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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! 

Join us for an evening of celebrating event excellence on Thursday, April 10, 2025 at the Mae District.

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.

Submissions due February 14, 2025!

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RULES/DETAILS

SUBMISSION QUESTIONS

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.

ENTRY RULES

  • Each entry must be submitted via the Evessio platform. Entries must be submitted by event originators.

  • The company submitting must have a place of business in the Chicagoland area (100 miles from 60601) or the event must have taken place in the Chicagoland area.

  • Event must have taken place between January 1, 2024 and December 31, 2024.

  • Entry must be submitted, and payment must be received no later than 11:59 pm CT on February 14th, 2025.

  • Entry Fee: $150 (ILEA Member) / $175 (Non-Member)

  • Incomplete entries or non-compliance will result in disqualification with no refund.

  • Spark Awards Committee reserves the right to re-categorize entries if incorrectly classified.

  • All submissions will be notified if they are a finalist or if they are disqualified.

  • Company name and/or logo may appear on your submission.

JUDGING

  • Qualified entries become finalists based on a point-scoring judging system, which will remain confidential and the property of the Spark Awards Planning Committee.

  • The number of finalists per category will not exceed 3.

  • Our anonymous judges are ILEA Members and Industry Professionals.

  • Judges’ decisions will be final.

  • Entries will be judged on: How well the event met its objectives. Originality and creativity of the event, product or services. Integration of elements and execution of the event. Inclusion of support collateral materials. Any challenges that were presented and overcome.

  • Disqualified entrants will be notified and given a chance to correct the submission if done so by the end of the submission period. Fees for disqualified entries are non-refundable.

  • Finalists in each category will be notified via e-mail and/or phone by March 9, 2025.

  • Winners will be announced at the Spark Awards Event.

  • Transportation and tickets to the ceremony are the responsibility of the finalist(s).

  • Refer questions to Spark Awards Committee: ileachicagosparkawards@gmail.com

PAYMENT

A non-refundable electronic payment to ILEA Chicago must accompany each entry by submission deadline February 14, 2025 at 11:59 pm CT


Rate: 

$150 | ILEA Member

$175 | Non-Member 

IGNITE AWARD REQUIREMENTS

Entry Document: Description of nominee, 100 words or less, addressing the nominee’s career description and contribution to Chicago’s event community. Furthermore, please submit a bullet point list of achievements, and awards. Nominee must be an ILEA Chicago Member.


Photograph of the nominee for publicity purposes


Submission Fee: $25 per submission

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD REQUIREMENTS

Entry Document: Description of nominee, 100 words or less, addressing the nominee’s career description and contribution to Chicago’s event community. Furthermore, please submit a bullet point list of achievements, and awards. Nominee must be an ILEA Chicago Member.


Photograph of the nominee for publicity purposes


Submission Fee: $25 per submission

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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.

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