Congratulations to This Year's ACE Award Recipients! (Update from February 2024)

Catersource magazine is delighted to announce the  recipients of this year's ACE Awards, who were honored during Catersource + The Special Event on February 15th in Austin, TX. Check out this year's Gala Award recipients here!

Congratulations to all of this year's finalists! 

Best Off-Premise Catering for companies above $2 million annual revenue

War Eagle! | Proof of the Pudding | Photo courtesy Eric & Jamie Photography

In appreciation for their sponsorship of Auburn University’s new football training facility, guests were invited to a VIP dinner on the indoor field. Seated on turf and surrounded by magnificent décor, guests enjoyed a fine dining experience infused with the team’s war cry, team colors, and steakhouse cuisine.

Best Off-Premise Catering for companies under $2 million annual revenue

Last Minute Repast Reception | Exquisite Delites Catering Company | Photo courtesy Sandra Centeno

A last minute catered repast reception for 5,000 people for Televangelist Pastor Charles Stanley that was turned around it just 2 1/2 days. The Exquisite Delites Catering Company had to overcome so many challenges along the way to make it happen and everyone pitched in and worked together to accomplish the goal.

Best On-Premise Catering

Standing the Test of Time | Proof of the Pudding | Photo courtesy Amanda Mazonkey

For the Ten Year Anniversary edition of the Atlanta Airport District Convention and Visitors Bureau’s Annual Meeting, a culinary trip through time helped honor the CVB’s achievements and take a glimpse into the exciting future of the community.

Catered Fundraising Event of the Year

Come One, Come All | 24 Carrots Catering & Events | Photo courtesy Amelia Lyon Photo/24 Carrots Catering & Events

The RAD Gala, which stands for Rising Above Disabilities, put on a show with a circus-themed fundraiser to expand their programs for adults and children with developmental disabilities. The Raddest Show on Earth, inspired by the circus-themed movie The Greatest Showman, put a circus spin on the traditional gala, with joy and nostalgia in every detail. From lobster corn dog Ferris Wheels and deep-fried Oreo sundaes to Monkeys in a (Whiskey) Barrel cocktails, guests enjoyed an evening of good old-fashioned fun and fundraising for a good cause.

Catered Micro Event of the Year

Dinner on the River | Vibrant Occasions Catering  | Photo courtesy Lori Sparkman Photography

Arkansas philanthropist and social media influencer, Cat Sims, co-hosted a dinner party with Vibrant Occasions in her home with some of her best content creator friends called Dinner on the River, to aid in raising funds for her latest campaign. Sims was chosen as a participant and dancer for the 2023 Dancing with Our Stars Gala in Little Rock, Arkansas to raise funds for the Arkansas Chapter of the Children’s Tumor Foundation. Dinner on the River served as her kick-off celebration for her latest journey for the organization and its mission.

Catered Social Event of the Year

Love Party | Marcia Selden Catering & Events | Photo courtesy Michael Juric

“Love exciting and new. Come aboard, we’re expecting you!” Set sail for a romantic voyage like no other with "Love on the High Seas." This Valentine's-themed Love Boat party combines the allure of the ocean with the glamour of the hit television show, Love Boat. “The Love Boat promises something for everyone”, and this party had that and more! Guests stepped aboard a lavish, specially designed cruise ship-inspired venue, surrounded by oceanic decor, twinkling lights, and starry skies, all in celebration of the theme of LOVE.

Catered Wedding of the Year

Decadent Supper Club Inspired Wedding | Occasions Caterers | Photo courtesy Occasions Caterers

In the idyllic surroundings of McLean, Virginia, a delayed wedding reception transformed the couple's love story into a grand celebration. Following a more intimate ceremony during the pandemic, guests were treated to a surprising revelation. The evening commenced with a charming cocktail hour within the couple's home and gardens. Yet, the real magic began when the curtains unveiled a sophisticated supper club-style lounge tent, reminiscent of Mayfair's exclusive clubs. The French-inspired menu featured decadent delights – caviar, foie gras, and jewel-like desserts. All presented in a lavish overflowing style reminiscent of a still life painting.

Sustainability in Catering

Sustainability at Sea | Primal Alchemy Catering | Photo courtesy Primal Alchemy Catering

This public relations event took place aboard a client’s ship. This returning client is world renowned in the ecology realm and demands complete zero waste events, which the caterer answered with their everyday green company practices.

National Caterer of the Year

24 Carrots Catering & Events | Photo courtesy Found Rental Co./24 Carrots Catering & Events

At 24 Carrots, they take every opportunity to move the needle for their industry, pushing boundaries, creating new and improved ways of executing events, prioritizing marketing and relationships, training their staff to meet the high standards of “The 24 Carrots Way,” reinvesting into the company and the team, taking risks, and most importantly, doing what is right, not what is easy. Purpose, passion, and pride are at the core of what they do and who they are, allowing them to compete with themselves to always be better for both their clients and their people.

Submissions Now Open

It's once again time to celebrate the best of the best! Submissions are now being accepted for the Catersource 2025 Achievement in Catered Events awards (ACE)!  We invite you to submit your best work from the past year. Join in the excitement and the spirit of our industry as we celebrate the hard work and exceptional accomplishments of our peers.

The categories for 2025 are: 

To submit an entry to this year's ACE awards, please visit our awards portal at https://ace-gala.awardsplatform.com/

Important Dates

If you are interested in entering in the Gala awards instead, you can enter the Special Event 2025 Gala awards in the same online portal as the ACE awards. Catersource + The Special Event will run February 24-27 in Fort Lauderdale, FL. Both the ACE and Gala awards will be presented during the conference at a to-be-determined location in Fort Lauderdale.