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EVENT DETAILS
An Evening Unmasked is more than a night of awards. It was a moment for our industry to come together - to be ourselves, to celebrate one another, and to enjoy an event created with intention, artistry, and heart by the very community it honors.
Shuttles provided by Renee's Limousines transported guests from Renaissance Minneapolis Hotel, The Depot to Equestria West beginning at 4:30 PM and returned later in the evening. Many guests chose to park at The Depot or take a rideshare there so they return to a central downtown location after the event. If some chose to drive directly to Equestria West, doors opened, and registration began at 5:30 PM. Complimentary valet was available courtesey of Unparalleled Parking. Guests were able to leave cars overnight and utilize the return shuttles. All overnight cars must be picked up by 11:00 AM Saturday.
Location & Timing
Date: March 27, 2026
Location: Equestria West at Bavaria Downs
Theme: An Evening Unmasked
EVENT TIMELINE:
4:00 PM — Registration Opens at Renaissance Minneapolis Hotel, The Depot
4:30 PM — Special Nominee Transportation Begins
5:00–5:30 PM — Guest Shuttles Depart The Depot
5:30 PM — Registration Opens at Equestria West
7:00 PM — Doors Open for Awards
7:30 PM — Awards Begin
8:30 PM — After Party Begins
9:30 PM — Return Shuttles to The Depot (every 30 minutes or when full)
Midnight — After Party Ends
12:30 AM — Final Shuttle Returns to The Depot
Volunteer
This event would not be possible without a dedicated team of extraordinary volunteers.
For one evening in the spring, the masks we wore daily for clients, for co-workers, and in our regular lives were set aside…
On Friday, March 27, 2026, our industry gathered beneath candlelight and celebration at Equestria West for the 2026 ILEA-MSP Star Awards: An Evening Unmasked—a masquerade ball devoted not only to illusion, but to authenticity, creativity, and the remarkable work we so often did behind the scenes.
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Thank you to our sponsors
DIAMOND SPONSORS
PLATINUM SPONSORS
GOLD SPONSORS
SILVER SPONSORS
BRONZE SPONSORS
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COPPER SPONSORS
MEDIA SPONSOR
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STRATEGIC SPONSORS
And the Nominees Are...
FAQ
We are so glad you asked! The Minnesota Star Awards is a celebration for event professionals, by event professionals. Founded in 2005, this party is specifically for the Minneapolis-St. Paul chapter of ILEA and honors excellence in our local industry with an awards ceremony spanning several categories. All categories are carefully judged anonymously by event industry experts from other ILEA chapters, and the winners are announced at the annual Minnesota Star Awards. Each year, a dedicated committee rigorously plans an epic fete bringing together the entire live event community for a night to recognize each other's achievements through the past year.
More info coming soon!
Lucky for you, we have an infamous Pinterest outfit inspiration board filled with all sorts of ideas! We love the idea of checking out some of the Twin Cities' amazing secondhand, vintage, and thrift stores as you put together your unique 'fit. Pinterest board here!
If tickets are sold out, please join our waitlist on our ticketing page here.
Food presented in ways you never even though of, cocktails served from extraterrestrials, and many other surprises we can't tell you just yet. We can tell you that the event offers a fully inclusive experience, with tickets covering food, bar and beverage, and immersive experiences all night long planned by the very best in the business.
More than you can even imagine! A variety of food and drink options (both alcoholic and non-alcoholic) will be available for guests to enjoy from social hour through the after party, and it's all included in your ticket.
More info coming soon.
Interested in volunteering at the Star Awards? You could get free entry! Please email dana@keyedupevents.com
Shoot us an email at starawards@ilea-msp.org and we will be in touch as soon as we are able!
Images by Mark Fierst Photography and Coppersmith Photography.
Become a Sponsor
Step into an evening of intrigue, artistry, and allure.
This is your invitation to make a lasting impression behind the mask.
Are you a decorator, caterer, florist, lighting designer, or a creative with a one-of-a-kind talent? We invite you to bring your craft to the forefront and share it with an exclusive community of event professionals.
Be part of the affair:
🎭 Present your brand in a sophisticated, curated setting
🎭 Cultivate meaningful connections with industry tastemakers
🎭 Help create a night that will be whispered about long after the masks come off
Join us in crafting a truly unforgettable masquerade—where elegance reigns and every detail tells a story. ✨
