Upcoming Deadlines:
Entries Open
NOW OPEN!!
Submission Deadline
May 23, 2022
Nominees Announced
June 13, 2022
Awards Gala
July 26, 2022
Award Categories and Fees
- Member Awards: FREE
- Chapter Awards: FREE
- Industry Awards: $115 Entry Fee
Add your team to your award submission!
- Team Member Fees: $115
- Additional physical awards will be available for purchase after the event.
Industry awards allow you to credit members of the team that contributed to the success of your event.
If selected as a winner, each team member included in the submission will receive an award.
Chapter Awards
Note: Click here to view Updated Chapter Size Tiers for 2022
Chapter of the Year
The NACE Chapter of the Year award recognizes NACE chapters that exemplify outstanding achievement in chapter planning and management, member participation, merit of educational programs, and membership growth and retention. Entries will be judged on how well the chapter achieved their overall goals and objectives for: membership, educational programs, fundraising, community service, special activities, communications, and marketing.
One award will be given to each of the three tiers of chapter sizes.
- Up to 19 members
- 20-49 members
- 50+ members
Chapter Program of the Year
The NACE Chapter Program of the Year award recognizes the planning, production, and execution of a chapter program which demonstrates superior achievement in educational content, theme, and presentation.
One award will be given to each of the three tiers of chapter sizes.
- Up to 19 members
- 20-49 members
- 50+ members
Chapter Fundraising Event of the Year
The NACE Chapter Fundraising Event of the Year award recognizes success in planning, producing, and executing a single fundraising event for the chapter that exemplifies the outstanding efforts and abilities of the chapter and its members.
One award will be given to each of the three tiers of chapter sizes.
- Up to 19 members
- 20-49 members
- 50+ members
Chapter Diversity and Inclusion Award
The NACE Chapter Diversity and Inclusion award recognizes and celebrates a chapter’s initiatives, policies, and practices that embrace diversity and inclusion across the catering and events industry. This can be achieved through community service, professional development, and programming activities that enhance opportunities for people of diverse cultures, backgrounds, and experiences. This also includes the practice of inclusive policies and chapter procedures.
Chapter Emergency Response Award
The NACE Chapter Emergency Response award recognizes a chapter’s initiative in responding to emergencies that impact the hospitality, catering, and events industry. Within this category, emergency response includes a chapter’s response to a natural disaster, severe weather crisis, or health pandemic. This award will be given to the chapter that furthers NACE’s mission to support and empower catering and events professionals.
Chapter Engagement Award
The NACE Chapter Engagement award recognizes a chapter that has outstanding member engagement with an educational component through social media, activism, or promotion of the catering and events industry.
Chapter Education Program of the Year
The NACE Chapter Education Program of the Year award recognizes the planning, production, and execution of a chapter program that demonstrates superior achievement in educational content.
One award will be given to each of the three tiers of chapter sizes.
- Up to 19 members
- 20-49 members
- 50+ members
Chapter Community Service of the Year
The NACE Chapter Community Service of the Year award recognizes outstanding work benefiting a charitable or non-profit organization, by means of an event or series of events, outreach activity, or fundraising.
One award will be given to each of the three tiers of chapter sizes.
- Up to 19 members
- 20-49 members
- 50+ members
Chapter Hybrid/Virtual Program of the Year
The NACE Chapter Virtual or Hybrid Program of the Year award recognizes the excellence in planning and execution of a chapter virtual or hybrid program. This program must demonstrate outstanding achievement in educational content, member engagement, theme, and presentation.
Honorary Awards
Hall of Fame Award
The Hall of Fame Award honoree demonstrates history a of career achievement, sustained commitment to the advancement of the industry, and significant contributions to NACE on a national or local level. Honorees are individuals that have contributed to the catering and events industry and their service to the association has been significant, substantial, and long-standing.
The Hall of Fame honoree will be nominated by the National Board. Nominees are judged by the Awards Committee. All nominees will be interviewed and evaluated on the criteria listed below.
Icon Award
The NACE Icon award recognizes an industry professional who has made an impact through their company’s or personal efforts that advanced or made a significant contribution to the catering and events industry. The recipient of this award will join a group of outstanding individuals who have also made meaningful impact on the industry. The recipient will be profiled by NACE and highlighted in future NACE Experience Conference marketing and promotions.
Rockstar Industry Submissions - $115 Entry fee
Event Photography of the Year
The Event Photography of the Year award recognizes outstanding photography and the photographer’s artistic talents.
Award nominations will be split into three subcategories:
- Social Event (non-wedding) Photography
- Corporate Event Photography
- Wedding Photography
Team Event of the Year
The Team Event of the Year award recognizes outstanding achievement in the seamless team effort to execute the total event planning and production of a catered event by a group of on-premise and off-premise caterers, event planners, facility venue managers, institutions (charitable, cultural, and educational), production companies, special event designers, linen companies, florists, balloon artists, ice artists, entertainment companies, photographers, videographers, and other members producing events such as parties, banquets, award ceremonies, fundraisers, festivals, sporting events, conventions, and expositions while working together as a seamless team.
Event Production of the Year
The Event Production of the Year award recognizes outstanding achievement in the overall event planning and production of a catered event by on-premise and off-premise caterers, event planners, facility venue managers, and institutions producing events such as parties, banquets, award ceremonies, fundraisers, festivals, sporting events, conventions, and expositions, but excluding weddings (see Wedding of the Year award).
Award nominations will be split into two subcategories:
- Social
- Corporate
Catered Event of the Year
The Catered Event of the Year award recognizes outstanding planning and execution for on-premise and off-premise events.
Award nominations will be split into two subcategories:
- On-Premise Events
- Off-Premise Events
Table Presentation of the Year
The Table Presentation of the Year award recognizes outstanding design and décor for an event table, including, but not limited to guest, buffet, or conceptual tables. A conceptual table would be considered a “best of show” display piece where several elements of a table theme would be included to showcase all products: for example, those tables as seen at bridal shows and industry table-top competitions.
Wedding of the Year
The Wedding of the Year award recognizes outstanding planning and execution for wedding events, including ceremony and reception.
Speaker of the Year
The Speaker of the Year award recognizes professional speakers who consistently engage, motivate, and inspire audiences.
Event Entertainment of the Year
The Event Entertainment of the Year award recognizes outstanding achievement in event entertainment concepts and execution for events such as parties, banquets, award ceremonies, fundraisers, festivals, sporting events, conventions and expositions, social, corporate, and wedding events.
Event Design and Décor of the Year
The Event Design and Décor of the Year award recognizes outstanding achievement in event design and décor for any social or corporate event. Events such as galas, holiday parties, grand openings, social gatherings, parties, banquets, award ceremonies, fundraisers, weddings, or wedding-related events are eligible, including events produced by florists, rental, linen, and furniture companies, event designers, production artists, caterers, event planners, facility venue managers, and institutions producing such events.
Industry Virtual Event of The Year
The Virtual Event of the Year award recognizes excellence in the planning and execution of a virtual or hybrid event. This award recognizes innovation and creativity in the increased adaptation to this form of events.
Industry Micro Event of the Year
The Micro Event of the Year award recognizes outstanding achievement in overall event planning and production of a catered event with 25 or fewer attendees by on and off-premise caterers, event planners, facility venue managers, and institutions.
Industry Innovator of the Year
The Industry Innovator of the Year award recognizes an industry professional or business achievement and community impact resulting from adaptation during a time of crisis. The purpose of this award is to recognize an individual or business that was pivotal in the growth and adaptation of the industry during a time of change.
Technical Production of the Year
The Technical Production of the Year award recognizes outstanding achievement in staging décor, stage lighting, rigging, audio visual, and video mapping components, including live-feeds, speakers, video walls, theatrical and unique technical elements for events, such as parties, banquets, award ceremonies, fundraisers, festivals, sporting events, concerts, conventions, and expositions.
Outstanding Members - FREE Submission
Member of the Year
The NACE Member of the Year award recognizes members whose membership, local and national association participation, contributions, and involvement have made a significant impact on NACE.
Criteria
Student Member of the Year
The NACE Student Member of the Year award recognizes student members whose chapter participation, contributions, and involvement have paved the way for fellow and future students, as well as increased the chapter’s involvement in the academic community.
Criteria
George Zell Spirit of NACE
The George Zell Spirit of NACE award recognizes NACE members whose commitment and compassion toward humanitarianism make a profound and recognizable impact in memory of NACE member George Zell, who passed away in 1999. George was the quintessential NACE member, dedicated to his chapter and the national organization through leadership. Nominations will be scored by previous George Zell Spirit of NACE award winners.
Member Frontline Hero Award
The Frontline Hero award recognizes a catering and event professional or business who, through dedication and charity, gives back to their community during crisis with pivotal impact in the event and hospitality industry.
Emerging Member of the Year
The Emerging Member award recognizes relatively new members whose membership, local and national association participation, contributions, and involvement have made a significant impact on NACE. Candidates must be professional or young professional NACE members in good standing for at least one year, but not more than 5 years.