ISES Mpls-St. Paul Chapter

» General Information

What are the ISES Minnesota Star Awards?
The ISES Minnesota Star Awards began in 2004 as a way to provide event professionals in Minnesota with an opportunity to gain recognition for the fabulous events they create, plan, manage, and execute each year.

Who can enter the awards?
Anyone who has produced events (or components of events) within the state of Minnesota OR that works in Minnesota, but produces events in other locations. You do not have to be an ISES member to enter most of the award categories!

Why should I enter the ISES Minnesota Star Award?
By entering the ISES Minnesota Star Awards, you are able to demonstrate the amazing things that you and your company are doing! This is your opportunity to show people what you can do and what makes you stand apart from your competition. Imagine being able to tell your clients that your company is “award winning!”

Who judges the awards?
B In order to maintain fairness in the judging, the ISES Minnesota Star Award submissions are entirely anonymous and are judged by event professionals from another region of the United States. All entries are delivered to a third-party law firm for pre-judging. Once the law firm has determined that the rules are met, all qualifying entries are sent to another ISES chapter in the United States for judging. The results of the judging are returned directly to the third-party law firm, which supplies the information about the winning entries to the awards company. All of the entries must be anonymous (no mention of names or company names are allowed in the entries). No local ISES members or event professionals are involved in the judging process or knows the winners prior to the ceremony.

What if I have questions?
If you have questions about the process, or run into problems, please send an email to starawards@ises-msp.org and someone will follow up with you.

“I made the final decision to submit for a Star Award when I discovered it would be covered by Twin Cities Business magazine. As the Director of Marketing for our company, press coverage is very important. As I began working on the submission I was extremely fortunate to have the support of our chapter, and in particular, Jodi Collen, CSEP for her support, encouragement, and guidance.

When I was notified I was nominated for two categories, I sent out a company wide email to our staff announcing the wonderful news. It was very exciting, and nerve racking, waiting for the awards ceremony. From the moment I walked into the event, I was made to feel ‘special’. I was greeted and a corsage was pinned on me. I was directed to the reception area and the décor elements, food, and people all dressed up added to the festive atmosphere.

The categories and nominees, along with the winner’s name was read and presented by the previous year’s winner. When the first category I was nominated for, Best Logistics was read and the winner announced, and it wasn’t me, I was disappointed, but really didn’t expect to win the first year I entered. The next category I was nominated for, Best Technical Production, was presented by a dear colleague of mine. When he read my name as the winner, I was so excited that I can only remember hugging him and hugging the award. I can’t even remember what I said.

I owe many, many things to ISES – and this is one more!”
- Dianna Fuller, CMP (Member)

Entering an event for the Minnesota ISES Star Awards was an incredible experience for our company. Although it required extensive work, the process allowed us to re-evaluate why our event was successful, review in detail the steps our creative and production teams went through and challenged us to improve, innovate and exceed expectations! We definitely will look forward to entering more events for the next Star Awards.
- Patty Fleming (Member since 2005)

"The [entry] process was quite extensive, but I feel the time is well worth it for the recognition potential available."
- Tim Smith, AARCEE Party & Tent Rental (Member Associate)

"I thought the entire event was very well presented, showcasing all the sponsors enthusiastically and provided an engaging environment that was truly representative of the ISES Minneapolis-St. Paul chapter!"
- Betsy Pedersen, Meet Minneapolis (Member since 2001)

"The main thing that stood out was the decor! Mainly the spherical ice sculpture next to the buffet, WOW. All decorations were very unique & beautiful. I thought the hip hop dancers who performed were the highlight of the evening, so energetic & exciting they got people to get up and dance. I had a blast. Thanks!"
- Robyn Hellekson, Trocaderos (New Member)

2007 ISES Minnesota Star Awards Recipient List

Best Catered Event: Budget $10,001+
Marcia McKinney, D’Amico Catering
MIA Gala Celebration
As one of 16 events to commemorate and celebrate the expansion and re-branding of a local prestigious museum, this evening’s “grand opening” was a celebration for donors, dignitaries, visiting art-world colleagues and members of the museum. Due to the positioning and reputation of this museum, a visually stunning event was the goal for all involved. Multiple facets were created—from a VIP reception and plated meal for 900 guests, to an after-party with desserts, beverages and dancing for nearly 2,500 guests.

Best Use of Floral
Pete Nelson, Design Group
Under the Tuscan Sun
Floral reigned supreme at this VIP dinner as guests were treated to an evening under the Tuscan sun. Floral was an intricate décor element throughout the evening including the entrance, reception, dinner tables, ceiling décor and after-party. The event was being held for a group of local physicians, so the client wanted an elegant yet fun atmosphere where her guests would be able to relax under the stars and feel like they were appreciated for all they do for the community. The event took place under two tents and outside a mansion in Duluth, MN.

