Wow! What a year it has been! From engaging Network & Nosh’s to exciting monthly meetings with inspiring speakers, it has been a great year for ILEA Boston thus far! One thing that we wanted to focus on this year was to bring the best speakers from around the world to our members. Let’s take a look at this year’s past speakers:August 2017In August, Jordan Carbotti from Perfect Surroundings Intl presented a “Design Lab” at the Waterworks Museum in Chestnut Hill. Jordan brought us behind the design to show us what inspires them when creating an event space for their clients. We all left enlightened with tips and trends to bring our own events to the next level.
September 2017
September brought us an international speaker all the way from Canada! Aaron Kauffman, CSEP, is the President of the Fifth Element Group in Toronto. During his “unsession” at the Boston Harbor Distillery, Aaron led an open dialogue with our members on some of the issues our industry is currently facing. From transparency to pricing, members got a chance to voice their concerns and ideas on how to create tangible solutions for the Event Profs community.
October 2017
Thanks to Adam Centamore, our October meeting was a night to remember! Adam is a professional educator who conducts private and corporate cheese and wine tasting experiences with the goal of sharing the pure enjoyment of these foods. Set in the beautiful space at 9 One Federal Street (9OFS) in downtown Boston, our members tasted and sipped a variety of cheeses and wines, while engaging with other members!
November 2017
Sara Gruff, CSEP, spoke in November about how to GO BIG! We learned the good, the bad and the ugly of large-scale event production. Sara shared her experiences from producing the San Francisco Giants’ three recent World Series galas and parades, plus other concerts, international sporting events and corporate events for Super Bowl 50. Members dined on delicious food from BSA Space’s exclusive caterer, BG Events & Catering.
December 2017
If you have ever been to an ILEA holiday party, you know it is one not to be missed! This year’s was no exception. The newly renovated Hilton Boston Woburn was the perfect setting for our holiday soiree. The night was complete with dancing, food, drinks and the ever so popular silent auction! Party Excitement kept everyone on the dance floor, while MTG Floral created a festive space along with Your Love in Lights and AFR. Thank you Black Thumb Studios for capturing it all!
January 2018
We kicked off the New Year in style! Our members were treated to a true VIP experience at the House of Blues Foundation Room. This meeting was focused on how to build an internship program for your company. A panel of both students and event professionals was created to give perspective from both sides of the spectrum. Moderated by Mariellen Fidrych the Internship Coordinator for Endicott’s School of Hospitality Management, and joined by Jason McClelland, CMP and Director of Events Management at Boston College, sat alongside Bobby Dutton of GrooveBoston and Marissa Welch of American Meteorologist Society. Students Kristen Menucci and Lillian Davis who are enrolled in Endicott’s School of Hospitality Management also joined the panel.
February 2018
This meeting was one to remember because the Student Members of ILEA Boston planned it! Set in the New England Aquarium, the students were able to create a space where fun, networking and friendly competition all took place! Members were able to get to know one another through networking games, while learning more about ILEA and the CSEP program! Let’s not forget the penguins and seals who stole the show all night! This was the first time the ILEA Boston Student Members planned a monthly meeting, and it is one we will not forget.
March 2018
Our March meeting was one that we will never forget! We hosted Michael Cerbelli of Cerbelli Creative in New York for his industry acclaimed presentation, The Hot List™! Now in its 17th year, The Hot List™ is a live exhibition of the best new trends in the events world, from catering to entertainment to design. Guests entered on a live red carpet experience by Ten31 Productions and Future Affairs provided the excitement with a balloon wall and confetti drop, and even pyrotechnics!
April 2018
We had a great time at the Villa for our March Meeting with ILEA Rhode Island! We were treated to none other than Nick Borelli, the social media guru to the Events Industry for a great presentation. We learned how to grow our business through social media and a few new apps to help make our lives easier! And did we mention The Villa’s mini donut waffle ice cream sandwiches at the end?!
May 2018
In May, ILEA Boston hosted the first of it’s kind – TENT Talks. Inspired by Ted Talks, this meeting was focused on the how to’s of producing a tented event. An exciting panel of speakers consisted of Adam Averback and Brad Brodie, Party Excitement Entertainment; Ken Barrett-Sweet, Executive Director, BG Events & Catering; Amy Dearth, CSEP, Consider It Done Events; David Fox, David Fox Photography; Ben Philbrook, Chief Operating Officer, Chase Canopy; Jimmie Esposito, 617 Weddings, Moderator. This panel brought a vast of knowledge and experience in working with tented events. Guests were treated to the beautiful views of the Boston Harbor and skyline at the Residence Inn by Marriott Boston Harbor.
June 2018
In June, we hosted our annual Heart and Soul Awards Gala. This year it took place at Misselwood at Endicott College. Drum roll please . . . this year’s winners are:
• Best Venue and Catering - Lombardo's
• Best Bar Services - New England Aquarium
• Best Support Services - PEAK Event Services
• Best Specialty Vendor - Your Love in Lights
• Best Audio Visual - Gateway Productions
• Best Entertainment Services - Entertainment Specialists
• Best Lighting - ALPS
• Best Décor – Floral - Flou(-e)r Specialty Floral Events
• Best Décor - Non-Floral - Future Affairs Productions PHOTO (#43)
• Best Photography - Black Thumb Studio
• Best Videography - Generations Cinemastories
• Best Photo Booth - Memories in an Instant
• Spirit of ILEA - John Zucco
• Rising Star Award - Richard Lincoln
• Chapter Leadership Award - Blair Allen-Mitcham
• Lawrence A. Green Award - Jimmie Esposito
• Judy E. Brillhart, CSEP Presidential Award - Lynne Reznick
• Student of the Year Award - Taylor Lajoie
David Lombardo accepts his award for Best Venue and Catering - Lombardo's
Blair Allen accepts her award for Chapter Leadership.
Lynne Reznick accepts the Judy E. Brillhart, CSEP Presidential Award
Students accept Taylor Lajoie's Students of the Year Award on his behalf.