Chicago Hotel's In-House Special Event Design and Production Company Wins Top Honor

    /24-7PressRelease/ - CHICAGO, IL, April 30, 2008 - The Chicago chapters of the National Association of Catering Executives (NACE) and the International Special Events Society (ISES) have announced the winners of their seventh annual NICE Awards (NACE ISES Chicago Excellence Awards). The Chicago Marriott Downtown Magnificent Mile's in-house special event design and production firm, The Chicago hotel's Meetinghouse Companies, Inc. walked away with four distinguished honors at the March 25 awards dinner and celebration. The ceremony, named "The Nature of NICE" took place at the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum. Nearly 200 guests attended the event hosted by the Comcast Network's Cindy Bravos, to recognize local event professionals for their outstanding work.

This year's winners were honored for events that occurred between November 1, 2006 and October 31, 2007. The joint awards ceremony celebrates achievements in the areas of event planning, catering, entertainment, creative and support services.

The 2008 NICE Awards entries were judged anonymously on their merit by the Columbus, Ohio Chapters of NACE and ISES in accordance with pre-established judging criteria. The Meetinghouse Companies, Inc. won the following categories:

• Best Corporate Event $25,000-$75,000 - David Halsey/Siiri Lobe
• Best Social Event Over $75,000 - Lori Manby, CSEP
• Best Wedding $25,000-$75,000 - Lori Manby, CSEP
• Best Theme D cor Over $50,000 - Margarita Heinzel, CSEP

An internationally recognized special event design and production firm, The Meetinghouse Companies, Inc. offers award-winning services, including event design and d cor, floral design, audio-visual and entertainment production and more to provide a single source for integrated, creative and impactful special events. The Marriott Hotel in downtown Chicago, Illinois is proud of their in-house production company and the events that they produce at the property.

For more information on The Meetinghouse Companies, Inc., visit www.meetinghouse.com or call the Chicago office at (312) 836-6121, or the Corporate office at (630) 941-0600.

About Chicago Marriott Downtown Magnificent Mile
The Chicago Marriott Downtown Magnificent Mile is fresh from a multi-million dollar renovation, highlighted by their new lobby, restaurants and lounge, meeting facilities, ballrooms, and public spaces. Situated on Michigan Avenue's Magnificent Mile among world-famous shopping, restaurants, and entertainment, this luxurious Chicago, Illinois hotel is also within walking distance to the Navy Pier, American Girl Place, Theater and Museum Districts, as well as many other top Windy City attractions. 65,000 square feet of versatile event space gives this Chicago luxury hotel the perfect setting for successful business engagements and spectacular social gatherings. Experience a sophisticated downtown Chicago hotel Beyond Magnificent at the extraordinary Chicago Marriott Downtown Magnificent Mile. For more information or to make a reservation, call 312-836-0100 or visit http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/chidt-chicago-marriott-downtown-magnificent-mile/.

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