations quieted. Glasses raised. And the industry came together to celebrate the work, creativity, and people that continue to push this community forward. Dinner was a standout in its own right—thoughtfully curated, beautifully presented, and genuinely memorable (yes, people were talking about the food… which says everything).

Following the awards, the night carried into an after party that felt equal parts celebration and release. The kind of ending that makes you stay longer than you planned to.

Celebrating the Industry
At its core, the DFW NACE Awards Gala exists to recognize excellence across the events industry—and this year’s nominees and winners represented the depth, creativity, and collaboration that defines the Dallas-Fort Worth market.

2025 Award Winners
Meeting Facility of the Year
Winner: The Village Dallas (June)

Meeting Décor of the Year
Winner: Bright Event Rentals, JPC Invites, Enchanting Events & Designs (April)

Meeting Entertainment of the Year
Winner: LaRon Hearst, MK Events (October)

Meeting Culinary Presentation of the Year
Winner: Vestals Catering (April)

Meeting Education of the Year
Winner: Jordan Swim (April)

Meeting of the Year
Winner: The Village Dallas, Great Music & Games, Idea Fountain, Inc., Patrick Shaefer Photography, Quest Events (June)

Committee Member of the Year
Winner: Lance Panton, My DFW DJ

Rising Star of the Year
Winner: Thomas James, The Village Dallas

Member of the Year
Winner: Ashley Scott, CPCE (AFR Furniture Rentals)

Business Partner of the Year
Winner: DFW 360 Booths

Event of the Year (Under $25,000)
Winner: Jonathan Batterton, Meadows Museum

2025 Event of the Year (over $25,000)
Winner: Plan It With Me, Magnify Coffee Catering, The MacMeekens Photography, “Frog Street Splash” 

Catered Event of the Year
Winner: Wolfgang Puck Catering, “Panda State Fair”

Event Photography of the Year
Winner: Tracy Autem, “Tiffany’s 60th Birthday”

Event AV Production of the Year
Winner: Total Events DFW & JP Storyworks, “THLN Boots, Bling & Paws Gala”

2025 President’s Award
Winner: Vanessa Alston, CPCE & Dana Blagrund, CPCE

2025 Howard Eckhart Hall of Fame Inductees
Tracy Autem & Chris Harmon, CPCE

2025 Legends of NACE Award
Marshall Leak & Dana Blagrund, CPCE

Sponsors Who Made It Possible
Events like this don’t happen without an incredible team behind the scenes.

A huge thank you to this year’s sponsors:

• The Joule Dallas
• AFR Furniture Rental
• BBJ La Tavola
• Blanc Canvas Drapery & Design
• Camp Crafty
• Creative Greenery of Dallas
• Crenshaw Photography
• Plant and Sip
• JPC Invites
• Jackson Durham Luxury Event Design
• J&D Entertainment
• JP Storyworks
• LeForce Event Group
• Lightware Labs Projection Mapping
• Quest Events

Individually, each of these teams brought something distinct to the table. Together, they created something that felt effortless—which, as anyone in this industry knows, is anything but.

A Night That Reflects the Best of DFW Events
The White Lotus Gala wasn’t just about recognition—it was a reflection of what happens when creativity, collaboration, and intention come together at the highest level. From design to production, from food to event flow, from nominees to winners—every piece of the evening contributed to something bigger than a single event.

It was a reminder of what this industry is capable of—and why we continue to show up, create, and push what’s possible, year after year.

And if this night is any indication, DFW NACE in 2026 is already shaping up to be something worth watching.

View the full photo gallery HERE.
View the video recap HERE.