We hope to see your event SHINE this year at the 11th Annual NICE Awards!

1. 2012 NICE AWARDS
ENTRY FORM
Save the Date! April 17, 2012
Event Planning Creative Services
Individual or firm who was hired to plan, coordinate and direct an Individual or firm who planned or produced the creative service.
event from concept to completion. Overall budget is comprised of all
elements of the event, whether billed directly to the client, or client Most Creative Invitation
paid recommended vendor directly. Design, medium and delivery of an invitation setting tone of the event and
reflecting theme or concept by an invitation company.
Best Corporate Event under $25,000
Best Corporate Event $25,000 - 75,000 Best Theme Décor under $20,000
Best Corporate Event over $75,000 Best Theme Décor $20,000 - 50,000
Best Theme Décor over $50,000
Best Social Event under $25,000 Production of themed décor to reflect the concept of the event’s creative
Best Social Event $25,000 - 75,000 use of props and equipment by a décor company. Originator must have
Best Social Event over $75,000 designed concept and coordinated the production.
(Note: Weddings can only be entered under the Wedding Category.)
Best Floral Design
Best Wedding under $25,000 Best use of floral by a florist or floral division of a firm.
Best Wedding $25,000 - 75,000
Best Decorative Linens
Best Wedding over $75,000 Creative use of linen by a linen company.
Best Fund Raiser/Non-Profit Event under $25,000
Best Tabletop Design
Best Fund Raiser/Non-Profit Event $25,000 - 75,000 To include entire tabletop/table design not including food unless used as
Best Fund Raiser/Non-Profit Event over $75,000 décor by individual or firm who designed the tabletop.
Best Picnic Best “Green” Event
Best Fair/Festival Production which included significant efforts to reduce environmental
impact.
Best NICE Team Event
Event planned as a team effort by at least one NACE member and Support Services
one ISES member.
Originator must have planned, coordinated and produced the services.
Catering Best Use of Lighting
Entered by individual or firm that was responsible for the preparation, Design and installation by a lighting or décor company.
presentation and serving of food. Budget is inclusive of service or
staffing charge, but exclusive of sales tax and equipment rental. On Best Use of Tenting
Premise venues must be owned by the originator. Design, production & unusual/exceptional installation
produced by a tent company.
Best Catered Event On Premise under $10,000
Best Catered Event On Premise $10,000 - 25,000 Best Logistical Achievement For An Event
Best Catered Event On Premise over $25,000 Innovations to overcome obstacles in event set-up.
Best Catered Event Off Premise under $10,000 Best Use of Rental Equipment
Best Catered Event Off Premise $10,000 - 25,000 Design and equipment used to enhance an event by a rental company.
Best Catered Event Off Premise over $25,000
Best Event Photographs
Best Buffet or Plated Presentation Use of technical and artistic skills to capture the essence of an event by a
Using food elements that were part of the food service provided to photography studio.
the client.
Individual Awards
Most Creative Planned Menu
Reflecting the theme or objective of the event. Rising ISES Star
This award recognizes individuals who have been in ISES for a minimum
Entertainment of one (1) and a maximum of three (3) years who displays impressive
Musical or Interactive. Originator must have planned and produced talent, and who is likely to have a significant impact on the industry in
the entertainment. years to come.
Best Entertainment Under $5,000
Best Entertainment $5,000 - 15,000 Rising NACE Star
Best Entertainment over $15,000 This award recognizes individuals who have been in NACE for a
Directly responsible for all entertainment elements which may minimum of one (1) and a maximum of three (3) years who displays
include staging, performers, technical support. 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.

2. 2012 NICE AWARDS
ENTRY FORM
Save the Date! April 17, 2012
Entry ID # (internal use only): _____________________
1. Indicate by CIRCLING/CHECKING/HIGHLIGHTING which IMPORTANT! See Rules for Entering for complete
category you are entering (see attached “Categories” for information on presentation and submittal.
descriptions):
Event Planning 2. Applicant Information:
o Best Corporate Event under $25,000
o Best Corporate Event $25,000 - 75,000 Name: ______________________________________________
o Best Corporate Event over $75,000
o Best Social Event under $25,000 Title: _______________________________________________
o Best Social Event $25,000 - 75,000
o Best Social Event over $75,000 Company: __________________________________________
o Best Wedding under $25,000
o Best Wedding $25,000 - 75,000 Company Type: _____________________________________
o Best Wedding over $75,000
o Best Fund Raiser/Non-Profit Event under $25,000 Address: ____________________________________________
o Best Fund Raiser/Non-Profit Event $25,000 - 75,000
o Best Fund Raiser/Non-Profit Event over $75,000
City: _______________________________________________
o Best Picnic
State: ____________________ Zip: _________________
o Best Fair/Festival
o Best NICE Team Event
Phone: _____________________________________________
Catering Fax: _______________________________________________
o Best Catered Event On Premise under $10,000
o Best Catered Event On Premise $10,000 - 25,000
Email: ______________________________________________
o Best Catered Event On Premise over $25,000
o Best Catered Event Off Premise under $10,000 Affiliation (NACE/ISES): ____________________________
o Best Catered Event Off Premise $10,000 - 25,000
o Best Catered Event Off Premise over $25,000 ** For NICE Team Event, complete a separate entry form for each
o Best Buffet or Plated Presentation team member. Include $75.00 payment per entrant.
o Most Creative Planned Menu
Client Information (This person may be called to verify entry if
Entertainment (Musical or Interactive) referral letter is not included):
o Best Entertainment under $5,000
o Best Entertainment $5,000 - 15,000 Client Company: ____________________________________
o Best Entertainment over $15,000
Client Contact: ______________________________________
Creative Services
o Most Creative Invitation Client Phone: ________________________________________
o Best Theme Décor under $20,000
o Best Theme Décor $20,000 - 50,000 Event Date: _________________________________________
o Best Theme Décor over $50,000
o Best Floral Design
o Best Decorative Linens Each entry fee is $75.00.
o Best Tabletop Design
o Best “Green” Event Payment Enclosed?
Support Services st
Entries must be postmarked by March 1 , 2012.
o Best Use of Lighting
o Best Use of Tenting
Mail Entry and Entry Form with payment to:
o Best Logistical Achievement for an Event
o Best Use of Rental Equipment
Jill Marie Zugaj
o Best Use of Event Photography
Classic Party Rentals
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9480 W. 55 St
Individual Achievement Awards
McCook, IL 60525
o Lifetime Achievement Award
o Rising ISES Star
o Rising NACE Star Make checks payable to ISES.

3. 2012 NICE AWARDS
ENTRY FORM
*Individual Awards 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.

4. 2012 NICE Awards
Rules for Entering
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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.
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 Entries must be postmarked by March 1 , 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.

5. 2012 NICE AWARDS
Helpful Information for Entering
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
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Come to the event! 2012 will mark the 11 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.