PACE-TASTIC! - 2009 PACE Awards Ceremony & Celebration

PACE-TASTIC!

(March 6,2009-Downtown Indianapolis)

Click Here to view a video recap of the celebration! (Courtesy of IndyVisual)

The Special Event Community celebrated its own Friday night, and did it in high style. The International Special Event Society (ISES) Indiana chapter, presented the annual PACE (Professional Achievement in Creative Events)awards. The PACE is an award program which celebrates the best events of 2008 being planned, produced and supported by members of ISES.

“The PACE awards is always a highlight of the year for our chapter. We take time to honor the fantastic events of the previous year and celebrate our achievements.” said ISES Indiana President Dee Haddad (Thomas Caterers of Distinction) “Plus it’s great when people who spend their lives putting on great events actually get a chance to enjoy a party in their honor.”

“We entered PACE this year to be recognized for some of our greatest creative events.” said Mary Beth Poe, owner of MBP Distinctive Catering. “It’s great for us and gives us some clout to be a PACE winner.”

The event, which was held at the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite, entertained more than one hundred guests and presented twenty nine awards. Guests were presented with awards and a rose from JP Parker Flowers. After the awards ceremony, guests were ushered into the Scottish Rite Ballroom. Once inside, their senses were indulged. The room was beautifully designed by Detail + Design’s Gene Huddleson, who was a winner in several categories as well as a sponsor of the event, with event rentals being provided by Party Time Rental. “As a past president of ISES Indiana I was proud to sponsor a program that puts our event industry in the spotlight. The PACE Awards celebrates an industry filled with creative and motivated individuals who work hard at making their clients look great as well as keeping their clients on the cutting edge of the event industry.” said Huddleson.

Exciting lighting and big sound were provided by BMG Event Productions, also a winner in the nights awards. Lounge areas were provided by CORT Event Furnishings to allow guests a chance to rest and still stay a part of the action.

“We enjoy PACE more each year.” said Patrick Sechrist, who’s company won an award for Best Entertainment Production for it’s work with the Lucas Oil Stadium Opening. “Being able to sponsor an event for event planners is a great honor.”

Guests were treated to quite a spread from Thomas Caterers of Distinction, who were also winners in a Best Catering Category. They noshed on open faced lobster ravioli and a “pasta-tini” bar, among other things. They were able to quench their thirst with a variety of fun drinks provided by Thomas and The Bridgewater Country Club.

Everyone hit the dance floor to twist and shout under the direction of Jim Cerone, who kept people moving throughout the night. The evening’s activities were documented by Troy Hill Photography. However, guests were also invited to take a whack at their own candids with Indy Photo Booth’s retro photo booth.

“It was a great night for PACE.” said PACE chairperson, Kate Hursh. “This year we awarded many awards to first time winners, as well as honor those who’s work has been consistently excellent over the years. Our program and organization continues to grow and include more of the Special Event professionals who make the industry so fantastic.”

“As a winner of eight awards this year I was very proud of our team at Detail + Design for being recognized as a leader in the event industry. Our attention to Detail and our creative Design techniques are proven winners. “said Huddleson. Detail + Design won awards in several categories, including Best Wedding and Best Event Design Décor. Michael King, from Detail + Design was awarded the Carson Ray “Spirit of ISES” Award, which honors an ISES member who has given generously of their time and talent to benefit the industry. Michael was honored for his work in fundraising for ISES.

First time winner Cocktail Sax Jazz Band’s leader Paul Thomas said, “Winning this award has been a great achievement for our business. This accomplishment and honor recognizes our efforts toward excellence as a part of a team that plans and executes important events. This award illustrates our quality and service toward making a client's event unique, special and perfect.” Thomas’s band won a PACE for Best Entertainment production as a result of it’s work at a New Years Event.

The PACE Committee wishes to congratulate the 2009 PACE winners.
Accent on Indianapolis
A-Classic Event Rental
Angela Talley Photography
BMG Event Productions
Cocktail Sax Jazz Band
Detail + Design
Elite Parking Management
Hoaglin Fine Catering
IndyVisual Videography
KB Designs, Inc
Knox-Array Event Production
MBP Distinctive Catering
Mon Amie Events
Nathaniel Edmunds Photography
Thomas Caterers of Distinction

For a detailed list of the winners and their categories click here

For more information or additional photography, please call Kate Hursh at 317-679-8725 or katehursh@gmail.com