The judges deliberated, the winners took the stage, and the crowd cheered the year’s outstanding event work as trophies were awarded at the annual Gala Awards ceremony, held Jan. 13 at The Special Event conference in Dallas. Here, we present the winning entries in 35 categories, as chosen by members of the Special Events Magazine Advisory Board. These dazzling events represent the top achievements of talented event professionals from around the world.

                         — The Editors

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BEST FUND-RAISING EVENT
Alison Silcoff Events, Montreal

The Canadian Cancer Society’s 12th annual Daffodil Ball lived up to its name, incorporating 50,000 fresh daffodils and 15,000 silk versions into a decor scheme that included a dramatic daffodil carpet at the venue entrance. The 660 guests attending the sold-out event, held at Montreal’s historic Windsor Station, sat at tables clustered together in monochromatic groups of yellow, turquoise and green. A performance by swing band Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, a high-ticket item auction and the addition of the ‘After-Hours Ball’ for younger guests helped raise a record $1.98 million dollars (Canadian) for the cause.

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BEST EVENT PRODUCED FOR A Non-Profit ORGANIZATION
Alison Silcoff Events, Montreal

The Canadian Cancer Society’s 12th annual Daffodil Ball lived up to its name, incorporating 50,000 fresh daffodils and 15,000 silk versions into a decor scheme that included a dramatic daffodil carpet at the venue entrance. The 660 guests dined on a four-course dinner that included a dessert trio of maple- mocha –and vanilla-flavored creme brûlée, each served in an eggshell. A performance by swing band Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, an auction of items such as a trip to Thailand, and the addition of the ‘After-Hours Ball’, for younger guests helped raise a record $1.98 million dollars (Canadian) for the cause.