Best Event Design and Décor: Budget Under $10,000
Tim Smith, AARCEE Party and Tent Rental
The Breakfast Club
The owner of the business approached AARCEE to create a totally unique venue in which to entertain a networking group to which he belonged. He didn’t want to entertain the guests in a typical event or meeting environment; he was looking for something unique that would really “wow” the guests. He also wanted to announce the fact that he had recently purchased this large building and had real estate for rent. From a vacant, unfinished warehouse space, we created an elegant multi-sensory event space that accomplished the goals of the business owner.

Best Event Design and Décor: Budget $10,001-$25,000
Ryan Hanson
a WICKED affair
We utilized event design to create distinctive experiences for guests of a post-performance event partnered with national tour of the smash Broadway musical Wicked. A glowing green tent, blasts of smoke and low-lying fog effects greeted our guests. Linens in stripes, dots and solids of black and white combined with lighting effects to set the stage for our party at the OzDust Ballroom. Suspended martini-glass chandeliers accented simple centerpieces of wheat grass and jelly beans for a burst of bright green. Finally, a photo mosaic wall and graphics branded this experience and gave purpose to our "WICKED affair."

Best Event Design and Décor: Budget $25,001+
Becky Harris, Event Lab
Once in a Blue Moon
The 50th anniversary celebration of a major medical device company took place during their annual convention in Minneapolis. The essential goal of entertaining, marketing and hosting clients was partnered with the challenge to design an unprecedented event that marked a milestone year in the company history. The challenge to engage conventioneers on the trade show floor until the final chords of the evening event was met with gusto and creativity as guests experienced a event unlike years past. All event elements were given a new twist to highlight the client’s theme, "Once in a Blue Moon."

Best Use of Marketing/Graphic Design
Ryan Hanson, MENTTIUM Corporation
launch2006
This corporate half-day launch event experience was created for participants entering into a year-long professional mentoring program, as well as alumni from past programs. The launch event served as an introduction for participants and as a primary marketing tool for the client as they commemorated their 15th anniversary. The client wished for an event which was motivational and moving; a truly special event. Graphic design was utilized to both market and brand the event for both audiences through two invitations, event collateral and décor as we ‘illuminated’ our client’s message and the meaning of the meeting right before their guests’ eyes.

Best Event Photography
Marc Andrew and Leda Zych, Studio 306 Photography
KATIE + NATE
This event was a spectacular summer wedding held at a modern Twin Cities museum. The bride and groom are well known in their creative field as talented designers. They artfully designed a wedding full of whimsical details, laughter, and incredibly rich visuals. We were hired as the photographers for the wedding and were very excited to be chosen by a couple that wanted us to go beyond the expected to create distinctive pieces of art.

Best Rental Installation
John Swanson, Skyway Event Services
Rise Above the Dilemma
The theme was a client-sponsored, formal sit-down dinner in a 650,000 square-foot professional hockey arena. In order to achieve the seating requirements, three platforms of tiered seating at increasing heights needed to be built over the arena chairs. All platforms needed to have railings around their perimeter with built-in ramps for catering cart access. Construction needed to comply with safety codes. Plus the time frame allotted was a maximum of 64 hours to set and 24 hours to take down!

Best Event Logistics
Jim Bach and Andrea Bach, après party and tent rental
Museum Wing Opening (MIA Gala)
This event was the largest logistical challenge in our rental company’s history. The event was a two-day celebration of a new museum wing. The installation occurred over 11 days. It involved coordinating the installation of more than 35 tents, constructing platforms and walkways, and handling the logistics of at least 13 auxiliary suppliers related to rentals for this event. All-night strikes and set-ups were also required. The museum certainly felt that we met all expectations, and the event was a huge success for both the institute and the community.

Best Technical Production
Dianna Fuller, CMP, Hoffman Communications
Annual Employee Awards Show
The client’s annual banquet applauds the yearly accomplishments of its growing staff with cocktails, dinner, and an awards show for 1500 people. In addition to the carpet and pipe-and-drape lining of the entire expanse of the concrete exhibit hall, our company provided staging and décor for the event including two “trees of life,” corrugated metal panels, lit ceiling treatments, arching banners, and column treatments. Our company produced seven vignettes which highlighted aspects and attributes of each award being presented during the program. Another new addition to the event was the HoloPro® transparent projection system for directing traffic and communicating agenda information.

Best Social Event Planning: Budget $40,001+
Ryan Hanson, Independent
a WICKED affair
For a community theater trust, we designed a distinctive post-performance event featuring the national touring cast of the smash Broadway musical Wicked. An illuminated green tent and specialty fog effects greeted our guests. Linens in black and white variations of stripes, dots and solids combined with lighting effects to set the stage for our party at the OzDust Ballroom. Suspended martini-glass chandeliers and simple centerpieces of wheat grass and jelly beans added bursts of green. Finally, a photo mosaic wall and graphics branded this experience and gave purpose to our "WICKED affair."

