2026 Espirt Award Finalists

ILEA is proud to present the finalists for the 2026 Esprit Awards! 
4
Best Overall Corporate Event

The Best Overall Corporate Event award celebrates an exceptional gathering that exemplifies excellence in corporate event management. This distinguished event seamlessly integrates strategic planning, innovation, and flawless execution, creating a dynamic and impactful experience for attendees. It represents the pinnacle of professionalism and creativity in corporate event execution, setting a benchmark for the industry.

Elevate 2025

Company
Hello! Destination Management

Gilded in the Garden: A Night Out in New Orleans

Company
WM Events

On the Eight Track - ASC 2025

Company
Hello! Destination Management

TC Marriott Block Party

Company
TC Restaurant Group - Marriott Block Party
7
Best Overall Nonprofit/Association Event

The Best Overall Nonprofit/Association Event award highlights a remarkable gathering that goes beyond celebration, embodying the spirit of purpose-driven excellence. This event demonstrates outstanding planning, execution, and a commitment to the mission of the organization. It stands as a shining example of how events can effectively amplify and support the causes that matter, showcasing the ingenuity and dedication of those in the nonprofit and association event sector.

ASAE Annual Conference Opening Night Celebration

Company
AOO Events

Charlotte SHOUT!

Company
Charlotte Center City Partners

Filberg Festival

Company
MRG Live Ltd

ILEA Build: Constructing Creativity

Company
CoveRock Consulting

LOOK25: Noir Nouveau

Company
OneWest Event Design & Production

Minnesota Star Awards: AREA 21

Company
ILEA-MSP

SickKids 150: #Balloonspotting

Company
Citizen Experiential
5
Best Overall Private Event

The Best Overall Private Event award signifies an unparalleled celebration that epitomizes the artistry of event planning. This exclusive affair demonstrates impeccable execution, personalized touches, and a seamless flow that reflects the highest standards in private event excellence. It is a testament to the exceptional skill, creativity, and attention to detail exhibited by event professionals in creating unforgettable moments for their clients.

Center City Vision Awards

Company
Charlotte Center City Partners

DebFest

Company
Sara Walker Private Events

Double Mariah Birthday

Company
Tolo Events

Grand Opening of Porsche Experience Centre Toronto

Company
TK Events

Studio 215: Warehouse 215 3rd Anniversary

Company
Warehouse 215
4
Best Overall Public Event

The Best Overall Public Event recognizes an extraordinary gathering that captivates the public with its innovative design, flawless execution, and immersive experiences. This event sets the standard for excellence in the realm of live experiences, showcasing the pinnacle of creativity and professionalism in the events industry.

Charlotte SHOUT!

Company
Charlotte Center City Partners

Furry 5K

Company
GFS Events

Santa’s Workshop presented by Shoppers’ Drug Mart

Company
Citizen Experiential

Surrey Fusion Festial

Company
MRG Live Ltd
3
Best Overall Wedding

The Best Overall Wedding award honors an exceptional celebration that showcases meticulous planning, impeccable execution, and a perfect blend of personal style. This event exemplifies the pinnacle of matrimonial bliss, where every detail is flawlessly curated, and the seamless orchestration reflects the expertise of a true event professional.

4-Day Art Inspired Wedding

Company
2 the 9s Events

A Blooming Love

Company
Wilkinson Rhodes

Rooted in Legacy: A Winter Garden Estate Wedding

Company
ERA Events
5
Catered

Catered recognizes outstanding design and production of food and/or beverage for an event, or series of events.

A Moderne Love Story

Company
D'Amico Hospitality

Ignite the Night - The Mayor's Party

Company
White Table Catering & Events

Svante's Carbon Craft - Grand Opening

Company
White Table Catering & Events

Tiger Stripes x Supper Club Vibes

Company
D'Amico Hospitality

Totally 90’s: A Throwback Feast

Company
White Table Catering & Events
5
Design/Décor

Design/Décor recognizes outstanding design and production of decor elements for an event or series of events.

A Blooming Love

Company
Wilkinson Rhodes

Atlanta Falcons Beach Blanket Tailgate

Company
WM Events

Beyond the Emerald City

Company
Cohera

Brohn Homes: Havana Nights

Company
Waterloo Creative

On the Eight Track - ASC 2025

Company
Hello! Destination Management
3
Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Initiative

Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Initiative recognizes an outstanding event, or series of events that creates cultural inclusion and belonging, through workplace and/or attendee diversity, diversity intelligence & vendor/supplier diversity.

