Each year, the International Live Events Association New York Metro Chapter (ILEA) brings the entire New York event industry together to celebrate another wonderful year and recognize excellence in the industry. This year, the 15th Annual Big Apple Awards was a night to remember — a magnificent Havana Nights-themed bash at the beautiful Spring Studios. We were thrilled to be part of the event and even more honored to be recognized this year.
The Havana Nights theme carried through the entire event, starting with cocktail hour. The event opened on the Spring Studios rooftop, with creative cocktails, a pretzel wall installation by Riviera Caterers, hand-rolled cigars, and beautiful city views.
Dinner was a gorgeous mix of texture and bright pops of Chartreuse, a perfect design collaboration between Carolyn Dempsey, Marc Wilson, and Mark Musters. Riviera Caterers served an incredible Cuban-inspired menu as a nod to the night’s theme — Ahi Tuna Cigars, anyone? A live Salsa band kept the party going and an ultra-chic lounge area featuring our Metro Collection gave guests a place to sit back and take it all in.
The most special part of the night for us, however, were the awards. Our founders Michael and Sunny Halperin received the Hall of Legends Award, recognizing their “leadership, exemplary achievement, and tenure in the special events industry.” Many members of the Party Rental Ltd. team and Halperin family were in attendance to celebrate the honor. Gary, their son and current President of Party Rental Ltd., received the award on their behalf, reminding us all of their great legacy.
To commemorate the night and this great honor, we shared a video illustrating our company’s history and Michael and Sunny’s legacy. Take a look!
Business Development Manager Debbie Barnes also received an award this year — the Service Excellence Award, which, according to ILEA, recognizes “unsung heroes of the event industry…who delivers exemplary service, consistently goes above and beyond the call of duty, dedicates him or herself to their work, their company, their clients, and always makes things better when it counts the most.” Debbie’s been an integral member of the Party Rental Ltd. team for 18 years, and we’re so proud that her hard work and dedication was recognized by the industry.
We were so happy to be part of this year’s Big Apple Awards. Thank you again to ILEA for recognizing us, the other sponsors for helping to make the night amazing, and congratulations to Michael, Sunny, Debbie, and everyone who was honored that night. We can’t wait until next year!