2023 Awards Program
It’s the Oscars night of the events and catering industry when the ACE, Gala and CATIE awards are bestowed upon the best of the best in our industry. Cheer on the nominees and applaud award recipients as they take the stage to accept our industry’s highest honors! With a kick off keynote by Michael Cerbelli and lifetime achievement and volunteerism awards added to this event, this will be an unforgettable evening.
Nominee Reception 4:30 - 5:30pm, OCCC Lobby
Ceremony 5:30 - 7:00pm, Keynote Stage
Admission to this event is free with any pass type.
ACE, Gala & Catie Awards
Achievement in Catered Events (ACE) Awards
The Catersource Achievement in Catering Excellence (ACE) Award recognizes companies that have shown noteworthy achievement in the catering industry through culinary, business, community and professional development.
GALA Awards
The Gala Awards competition honors outstanding work in special events worldwide.
CATIE Awards
The spirit of the Catered Arts Through Innovative Excellence Awards (CATIES) is to recognize achievements of exemplary production at an event.
Michael Roman Lifetime Achievement Award
The Michael Roman Lifetime Achievement Award is named for the founder of Catersource, a person who uplifted others and whose vision, approachability, and passion for catering made him a dynamic force. Prior recent winners include Rosemary Kowalski, Roy Porter, Lon Lane, and Lee Epting.
The 2023 Michael Roman Lifetime Achievement Award goes to...
Warren Dietel
CEO & Owner
Puff ‘n Stuff Events & Catering
Special Events Gala Lifetime Achievement Award
The Special Events Gala Lifetime Achievement Award has been presented since 1986 and is the gold standard for those with robust careers in the events industry. Prior recent winners include Lenny Talarico, Connie Riley, Patti Shock, and Sally Webb Barry.
The 2023 Special Events Gala Lifetime Achievement Award goes to...
Michael Cerbelli
CEO & President
Cerbelli Creative
Richard Carbotti Gala Award
The Richard Carbotti Gala Award recognizes those individuals who embody Richard’s longtime commitment to volunteerism. Recent prior winners include Kelly Murphy, Robin Selden, Larry Green, and Susie Perelman.
The 2023 Richard Carbotti Gala Award goes to...
Kate Patay
Chairwoman
SEARCH Foundation
MeetingsNet Lifetime Achievement Award
This is an inaugural award for MeetingsNet, recognizing a titan in the meetings industry. Mr. Dominguez will be MeetingsNet’s first ever recipient.
The 2023 MeetingsNet Lifetime Achievement Award goes to...
Michael Dominguez
President & CEO
Associated Luxury Hotels International (ALHI)