Mojave Moment Resilience Space - IMEX 2025

Company
Hello! Destination Management

Surrey Fusion Festival

Company
MRG Live Ltd

Wing Luke Museum Dinner & Auction: Wing Luke Legacies

Company
GFS Events
2
Entertainer/Entertainment

Entertainer/Entertainment recognizes an outstanding entertainer or entertainment production for an event or series of events.

IPW 2025 Opening Reception: The Ultimate House Party

Company
BeatMix Music

Performing with Purpose: Lightscape

Company
Fluxion Entertainment LLC
5
Event Capture

Event Capture recognizes outstanding capture of an event through social media content, photographs and/or video.

Brohn Homes: Havana Nights

Company
Nomad + Camera

Catching Moments

Company
Hello! Florida Destination Management

Liz and Jon's Wedding

Company
Jessica Miller Photography

Swiss Bliss: The Reward for Climbing to the Pinnacle of Financial Advising

Company
Joe Szurszewski Photography LLC

The Bakken Museum: Sparking an Interest in Science

Company
Joe Szurszewski Photography LLC
4
Innovation

Innovation recognizes an outstanding new element or idea that elevates an event, or series of events

Aroma Journey Friendsgiving Fragrance Blending Experience

Company
Aroma Journey LLC

Mojave Moment Resilience Space - IMEX 2025

Company
Hello! Destination Management

Symphony Soiree

Company
Cohera

Yes, Even the Cream Cheese Wonton.

Company
D'Amico Hospitality
7
Logistics

Logistics recognizes outstanding problem solving for complex logistical challenges required to execute an event, event element, or series of events. Budget is not a challenge.

60th Birthday Party

Company
CORT Party Rental

A Blooming Love

Company
Wilkinson Rhodes

Emerson College Alumni Weekend 2025

Company
Emerson College

Khatsahlano Street Party

Company
MRG Live Ltd

US News Award Celebrations

Company
Glickerman Productionz

Viva Fiesta - Color, Culture & Connection

Company
INNOVATX Events

Wang Theater Dinner

Company
Cohera
6
Makes an Impact/Gives Back

Makes an Impact/Gives Back recognizes the positive social, environmental, or cultural impact of an event or series of events.

CTC Presents: The HOSPY'S 2025

Company
CTC Destination Management, A DMC Network Member

GO WEST Future Leaders Program

Company
OneWest Events Design & Production

How we achieved a legitimate Zero Waste Wedding

Company
Eclipse Event Co.

SickKids 150: #Balloonspotting

Company
Citizen Experiential

Spotting Scams and Staying Safe

Company
Livetech

Wing Luke Museum Dinner & Auction: Wing Luke Legacies

Company
GFS Events
3
Marketing Campaign

Marketing Campaign recognizes an outstanding event or series of events that achieves marketing objectives.

Cohera Brand Launch

Company
Cohera

On the Eight Track - ASC 2025

Company
Hello! Destination Management

SickKids 150: #Balloonspotting

Company
Citizen Experiential
2
Marketing Collateral

Marketing Collateral recognizes outstanding media material (print or digital) used to promote or provide engagement for an event - in person, hybrid or virtual.

Alyssa and Justin's Wedding - A Family-Forward Nuptials Event

Company
Aly Am Paperie

On the Eight Track - ASC 2025

Company
Hello! Destination Management
5
Multi-Day

Multi-Day recognizes an outstanding event spanning the course of more than one day with set up and breakdown days not included.

10 Events. 10 Looks. One Masters Tournament.

Company
WM Events

Charlotte SHOUT!

Company
Charlotte Center City Partners

ILEA Build: Constructing Creativity

Company
CoveRock Consulting

Surrey Fusion Festival

Company
MRG Live Ltd

White Cap: Champions Club Incentive

Company
AOO Events
3
Planning

Planning recognizes outstanding achievement in planning for a live event.

A Blooming Love

Company
Wilkinson Rhodes

Love Purse

Company
GYM Events

Tennessee Twilight

Company
Hello! Nashville Destination Management
5
Scenic Design, Installation or Exhibit Design

Scenic Design, Installation or Exhibit Design recognizes outstanding design and production of scenic/set design, temporary installations and or exhibit or tradeshow booths.

Aqyila "Bloom" Live at the 2025 Juno Awards

Company
Greenscape Design and Decor

BC Pavilion at Web Summit

Company
TK Events

Flower Wedding Event

Company
VIVAS Inc.

Pigment of Your Imagination - IMEX 2025

Company
Hello! Destination Management

Santa’s Workshop presented by Shoppers’ Drug Mart

Company
Citizen Experiential