Event Planning Individual or firm who was hired to plan, coordinate and direct an event from concept to completion. Overall budget is comprised of all elements of the event, whether billed directly to the client, or client paid recommended vendor directly.

Best Corporate Event under $25,000 Best Corporate Event $25,000 - 75,000 Best Corporate Event over $75,000

Best Social Event under $25,000 Best Social Event $25,000 - 75,000 Best Social Event over $75,000

(Note: Weddings can only be entered under the Wedding Category.)

Best Wedding under $25,000 Best Wedding $25,000 - 75,000 Best Wedding over $75,000

Best Fund Raiser/Non-Profit Event under $25,000 Best Fund Raiser/Non-Profit Event $25,000 - 75,000 Best Fund Raiser/Non-Profit Event over $75,000

Best Picnic

Best Fair/Festival

Best NICE Team Event Event planned as a team effort by at least one NACE member and one ISES member.

Catering Entered by individual or firm that was responsible for the preparation, presentation and serving of food. Budget is inclusive of service or staffing charge, but exclusive of sales tax and equipment rental. On Premise venues must be owned by the originator.

Best Catered Event On Premise under $10,000 Best Catered Event On Premise $10,000 - 25,000 Best Catered Event On Premise over $25,000

Best Catered Event Off Premise under $10,000 Best Catered Event Off Premise $10,000 - 25,000 Best Catered Event Off Premise over $25,000

Best Buffet or Plated Presentation Using food elements that were part of the food service provided to the client.

Most Creative Planned Menu Reflecting the theme or objective of the event. Entertainment Musical or Interactive. Originator must have planned and produced the entertainment.

Best Entertainment Under $5,000 Best Entertainment $5,000 - 15,000 Best Entertainment over $15,000

Directly responsible for all entertainment elements which may include staging, performers, technical support.

Creative Services Individual or firm who planned or produced the creative service.

Most Creative Invitation Design, medium and delivery of an invitation setting tone of the event and reflecting theme or concept by an invitation company.

Best Theme Décor under $20,000 Best Theme Décor $20,000 - 50,000 Best Theme Décor over $50,000

Production of themed décor to reflect the concept of the event’s creative use of props and equipment by a décor company. Originator must have designed concept and coordinated the production.

Best Floral Design Best use of floral by a florist or floral division of a firm.

Best Decorative Linens Creative use of linen by a linen company.

Best Tabletop Design To include entire tabletop/table design not including food unless used as décor by individual or firm who designed the tabletop.

Best “Green” Event Production which included significant efforts to reduce environmental impact. Support Services

Originator must have planned, coordinated and produced the services.

Best Use of Lighting Design and installation by a lighting or décor company.

Best Use of Tenting Design, production & unusual/exceptional installation produced by a tent company.

Best Logistical Achievement For An Event Innovations to overcome obstacles in event set-up.

Best Use of Rental Equipment Design and equipment used to enhance an event by a rental company.

Best Event Photographs Use of technical and artistic skills to capture the essence of an event by a photography studio. Individual Awards

Rising ISES Star This award recognizes individuals who have been in ISES for a minimum of one (1) and a maximum of three (3) years who displays impressive talent, and who is likely to have a significant impact on the industry in years to come.

Rising NACE Star This award recognizes individuals who have been in NACE for a minimum of one (1) and a maximum of three (3) years who displays impressive talent, and who is likely to have a significant impact on the industry in years to come.

Lifetime Achievement Award The N.I.C.E. Lifetime Achievement Award is awarded by NACE and ISES to an individual who has, during their professional career, made creative contributions of outstanding significance to the catering and special events industries in Chicago.

2012 NICE AWARDS ENTRY FORM

Save the Date! April 17, 2012

1. Indicate by CIRCLING/CHECKING/HIGHLIGHTING which category you are entering (see attached “Categories” for descriptions):

