🚨 Final call for Minnesota Star Awards Entries

In this issue:

Final Call for Star Awards Entries - Due Friday!
February Program: The Headshot Happy Hour - Members Only
January Membership Drive Results
Strategic Partner Shoutout: Bigger Picture Solutions

Final Call for Star Awards Entries - Due Friday!

Entries for the 20th annual Minnesota Star Awards are well underway and the submission deadline is THIS Friday, February 9th at 11:59 PM!

All entrants will also receive an exclusive discount for MN Star Awards tickets including early access!

On Friday, March 29, 2024, McNamara Alumni Center will be hosting event pros from across the industry for a night of nostalgic shenanigans. During the evening, we'll celebrate with an awards ceremony honoring the best work produced by local talent. Award submissions are OPEN only for a few more days and we can't wait to hear about your best events from 2023. Check out new categories and find out how to enter below!

Enter Your Work

January Membership Drive Results

Thank you to everyone who joined ILEA, renewed your membership, or referred members in our wildly successful January membership drive! We are proud to say that we gained 8 amazing new members and had 13 professionals renew their membership with us in the last month alone. ILEA-MSP is growing every day and we are always eager to meet event professionals from across the Twin Cities and beyond! You can become a member at any time and we'd love to have you join our community. Click the link below to discover benefits and information on how to join!

Join ILEA Today

February Program: The Headshot Happy Hour | Members Only |

Get ready to mingle, connect, and capture your professional essence at our exclusive members-only networking event hosted at Gai Noi! Join us for an evening of meaningful connections, where you'll not only expand your network but also elevate your personal brand with a complimentary professional headshot from DigieMade Photography.

Event Highlights:

🤝 Networking Extravaganza: Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Gai Noi as you network with fellow event professionals.

📸 Professional Headshots: Freshen up your professional image with a complimentary headshot session. Whether you're updating your LinkedIn profile or refreshing your website, this is the perfect opportunity to capture your best self.

🍹 Mix, Mingle, and Sip: Each event ticket includes a snack buffet provided by Gai Noi of the most delicious Laotian bites, a drink ticket redeemable for your choice of beer, wine, a mocktail, or the refreshing Tropical Ginger Mule. Sip, savor, and toast to new connections.

If you are a current member, register now! We look forward to seeing you at Gai Noi for a night of networking excellence!

Get Tickets

Thank you to our event sponsors:

Strategic Partner Shoutout: Bigger Picture Solutions

You know them, you love them — Jessica Barrett and Kastina Morrison, owners and founders of Bigger Picture Solutions, have been long-time supporters of ILEA-MSP and are one of our talented Strategic Partners for 2024!

Bigger Picture Solutions was created as a natural extension of work the team has been doing over the past 18 years; building and managing venues, creating events and experiences while focusing on vendor relations and staff building. Jessica Barrett created the operational infrastructure of two high-capacity freestanding venues in the Twin Cities that have made a significant impact on the overall event industry. She’s also consulted with multiple venues throughout the Midwest ranging in size and capacity.

The BPS team also includes Kastina Morrison, who comes from a similar venue management background. She was on Jessica’s venue team for 3+ years. After leaving, she managed the construction and operations of two boutique venues in Minneapolis and founded her own event planning company. You’ll reap the benefits of their extensive network, expertise in design and aesthetic choices, as well as 20+ years of collective venue management experience.

Learn more about them on their website linked below!

Meet Bigger Picture Solutions

Thank You to This Year's Strategic Sponsors