17th Annual Minnesota Star Awards — A Divine Comedy

Date: June 17, 2021

Venue: Quincy Hall

Director: Amy Fuerstenberg

The evening began with with a cocktail reception full of dread and despair in the afterlife. Then, guests continued on our journey through inferno and move into purgatory to find out which events come out on top during the awards ceremony. For the finally, attendees reached heaven at the after party where they experienced a lush after party filled with glittery grub and music to celebrate "Surviving 2020".

Images by Mark Fierst Photography and Coppersmith Photography

2021 Winners

Best On-Premise Catered Event — "A Grand Opening" — CRAVE Catering & Events

Best Event Design & Decor Budget under $25,000 — "The Death of Krystal’s Youth" — Festivities

Best Event Design & Decor Budget $25,000 and Over — "Surescripts Gala 2020" — Hana Chughtai, Hana April Inc.

Best Use of Specialty Decor — "Surescripts Gala 2020" — Hana Chughtai, Hana April Inc.

Best Marketing/Design Collateral — "Fall Leader Summit" — Lisa Marie Borchert, CSEP, Thrivent

Best Event Photography — "Spring Leader Summit" — Joe Szurszewski, Joe Szurszewski Photography

Best Event Filmmaking (Videography) — "The ONE Forum by Be The Match" — Walk the Moon Media

Best Logistics — "Pandemic Event Planning-Prioritizing Safety & Love" — Kastina Morrison, Kastina & Co

Best Technical Production — "2020 Christmas in Christ Chapel at Gustavus Adolphus College" — Heroic Productions

Best Entertainment Production — "Fraser Benefit" — Enticing Entertainment

Best Corporate Event — "Surescripts Gala 2020" — Hana Chughtai, Hana April Inc.

Best Social Event (Non-Wedding) — "The Death of Krystal’s Youth" — Festivities

Best Wedding — "Winter Wonderland" — Gretchen Culver, Rocket Science Events

Best Virtual/Hybrid Event — "The ONE Forum 2020" — Jodi Collen, CSEP, NMDP/Be The Match // Heroic Productions // BeEvents // Brave New Workshop

Best Industry Innovation/Pivot — "Micro Weddings - The New Way to Wed" — Gretchen Culver, Minne Weddings

ILEA Team Effort — "The ONE Forum 2020" — Jodi Collen, CSEP, NMDP/Be The Match; Heroic Productions, BeEvents, Brave New Workshop

Thank You to All of Our Generous Sponsors!

2021 Minnesota Star Awards Committee Members