On Thursday, June 30th over 200 members and guests of the ISES NY Metro Chapter recognized excellence in the Events industry at the 10th Annual Big Apple Awards held at TimesCenter. To mark this milestone anniversary, the Chapter shook up the dinner gala format from years past by transitioning to a theater awards show with pre and post-show receptions that created a festive mood and lots of networking opportunities.
Upon arrival, guests were guided downstairs to The Hall via colorful arches furnished by Pink Powered by Moss. The space was transformed into a summer patio lounge and an elegant garden party with décor courtesy of Props for Today, scenic by The Spoon Group, draping by Dynamic Drape & Décor and floral elements by The Flower Loft. Lighting and A/V provided by Corporate A/V. Guests were entertained by the Jacovino Jazz Trio and walk-about costumed greeters from Shien Lee Events & Entertainment. They dined on innovative passed hors d’oeuvres and selections from Gastro-pub and Mexican stations created by Scoozi Events. Additional rental items were provided by Broadway Party Rentals.
Following dinner, guests moved upstairs to the state-of-the art theater for the main attraction. Hosted by comedian and writer Tom Shillue, the awards were produced by Proteus Productions with assistance from VRTCL Entertainment and stage design by Pink Powered by Moss. Hot on Broadway opened the show with a high-energy musical medley.
Along with revealing the winners of this year’s awards in 16 categories, ISES inducted industry veterans into the Hall of Legends in recognition of their career achievements. The honorees, Jes Gordon, Jeff Kalpak and Bentley Meeker all gave heartfelt (and colorful) speeches. The Macy’s Parade and Entertainment Group and The Clinton Global Initiative received this year’s C.O.R.E. Awards for exhibiting the best event results to advance their mission. New this year, the Emerging Leader Award was bestowed upon Morgan Steele Connacher. Society Awards created the stunning new designs for the crystal apples and honoree awards.
Click HERE for the complete list of winners.
The celebration continued in the Lobby Gallery where guests mingled and congratulated the winners in a chic black and white lounge created by Props for Today with additional lighting provided by PBG Events. Attendees partied to the sounds of DJ Shiran Nicholson of Soulsystem Orchestras and sampled delectable desserts by Scoozi Events. Winners posed at the step-and-repeat and guests mugged in the YouBooth and for the roving photographer. All photographic services courtesy of Fifth Avenue Digital.
Click HERE to view photos.
Keep checking the gallery as more photos are added.
The Chapter gives special thanks to all of our sponsors without whom the night would not have been possible and to Mari O’Connor, Kaila Raines, Jackie Tan and Sandra Winstanley for their on-site coordination.
Queens Botanical Garden will come alive with an evening of activities:
