The 19^th annual collaboration of the Atlanta chapters of NACE and ISES was another stunning affair.   “The Way We Were” was the title of the Old Hollywood-themed gala, held Sunday March 15 at the Grand Hyatt Atlanta.  This year’s Allie Awards ceremony began with a reception where guests could peruse the nominees’ notebooks over Absolut cocktails poured through ice luges or over specialty logo ice and ice balls, all provided by Ice Caters.  Corona joined Absolut Vodka as two major beverage brands becoming first-ever direct Allies sponsors, and hopefully will continue for years to come.  The butler-service hors d’oeuvres by Menu Inspirations/Appetizers Inc. were scrumptious and guests had fun with green screen photography by Catch The Moment. Then the ballroom doors opened with a flourish as the lovely Dames Aflame showgirls led us into a classic mid-century style stage show, featuring the fantastic 17-piece Big Band Atlanta with talented crooner Mike Geier and vocalist Kayla Taylor, all coordinated by Spectrum Entertainment.

The room was adorned with columns, shimmering stars, tall palms and beautiful copper tabletop lamps, candlelight and other treatments, a true team effort by designers Margie Deitz and J. Wilbur Smith, along with the teams and resources from Active Lighting & Design, PSAV, Classic Party Rentals, Rainforest Plant Rentals and funding sponsors Event Rentals Unlimited/Tents Unlimited , Georgia International Convention Center and Plateau Event Productions. During the ceremony, guests enjoyed a delicious meal of Greek-style salad, beef sirloin and a fabulous pear frangipane prepared by the fantastic catering team at the Grand Hyatt.

 But the real stars of the show were the nominees – members of our chapters and our fellow event professionals who put their life and soul into producing exceptional events. As event photos flashed up on the screens, it was evident that this year’s Allie Awards were well deserved. When the presentations drew to a close, guests continued their celebrations in the After-Party, where time shifted back to present day with a pulsing dance beat, sleek seating areas and custom photo souvenirs by Button It Up. The gala was attended by over 300 event professionals and guests from throughout the metro area and beyond, all captured on film by Jeff Gaines Photography and Spectrum Photography.  Plan to return to the allieawards.com web site hosted by Willy Web for a peak at all of the pictures when they are posted.

Our appreciation to all sponsors and committee members and volunteers who made this night happen, and congratulations to all Allie Award recipients.  Special thanks to this year’s Allie Awards committee leadership:  from NACE Walter Nemeth CPCE, Chair, and from ISES Tracy Stuckrath CSEP CMM, Co-Chair….and next year’s Allie Awards Chairperson!

 

Thanks so much!