ILEA Michigan upped its annual ILEA Connects event game this year by adding on a second component: the ILEA Michigan SHINE Awards. ILEA Connects offers a chance for event professionals to gather, learn, and be inspired by thought leaders from across the industry. The event was held in March at the DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Hotel Detroit Downtown–Fort Shelby.
Megan Przybysz, who handles ILEA Michigan marketing and communications, says until this year, the Michigan chapter was the only one in the Midwest that didn’t present an awards show. “It’s a good chance to recognize the event professionals in the state of Michigan,” she says.
Members of other ILEA Midwest chapters served as judges. “The events that were submitted ranged from smaller events to large corporate events,” Przybysz notes. Awards included:
- Best Use of Technology Over $15,000: 4 Wall Entertainment
- Best Single Photo at an Event: Killer Creations
- Best Behind the Scenes Under $15,000: Universal Special Events
- Best Behind the Scenes Over $15,000: Special D Events
- Best Vendor in Entertainment Under $15,000: The Todd Everett Experience
- Best Vendor in Entertainment Over $15,000: E3 Detroit
- Most Unique Event Design Under $15,000: Joyful Celebrations
- Most Unique Event Design Over $15,000: Live Nation-Fillmore Detroit
- Best Floral Design Over $15,000: Stem Event Design
- Best Custom Installation Under $15,000: Stem Event Design
- Best Custom Installation Over $15,000: Display Group
- Best Social Event Over $15,000: LG Event Design
- Best Corporate Event Over $15,000: The Henry Ford
- Rising Star: Megan Przybysz
- Luminary: Michelle Choice
- Best ILEA Vendor Partnership: Garden Theater with Forte Belanger
