Events that take the prize 

Posted: 1:00 am Mon, August 3, 2009
By Finance and Commerce Staff

MaryAnne London, senior vice president of WOW! Events by Kraus-Anderson, represents one of several event planning companies honored at the 2009 International Special Events Society Minnesota Star Awards and one of 14 Minnesota nominations vying for national awards to be announced in August.

Some other noteworthy and award-winning ideas and events from the 2009 International Special Events Society Minnesota Star Awards include:

Best Catered Event

Joy Baker, Mintahoe Hospitality Group: “The Container Store”

Guests were greeted by live music, a bar transformed from checkout counters, and champagne and hors d’oeuvres passed in the client’s products. Six Midwestern inspired hors d’oeuvre stations, strategically placed, showcased the client’s merchandise.

Best Event Design and Decor:

Budget $25,001+

Atmosphere Events, Shereé Bochenek, Aprés Party and Tent Rental, Ryan Hanson, BeEvents, Chris Swarbrick, Ice Occasions and Matthew Trettel, Chrom Creative Events: “Medtronic RNC Hospitality Event”

Innovative event design was integrated throughout numerous food stations, bars and lounges to create memorable event experiences for guests, offer interactive appeal, and tell the client’s story in a unique way for a delegate event during the Republican National Convention.

Best Use of Marketing/Graphic Design

MaryAnne London, WOW! Events by Kraus-Anderson: “KA Road Trip”

This retro party boosted awareness of Kraus-Anderson’s nationwide expertise via a nostalgic-styled “spin” through the United States, including roadside attractions, interactive games, regional foods, branded souvenirs and the catchy credo: Home or Away, Call on KA!

Best Event Support Services

Nancy Jacobs, EDG Production: “8,000 Guest International Conference”

Eight thousand guests were immersed in the Chicago experience during this international conference. Dramatic three-dimensional sets representing Chicago landmarks, thousands of linens and hundreds of support vendors helped make this a fantastic theme experience.

Best Corporate Event Planning: Budget Under $75,000

Missy Francisco Carlson, SMDC Health System: “An Evening of Phantom”

For the first annual Physician Society Appreciation event, guests had the opportunity to experience dinner on stage with solos, “Phantom of the Opera” style.