Event Planning o Best Corporate Event under $25,000

o Best Corporate Event $25,000 - 75,000

o Best Corporate Event over $75,000

o Best Social Event under $25,000

o Best Social Event $25,000 - 75,000

o Best Social Event over $75,000

o Best Wedding under $25,000

o Best Wedding $25,000 - 75,000

o Best Wedding over $75,000

o Best Fund Raiser/Non-Profit Event under $25,000

o Best Fund Raiser/Non-Profit Event $25,000 - 75,000

o Best Fund Raiser/Non-Profit Event over $75,000

o Best Picnic

o Best Fair/Festival

o Best NICE Team Event

Catering o Best Catered Event On Premise under $10,000

o Best Catered Event On Premise $10,000 - 25,000

o Best Catered Event On Premise over $25,000

o Best Catered Event Off Premise under $10,000

o Best Catered Event Off Premise $10,000 - 25,000

o Best Catered Event Off Premise over $25,000

o Best Buffet or Plated Presentation

o Most Creative Planned Menu

Entertainment (Musical or Interactive) o Best Entertainment under $5,000

o Best Entertainment $5,000 - 15,000

o Best Entertainment over $15,000

Creative Services o Most Creative Invitation

o Best Theme Décor under $20,000

o Best Theme Décor $20,000 - 50,000

o Best Theme Décor over $50,000

o Best Floral Design

o Best Decorative Linens

o Best Tabletop Design

o Best “Green” Event

Support Services o Best Use of Lighting

o Best Use of Tenting

o Best Logistical Achievement for an Event

o Best Use of Rental Equipment

o Best Use of Event Photography

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o Lifetime Achievement Award

o Rising ISES Star

o Rising NACE Star

IMPORTANT! See Rules for Entering for complete information on presentation and submittal.

2. Applicant Information:

Name: ______________________________________________

Title: _______________________________________________

Company: __________________________________________

Company Type: _____________________________________

Address: ____________________________________________

City: _______________________________________________

State: ____________________ Zip: _________________

Phone: _____________________________________________

Fax: _______________________________________________

Email: ______________________________________________

Affiliation (NACE/ISES): ____________________________ ** For NICE Team Event, complete a separate entry form for each team member. Include $75.00 payment per entrant.

Client Information (This person may be called to verify entry if referral letter is not included):

Client Company: ____________________________________

Client Contact: ______________________________________

Client Phone: ________________________________________

Event Date: _________________________________________

Each entry fee is $75.00. Payment Enclosed? Entries must be postmarked by March 1

st, 2012.

Mail Entry and Entry Form with payment to:

Jill Marie Zugaj Classic Party Rentals

9480 W. 55th St

McCook, IL 60525

Make checks payable to ISES.

2012 NICE AWARDS ENTRY FORM

Save the Date! April 17, 2012

Entry ID # (internal use only): _____________________

The ISES Rising Star Award recognizes an individual who has been in ISES for a minimum of one (1) and a maximum of three (3) years. The ISES Rising Star submission will require a description of no more than 500 words to include the following information:

Include a career description

Describe a contribution to ISES, and/or our industry, and involvement in a program that occurred between December 1, 2010 and November 30, 2011.

Indicate career goals. List any awards and achievements.

Include with your entry:

A photograph of the nominee for publicity purposes.

One 100-word Publicity Description: This 100-word description should include the entrant’s and their company’s name. It will be used for publicity purposes such as publication about the entry, the award event program, the reading of the finalists, and NICE media/press releases.

The NACE Rising Star Award recognizes an individual who has been in NACE for a minimum of one (1) and a maximum of three (3) years. The NACE Rising Star submission will require a description of no more than 500 words to include the following information:

Include a career description Describe a contribution to NACE, and/or our industry, and involvement in a program that occurred between

December 1, 2010 and November 30, 2011.

Indicate career goals.

List any awards and achievements. Include with your entry:

A photograph of the nominee for publicity purposes.

One 100-word Publicity Description: This 100-word description should include the entrant’s and their company’s name. It will be used for publicity purposes such as publication about the entry, the award event program, the reading of the finalists, and NICE media/press releases.

The N.I.C.E. Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes an individual who has given their time, dedication, leadership, and knowledge towards the advancement of the special events industries. The N.I.C.E. Lifetime Achievement Award submission will require a description of no more than 500 words to include the following information:

Include a career description.

Describe a contribution to N.I.C.E., and/or our industry, and involvement in a program that occurred between December 1, 2010 and November 30, 2011.

Indicate future career goals.

List any awards and achievements. Include with your entry:

A photograph of the nominee for publicity purposes. One 100-word Publicity Description: This 100-word description should include the entrant’s and their company’s

name. It will be used for publicity purposes such as publication about the entry, the award event program, the reading of the finalists, and NICE media/press releases.

2012 NICE AWARDS ENTRY FORM

*Individual Awards Only*

2012 NICE Awards Rules for Entering

To receive the most updated information follow the NICE Awards on Facebook and Twitter!

PRESENTATION and SUBMITTAL: Each entry must be submitted in its own individual plain 3-ring binder. It is preferable for the binder to have a plastic cover and

inner pockets for judging purposes. Each binder must have a cover page labeled with the award entry category. This page should NOT include your company name.

