2008 Louie Awards Gala...The Stars behind the Scenes Have you ever wondered who was behind the scenes producing St. Louis’s most creative events? On Friday, March 7th, St. Louis’s premier special event professionals stepped out to celebrate the best events of 2007 at the 9th Annual Louie Awards Gala. Presented by the St. Louis Chapter of the International Special Event Society (ISES), the Louie Awards shines the spotlight on the creative event producers and professionals, those who are typically behind the scenes of the event. From two blocks away, the high-tech LED window lighting at Lumen Private Event Space, beckoned attention. The bight blue glow of the building forshadowed the intensity of the celebration within. As the proud host to the Louie Awards and one of the newest venues on the St. Louis horizon, the cutting edge venue was clearly suited to the purpose. To take the celebration over the top, ISES Member companies joined forces to sponsor the event, coming together to display the best in culinary skill, event production and event design. The Annual Louie Awards Program provides an opportunity for event professionals to gain recognition for the events that are created, planned, managed, and executed each year. With 23 categories ranging from the best in catering, to event photography, wedding planning, corporate meeting production, non-profit events, to best achievement in technical support, the awards recognize the artistry of creating amazing events of magnitude, prestige and inspriation. To enter, event specialists complete a rigourous award entry submission process, entering their best events into the competition. Entries are sent out of state to another ISES Chapter to be judged on an unbiased, anonymous basis outside of our region. The challenging award entry process requires the completion of a creative description of the event design, management process, services provided, scope of the event and challenges faced. The submission of a predetermined amount of event photograhy is required for entry completion. After cocktails, the event began with the announcement of a special award. The St. Louis Chapter of ISES honored Bob Bargen with the Founding Father Award, for over 21 years of continuous service. Bob is one of the original Founders of ISES International. ISES acknowledged Bob’s career and lifetime contributions to the special event industry during this heart-felt presentation. You can read more about Bob’s ISES journey by viewing the next newsletter. As the gourmet dinner was served, the presentation of the awards began. The 2007 Louie Award Winners are: Name of Category & Winner Best Food Presentation Best Off-Premise Catered Event, Budget under $200 Per Person Best Off-Premise Catered Event, Budget $200 Per Person and over Best Catered Event, Produced by a Hotel Banquet Dept or Private Club - Forest Hills Country Club
Best Tabletop Design,Budget Under $500 Per Table Best Tabletop Design, Budget $500 Per Table and over Best Use of Graphic Design - University of Missouri-St. Louis
Best Tent Installation Best Use of Lighting Best Achievement in Technical Support Best Achievement in Event Rental Support and/or Design Best Event Entertainment Concept and Execution, Budget under $20,000 - Logic Systems Sound and Lighting, Inc.
Best Event Produced for a Non-profit Organization,Budget $100 Per Person and over - University of Missouri-St. Louis
Best Wedding, Budget Under $200 Per Person - Alred Wedding Consultants, Inc.
Best Wedding, Budget $200 Per Person and over Best Theme Décor, Budget $15,000 and over Best Event Produced for a Private Individual, Budget under $200 Per Person Best Event Produced for a Corporation, Budget under $50,000 - Destination St. Louis, Inc.
Best Event Produced for a Corporation, Budget between $50,000-$150,000 Best Event Produced for a Corporation, Budget over $150,001 - Destination St. Louis, Inc.
Best Achievement in Logistics - Logic Systems Sound and Lighting, Inc.
Best Event Videography Best ISES Team - The Aries Company
- BBJ Linen
- Luluthia Floral Designs, LLC
- K Square, Inc.
The International Special Events Society (ISES) was founded in 1987 to foster enlightened performance through education while promoting ethical conduct. ISES has grown to involve over 5,600 members active in 41 chapters throughout the world with over 160 members located in the St. Louis region. Membership brings together professionals from a variety of special events disciplines including caterers, meeting planners, decorators, event planners, audio-visual technicians, party and convention coordinators, educators, journalists, hotel sales managers and many more professional disciplines. The St. Louis Chapter of ISES holds monthly educational programs and networking events for those involved in the special event industry who are interested in keeping on the cutting edge of event trends. Party professionals are gauranteed to have a blast while engaging in dynamic professional exchange at eagerly awaited ISES annual events such as the Trolley Tour, the Jingle Mingle and the Taste of Caterers. For more information about the St. Louis Chapter of ISES, please visit www.ISES.com or www.isesstl.com. You may also contact Vicki Morris, President of the St. Louis Chapter of ISES, at vmorris@charter.net.
The International Special Events Society St. Louis Chapter presents awards annually to companies and individuals whose work represents excellence in the eyes of a distinguished panel of judges. These are the Louie Awards, given to event professionals in over 20 categories.
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