Get ready for 2025!
Are you the ONE (‘Ekahi)?
NACE Hawaii is proud to present the 3rd Hawai‘i ‘Ekahi Awards, an extraordinary gala dedicated to honoring the exceptional achievements of wedding and event professionals across all industry categories over the past year. This prestigious event is more than just an awards ceremony—it’s a night of networking, celebration, and connection, bringing together talented professionals to foster a spirit of community over competition.
As a creative and resourceful professional, you’ve poured your passion into crafting unforgettable experiences for your clients. Now, it’s time for you to be recognized. This is your moment to shine, to stand out among your peers, and to be celebrated as one of the best in the industry. You deserve it!
Choice Awards Categories (Voted by the public)
Businesses are nominated and celebrated by fellow wedding and event professionals, industry peers, and the public, making these awards a true reflection of community recognition and excellence. Categories honor outstanding achievements across various specialties, including Venue of the Year, Photographer of the Year, and Caterer of the Year, along with distinctive accolades such as Company of the Year, the Rising Star Award, and more.
Best of all, there is no entry fee—nominees are selected solely based on merit, as recognized by those who know the industry best. This ensures that every nomination is a genuine acknowledgment of talent, dedication, and impact in the wedding, events, catering, and hospitality industries!
VENUE OF THE YEAR (hotels/Indoor)
venue of the year (estates/outdoor)
· Photography Company OF THE YEAR
· VIDEO Company OF THE YEAR
· WEDDING PLANNER OF THE YEAR
· Disc Jockey OF THE YEAR
· EMCEE OF THE YEAR
· Floral designer OF THE YEAR
· CATERER OF THE YEAR
· mobile bar company of the year
· CAKE DECORATOR OF THE YEAR
· BRIDAL BOUTIQUE OF THE YEAR
· MENSWEAR COMPANY OF THE YEAR
· DESIGN COMPANY OF THE YEAR
rENTAL COMPANY OF THE YEAR
· HAIR AND MAKEUP COMPANY OF THE YEAR
· STATIONARY COMPANY OF THE YEAR
· PHOTO BOOTH COMPANY OF THE YEAR
· Minister/OFFICIANT OF THE YEAR
· MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT OF THE YEAR (Solo/Duo)
music entertainment of the year (group)
Entertainment of the year
· Transportation Company of the year
· RISING STAR AWARD
· COMPANY OF THE YEAR
Voting Process: The public will have the opportunity to cast their votes for each award category, helping to recognize the most outstanding professionals in the industry. Once voting concludes, the top five nominees in each category will be officially announced. The excitement culminates at the Awards Gala & Celebration, where the winners will be revealed and honored in a night of recognition and celebration!
Awards Categories (Judged)
Photo by Nick Pugay Photography
The Hawai‘i ‘Ekahi Awards proudly honor individuals in Hawai‘i who showcase exceptional planning, production, and execution of truly spectacular events. In each category, NACE award judges carefully select one outstanding winner—will you be THE ONE to take home the top honor?
Winners from our local award categories will also have an exciting opportunity to compete on a national stage at the NACE One Awards, held every summer. This is your chance to gain prestige, recognition, and industry-wide acclaim beyond Hawai‘i!
(Eligible for the national awards, NACE One Awards)
The judges for the following categories are a group of selected NACE Chapter Board Members from other states.
ENTRY FEES
nace hawaii Members: FREE
General public Entry: $300
Event Photography of the Year
This award recognizes outstanding photography and the photographer’s artistic talents. Award nominations will be split into three subcategories:
Wedding Photography
Social Event (non-wedding) Photography
Corporate Event Photography
Team Event of the Year
This award recognizes outstanding achievement in team effort to execute the event planning and production of a catered event by a group of caterers, event planners, facility venue managers, institutions, production companies, special event designers, décor providers, entertainment companies, and other vendors producing events such as parties, banquets, award ceremonies, festivals, sporting events, and expositions.
Event Production of the Year
This award recognizes outstanding achievement in the overall event planning and production of a catered event by on and off-premise caterers, event planners, facility venue managers, and institutions producing such events as parties, banquets, award ceremonies, fundraisers, festivals, sporting events, conventions and expositions, but excluding weddings.
Catered Event of the Year
This award recognizes outstanding planning and execution for on premise and off-premise events, excluding weddings (see Wedding of the Year award).
Table Presentation of the Year
This award recognizes outstanding design and décor for an event table, including but not limited to guest, buffet or conceptual tables. A conceptual table would be considered a “best of show” display piece where several elements of a table theme would be included to showcase all products; for example, those tables as seen at bridal shows and industry table-top competitions.
Award nominations will be split into two subcategories.
Budget <$200
Budget >$200
Wedding of the Year
This award recognizes outstanding planning and execution for wedding events, including ceremony and reception.
Award nominations will be split into three categories:
Budget <$50,000
Budget $50,000-$100,000
Budget >$100,000
For criteria of the categories or any questions, please email us at nacehawaii@gmail.com
Other Awards
nace Member of the Year
The "NACE Member of the Year" award honors a dedicated member whose active participation, leadership, and contributions at both the local and national levels have significantly impacted NACE. This recognition celebrates those who go above and beyond in their involvement, demonstrating a strong commitment to the growth, success, and advancement of the association and its members.
The Dianna k. shitanishi legacy award
The Dianna K. Shitanishi Legacy Award celebrates an individual or business that has demonstrated exceptional dedication, service, and commitment to the community. This prestigious honor recognizes those who have consistently given back, supporting multiple local causes and making a lasting impact not only in the industry but also in the lives of those they serve. It is a tribute to a lifetime of generosity, leadership, and unwavering support for the betterment of Hawai‘i.
Upcoming Deadlines:
Entries & Nominations Open:
2025
Nominees Announced + Online Voting:
2025
Stay tuned for more information on the Awards Ceremony & Gala!
Awards Ceremony & Gala Celebration at Waikiki Beach Marriott Resorts:
2025
2019 Awards Sponsors
Questions? Email us at nacehawaii@gmail.com