MNM+E’s annual readers’ choice awards brought 295 meeting and event professionals to the Lumber Exchange Event Center on April 24 to honor the 2019 award winners and Hall of Famers. Frank Maciel was the event’s emcee. Mall of America was the premier sponsor, and Discover St. Louis Park was the event’s Uber sponsor, giving attendees a credit to the ride-share app. Event partners included Lumber Exchange Event Center (which provided the food, drinks and A/V on top of the venue); Haute House Studio (décor and floral); DJ Don/Gen Now; North Mallow (s’mores bar); Time Into Pixels (photo booth); Coppersmith Photography (photos); Claire Ward Illustrations; and Tiffany Rose Goodyear (who scented the event “Waterfall,” with notes of myrrh, vetiver and citrus).
On May 31 at International Market Square, the National Speakers Association – Minnesota Chapter (NSAMN) held its annual gala to celebrate the past year and recognize outstanding members, from those who earned their CSP to those who offered advice and knowledge throughout the year. Awards were presented for Newcomer IMPACT, Chapter Member of the Year, Next Level, Volunteer of the Year, the Mark Leblanc Award, Minnesota Speaker Hall of Fame and Lifetime Achievement Award. The incoming board was also introduced.