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About the Spark Awards

Ignited by The Greater Chicago Chapter of ILEA, the Sparks Awards celebrates achievements of those who excel in curating and executing events! 

April 9, 2026 | Bloom Events

CATEGORIES

Best Chicago Event

Individual, company or multi-companies who were hired to plan, coordinate, produce and direct an event from concept to completion. Submission must include Timeline, Design Boards or Supporting Materials.

  • Best Corporate

  • Best Fundraiser/Non-Profit Event

  • Best Social Event (Anniversary/Wedding/Birthday)

  • Best Outdoor Event (non-wedding)

Catering

Entered by an individual or company or multi-companies that was responsible for the preparation, presentation and serving of food or beverage. On or Off Premise.

  • Best Catered Indoor Event

  • Best Catered Outdoor Event

  • Best Unique Food & Beverage Activation (Examples include food truck, interactive food displays, interactive beverage display)

Entertainment

Originator must have planned and produced the entertainment. Directly responsible for all entertainment elements which may include staging, performers, technical support.

  • Best Musical Entertainment

  • Best Interactive Entertainment

Design & Decor

Individual, company or multi-companies who planned or produced the creative service. Styled Shoots are not accepted.

  • Best Décor for a Social Event (Non-wedding)

  • Best Décor for a Wedding

  • Best Décor for a Corporate Event

Creative/Support Services

Originator must have planned, coordinated and produced the services.

  • Best Technical Production for Social Event or Wedding (Examples include A/V and lighting)

  • Best Technical Production for Corporate Event

  • Best Technical Production for Fundraiser/Non-Profit Event

  • Best Storytelling through Event Photography  (Submission of full gallery of event photos telling a brand or couple’s story)

  • Best Use of Visual Media (Examples include graphics, video, or film)

Best Event Collaboration

This event features four or more industry partners who each contributed valuable and significant components to the success of a single event or conference or program.

Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Initiative

The Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Initiative category 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.

Sustainability Spark Event

The Sustainability Spark Event is dedicated to environmental consciousness and sustainable practices. It brings together eco-conscious individuals, organizations, and policymakers to discuss pressing environmental issues and innovative solutions. Attendees learn about renewable energy, green initiatives, conservation efforts, and sustainable urban development. This event sparks a sense of responsibility for the planet and inspires attendees to take tangible actions to protect the environment.

Lifetime Achievement Award

The Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes an individual who has given their time, dedication, leadership, and knowledge towards the advancement of the special events industries. The Lifetime Achievement Award is a nomination by an industry colleague.

Award recipient must be a member at the time of submission

Ignite Award

The Ignite Award can be either a self-nomination or a nomination by an industry colleague.

This award recognizes individuals who have been in ILEA for a minimum of one (1) and a maximum of three (3) years who displays impressive talent, and who is likely to have a significant impact on the industry in years to come.

2026 Winners

Sustainability Spark Event

PC Events & Experiences, LLC

PC Events & Experiences, LLC

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Initiative

PC Events & Experiences, LLC

PC Events & Experiences, LLC

Best Event Collaboration

CTC Destination Management

PC Events & Experiences, LLC

Creative and Support Services

PC Events & Experiences, LLC

PC Events & Experiences, LLC

Creative and Support Services

AV Chicago

PC Events & Experiences, LLC

Creative and Support Services

Mixed Space Studios

PC Events & Experiences, LLC

Design and Decor

CTC Destination Management

PC Events & Experiences, LLC

Entertainment

BeatMix Music

PC Events & Experiences, LLC

Entertainment

BeatMix Music

PC Events & Experiences, LLC

Catering

Food For Thought

PC Events & Experiences, LLC

Catering

Food For Thought

PC Events & Experiences, LLC

Catering

Food For Thought

PC Events & Experiences, LLC

Best Chicago Event

PC Events & Experiences, LLC

PC Events & Experiences, LLC

Best Chicago Event

Frost Chicago

PC Events & Experiences, LLC

Best Chicago Event

ESP Presents

PC Events & Experiences, LLC

Best Chicago Event

Live Nation

PC Events & Experiences, LLC

Best Chicago Event

CTC Destination Management

PC Events & Experiences, LLC

RULES/DETAILS

Each award applied will need to answer these three questions:

  • Key Objective for Event (Bullet Format Preferred) What did you do? (Description of products and/or services)

  • How did you overcome any challenges?

  • How did your event best reflect the category being submitted? What were the results or outcomes? How were the key objectives achieved?

Additionally, each submission will be required to provide at least 5, but no more than 10 photos, video or other collateral.

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Sponsor the Spark Awards

Looking to gain exposure and recognition within the special events industry community? Sponsor the Spark Awards with ILEA Greater Chicago! Our sponsorship opportunities offer valuable benefits to businesses who want to support our association and its members.


Learn more about how your sponsorship can make a difference.

2026 sponsors

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