Subscribe and receive the latest insights & essential content in the special events industry.
Yes, it's completely free
One Week Left for Late Bird Gala Submissions
Submit your event today for the honor of a Gala Award!
Special Events
October 24, 2023
2 Min Read
One week left to submit your event for a Gala Award!
In March 2023, we ushered in one of the most heartwarming and empowering awards galas ever. Tears were shed, beautiful crystal awards were held high with pride, and the energy was overwhelmingly positive. We expect nothing less than that in 2024, when we award ACE, Gala, and CATIE awards alongside some very deserving leadership and lifetime achievement awards.
So head on over there now to get it done! We want to celebrate you!
We invite you to submit your best work from the past year. Join in the excitement and the spirit of our industry as we celebrate the hard work and exceptional accomplishments of our peers. Check out this year's recipients for inspiration!
The categories for 2024 are:
Designer of the Year
Best Fundraising or Nonprofit Event
Micro Event of the Year
Virtual or Hybrid Event of the Year
Sustainability in Events
Best Wedding: Budget Under $1,000 Per Guest
Best Wedding: Budget $1,000 and Above Per Guest
Best Event Produced for a Corporation or Association: Overall Budget Under $500,000
Best Event Produced for a Corporation or Association: Overall Budget Over $500,000
Best Event for a Private Individual: Budget Under $1,000 Per Guest
Best Event for a Private Individual: Budget $1,000 and Above Per Guest
Total Décor: Budget Under $500,000
Total Décor: Budget Over $500,000
Best Entertainment: Budget Under $100,000
Best Entertainment: Budget $100,000 and Above
Most Outstanding Spectacle, Fair, or Festival
Best Multiple-Day Event Program for a Corporation or Association
To submit an entry to this year's ACE awards, please visit our awards portal.
Important Dates
September 1, 2022-September, 30, 2023 | Eligibility Period for Entries
Tuesday, October 31, 2023 | Late Bird submission deadline ($160 fee)
Submit Your Event
If you are interested in entering in the ACE awards instead, you can enter the 2024 Catersource ACE awards in the same online portal as the Gala awards. Catersource The Special Event will run February 12-15, 2024 in Austin, TX. Both the ACE and Gala awards will be presented during the conference at a to-be-determined location in Austin.
Want to be a Judge?
We are currently seeking volunteers to help judge this year's ACE and Gala submissions. If you are an industry veteran who would be interested in lending your experience and expertise to the judging process, please send an email to Senior Content Producer Amber Kispert at [email protected]. Judges will be selected based on their industry standing.
All judges will remain anonymous and agree to judge impartially.
