Twenty years ago, one of the most influential men in the event industry had the foresight to realize that Atlanta was quickly rising as a leading city for special events and needed an awards gala especially for industry professionals to honor and promote excellence in event design, planning and production.

As an active and trusted member of both the International Special Events Society (ISES) and the National Association of Catering Executives (NACE), he, along with a committee of other industry visionaries, thought it prudent that the two organizations come together to produce the event – to be “allies” in promoting the best event and catering achievements held in and/or by Atlanta-based event and catering companies, planners and vendors.

The inaugural event was held in March 1991 for a group of approximately 185 event professionals in the greater Atlanta area. And, thus The Allie Awards were born.

Twenty years later, Tim Lundy’s vision is not only a reality, but it is thriving. Events being planned by and for Altanta-based companies are recognized worldwide annually. Our talent has grown, matured and developed and is respected at regional, national and global levels. And, the Allie Awards Nite is stronger than ever – we average more than 300 attendees annually, have awarded more than 450 Allies and recognized close to 300 honorees.

On April 11, 2010, we continue Tim’s belief with the 20th Annual Allie Awards Nite - A Birthday Celebration - at the new Loews Atlanta Hotel in Midtown. We hope to more than double our entries and our attendance from the initial event and carry on the tradition of honoring the best of the best.

The competition has become more creative and yet the possibilities have broadened. Awards are presented for outstanding individual and/or collective efforts in up to 25 categories. Two individuals are also bestowed with the Bob Blaesing, CSEP, Lifetime Achievement Award and the Dale Riggins Humanitarian Award for making a lasting impact to our industry.

I know you might be questioning why hold the Allie Awards this year considering the economic climate we suffered last year, but I believe this is the opportune time to hold the event. I know the year was hard - some of us have had to close our businesses, realign our structure, become more creative with our dollars, learn to promote what we do and show how events positively impact the bottom line. But it’s these things that make us stronger and offer the best opportunity to showcase what we have done to help not only our industry, but our client’s businesses as well. It is our time to shine!

Whether you created the best plated meal, hosted a phenomenal corporate event, crafted outstanding themed event décor, baked an exceptional cake, produced an extraordinary AV design, installed an unbelievable tent, used spectacular special effects to enhance an event, or used rental equipment in an unique way, I think you have done something amazing that deserves to be showcased among your peers and the Atlanta business community.

Entry forms for the 2008 Allie Awards and nomination forms for the Dale Riggins Humanitarian Award can be downloaded at www.allieawards.com. The Early Bird deadline is February 21, 2010. Any questions about rules and applications can be directed to Allison Schultz at finerpoints@mindspring.com.

I encourage you to toot your own horn, stand out from the crowd and enter the Allies.

If entering is not in the cards for you this year, please consider participating in the event as a sponsor, donor, volunteer or guest. Your support is essential no matter how you do it. Sponsors and donors, recognized for their support in a variety of ways, are essential to making the Allie Awards Nite happen. We value your input and your contributions tremendously. Volunteers make it happen. You are the lifeblood of the event.

Questions regarding Sponsorship and “Friends of the Allies” can be directed to Amy Bonner, Amy.Bonner@piedmont.org. If you would like to volunteer, please contact me directly at tracy@xpialidocious.com.

There will be a limited number of tickets (seating) available this year, so purchase your tickets early. Individual or table tickets are available, so invite both your clients and staff to enjoy a special night that is dedicated to and celebrates what we all do so well and love!

I look forward to seeing you in April!

Remember, toot, toot!

Tracy Stuckrath, CSEP, CMM, CHC
2010 Allie Awards Chair
tracy@xpialidocious.com