Convention Industry Council’s 2013 Hall of Leaders Gala, which was produced by Lenny Talarico, CSEP and his team at MGM Resorts Event Productions, is a finalist for an ISES Espirit Award in the Best Event with a Legacy category.
The Espirit Awards, hosted by the International Special Events Society, is in its 19th year and recognizes professional achievements in events across the globe.
“I congratulate Lenny Talarico, CSEP and his team at MGM and the entire CIC team. It was a dinner unlike any other in our industry, and one worthy of this nomination,” said Karen Kotowski, CMP, CAE and CEO, Convention Industry Council.
In 2013, CIC moved its annual Hall of Leaders Gala to Las Vegas and co-sponsored the event with MGM Resorts International to coincide with IMEX America. CIC’s first custom production, red carpet show included elaborate dance performances personally choreographed for each of the five Hall of Leaders inductees.
“We were so impressed with the production of the Hall of Leaders Gala last year,” added Kotowski. “It was truly a remarkable showcase of design skills, culinary prowess, and production expertise that combined personal tributes with a professional variety show — all executed while dinner was being served.
The event producers researched the honorees and built the evening around their favorite colors, foods and entertainment. The inductees Jorge Castex, Eduardo Chaillo, Peggy Daidakis, Liz Erikson and Stephen Powell were greeted with a decorated room inspired by their accomplishments, dined on a menu of their most-loved dishes, and enjoyed entertainment created for and about them.
To view footage of the event, visit http://vimeo.com/84406699.
The 2014 ISES Esprit Award winners will be announced and recognized by their peers at the annual ISES Esprit Awards ceremony on Aug. 20 at The Westin Hotel, Seattle.
The 2014 CIC Hall of Leaders will be held again in Las Vegas on Oct. 12 at MGM Grand Hotel & Casino, with MGM Events producing what will surely be another one-of-a-kind event. Tickets are available for purchase on the CIC website.