Ideally, this would be inserted into a plastic cover on the front of the 3-ring binder. See “Suggestions for Entries” on page 5. Entries must be submitted only by originators. If one event is entered in several categories, a complete and separate binder

must be submitted for each category. This includes entry information, entry fee, description and photos. Included with your entry should be your name, company name, address/phone number, client and category entered along with

any ISES/NACE team member or participants involved in your event. Your company name or logo MUST NOT APPEAR anywhere in the entry except on the entry form. Eligible entries will be

given an ID number that will serve as a reference for judging. Do not label tabs with company name – this will eliminate eligibility. Finalists must be a current Chicago chapter NACE and/or ISES member. Event must have occurred between December 1, 2010 and November 30, 2011. Entries must be postmarked by March 1

st, 2012.

The number of finalists per category will not exceed 3. Judges’ decisions are final. Finalists in each category will be notified via e-mail and/or phone by March 30, 2012. Winners will be announced at the NICE

Awards Event. Transportation and tickets to the ceremony are the responsibility of the finalist(s). Incomplete entries or non-compliance will result in disqualification.

EACH ENTRY MUST INCLUDE: 1200 word or less description of the event and its objectives. List all elements of the event (i.e., production,

description of your responsibility with the event, design, catering, décor, site, entertainment, etc.) What were the objectives and how were they met? Was the event/product or service original and creative? Was the event/product or service integrated into the overall event? Describe the execution of the event. 100 Word synopsis which may be used as a description at the NICE Awards if you are a finalist. Electronic copy to include: 100 word synopsis, and (1) photo to be used if you are a finalist. This electronic copy can be

submitted on a CD or jump drive. Securely enclose the item in the binder (staple if necessary). A minimum of 2 and maximum of 15 original photographs. Photos should range in size from 5”x7” to 8” x 10.” For entries in the

Entertainment category, supplemental video tapes/DVDs (not exceeding 5 minutes) are acceptable. Collateral material (i.e., invitations, menus, novelty items, program book, timelines, flow charts, client referral

letter, etc.) All client information will be kept confidential. Budget breakdown based on the retail value (the amount the client was charged). A non-refundable $75 fee must accompany each entry. If you are submitting multiple entries, a single check for

the entire amount is acceptable, though please be sure to note on the memo line what the amount includes. NICE Team Event entry requires $75 fee per entrant.

Entries need to be typed in 12 pt. Arial font. Please make checks payable to ISES.

JUDGING: Judges will be members of another Chapter of ISES and/or NACE. Entries will be judged on: How well the event met its objectives. Originality and creativity of the event, product or services. Integration of elements in the event. Execution of the event. Inclusion of support collateral materials. The quality of the event, attention to detail and concept. Any challenges that were presented and overcome.

The following Rules and Requirements must be met in order to qualify:

Incomplete entries or non-compliance will result in disqualification.

This will be solely at the discretion of the judges.

All judges will remain anonymous throughout the judging process, and judges’ decision will be final. Qualified entries become nominees based on a point-scoring judging system, which will remain confidential and the property

of the NICE Awards Planning Committee. A minimum score of 62% is required to qualify for nomination. NICE Awards Committee reserves the right to re-categorize entries if incorrectly classified *Refer questions to Jill Zugaj 708-514-2147 jzugaj@classicpartyrentals.com or Lanie Hartman lhartman@bbjlinen.com 847-933-4636.

WHAT TO DO! Submit! The NICE Awards were founded to celebrate excellence in Chicago events. Showcase your talent and achievements with your peers. Evaluate this past year. What were your biggest challenges, and how did you overcome them? What were the most rewarding events to you? Follow the rules for entry carefully. Be creative! Historically, the most visually appealing award entries have been the most successful. Stay up to date on the development of the event!

Become our fan on Facebook! http://www.facebook.com/NICEAwards Follow us on Twitter! http://twitter.com/NICEAwards

Come to the event! 2012 will mark the 11

th year of this amazing event!!!!

PREFERRED BINDER STYLE

REMEMBER! Your company name or logo MUST NOT APPEAR anywhere in the entry except on the entry form. We cannot express this enough! Do not let your incredible event lose eligibility on a technicality. Eligible entries will be given an ID number that will serve as a reference for judging. Do not label tabs with company name – this will eliminate eligibility. *Electronic Copies of Support Material* In the past, only the photograph of your choice has been requested on a CD or jump drive. This year, the 100 word synopsis must also be included. If this is not on the electronic copy, your entry will be disqualified. Please e Entries will be disqualified for failure to comply with any of the stated rules. Disqualified entrants will not be notified. Fees for disqualified entries are non-refundable.

2012 NICE AWARDS Helpful Information for Entering