Best Corporate or Non-Profit Event Planning: Budget $40,000 and Under
Nancy Jacobs, Design Group
Vegas Excursion
This program was an incentive management component for the top sales managers of our client company. Events lasted three days during March 2006 and consisted of a welcome reception and several various food and beverage functions layered with assemblies. The team’s main objective was to visually embellish the function and engage the guests in a fun and interactive atmosphere. Ideas were developed specifically to cater to sophisticated guests who were savvy to the industry itself and had somewhat "seen it all." Our main goal was to provide a unique and outrageous experience using combinations of environment and entertainment.

Best Corporate or Non-Profit Event Planning: Budget $40,001-$100,00
Jodi Collen, CSEP, Dan Young, CMP, Joette Zembal, CMP; Thrivent Financial for Lutherans
Dining in the Desert
For this recognition dinner, attendees were treated to dinner under the starry skies of Tucson. Guests were transported in open-air jeeps to a tent situated between the mountains and the saguaro cacti. The tent was accented with the colors of the desert and throughout the night guests enjoyed performances by strolling violinists, the Tucson Boys Choir, and Harp Fusion—an ensemble group of 12 harpists. Finally, the clear skies of the Arizona desert offered guests a great opportunity to get a view of the starry night sky by using the telescopes provided by local astronomers. Truly a night to remember!

Best Corporate or Non-Profit Event Planning: Budget $100,001+
Ryan Hanson, MENTTIUM Corporation
launch 2006
This corporate half-day launch event experience was created for participants entering into a year-long professional mentoring program, as well as alumni from past programs. The launch event served as an introduction for participants and as a primary marketing tool for the client as they commemorated their 15th anniversary. The client wished for an event which was motivational and moving; a truly special event. Utilizing video, lighting, linen, dramatic floral arrangements and LED centerpieces, we effectively created a bold statement from invitation through evaluation. We ‘illuminated’ the client’s message and the meaning of the meeting right before their guests’ eyes.

Best ISES Team Effort
Susan Diamond, Jigsaw Unlimited
Craig Oliver, AARCEE Party and Tent Rental
Jack Scafide, CORT Event Furnishings
Luxury Tower Grand Opening
The owners of a planned luxury condominium tower in downtown St. Paul desired a project launch that would attract buyers, treat them as VIPs, educate them about the building and surrounding area, entertain them, reward them for purchasing, and create interest and intrigue within the surrounding community. A sense of excitement and urgency needed to be created in hopes of compelling guests to reserve a condominium and spread the word to friends, family, co-workers etc. The weekend-long event included a Friday friends & family cocktail reception, Saturday VIP preview opening and Sunday public grand opening.

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» 2006 ISES Minnesota Star Award Recipient List

Best Tabletop Design
Jeffrey Nelson, EventLab

Best Use of Graphic Design
Ryan Hanson, MENTTIUM Corporation

Best Event Photography
Angela Mens, St. Paul Parks and Recreation

Best Technical Production
Dan Zunker, Heroic Productions

Best Event Logistics
Jeffrey Nelson, EventLab

Best Social Event Planning: Budget $40,000 and Under
Melissa White, Interlachen Country Club

Best Social Event Planning: Budget $40,001+
Amy Fuerstenberg and Amy Steil, Mi Mi Design

Best Corporate of Non-Profit Event Planning: Budget $40,000 and Under
Ryan Hanson, MENTTIUM Corporation

Best Corporate of Non-Profit Event Planning: Budget $40,001+
Jodi Collen, CSEP, Augsburg College

Best Public Event Planning
Amanda Schultz, Grand Avenue Business Association

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» 2005 ISES Minnesota Star Award Recipient List

Best Use of Floral
Alice-Lynne Olson, The Late Bloomer Floral Design Studio, Inc.

Best Tabletop Design
Jean Peine, Studio 6 Specialty Linen & Decor

Best Use of Graphic Design
Kathy Rumpza and Sara Kamholz, Augsburg College

Best Event Photography
Angela Schroeder, Capella University

Best Event Logistics
TIE!! Craig Oliver, Aarcee Party and Tent Rental – and - Jodi Collen, Augsburg College

Best Entertainment: Budget $10,000 and under
Kevin Hall, Halls of Magic Entertainment

Best Social Event Planning: Budget $25,000 and under
Jean Peine, Studio 6 Specialty Linen & Decor

Best Social Event Planning: Budget $25,001+
Nicolle Sellers, Mother of the Bride Weddings and Private Events

Best Corporate or Non-Profit Event: Budget $25,001+
Jodi Collen, Heidi Breen and Marc Skjervem, Augsburg College

Best Public Event Planning
Chris Romano, Riverview Economic Development Association

Best ISES Team Effort
Marcia McKinney; Jolene Ihle and Pauline Hoogmoed, Mintahoe Hospitality Group; Craig Oliver, Aarcee Party and Tent Rental; Nancy Jacobs and Jackie Lee Stone, Design Group; and Betsy Pedersen, GMCVA

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