JK Creative Nominated for NACE One Award for Event Design
JK Creative proudly announces our nomination for the coveted NACE One Event Design and Décor of the Year award. This prestigious recognition highlights our team’s commitment to creative excellence and our ability to elevate brands and experiences through innovative event design.
Understanding the Prestige: What Are the NACE One Awards?
The National Association for Catering and Events (NACE) is the premier trade association dedicated to elevating the catering and events industry. The NACE One Awards celebrate the very best in event creativity, service, and professionalism. Each year, these awards recognize excellence across numerous categories, from innovative menus and impeccable service to trailblazing event design.
The 2025 edition has set a new standard with 196 nominations, underscoring the fierce competition and remarkable talent that define this industry. For event designers and marketing professionals, the NACE One Awards are more than just accolades. They provide a platform to showcase visionary work that shapes the future of live experiences
Being nominated for a NACE One Award is a significant honor that validates creative risk-taking, technical skill, and the power of thoughtful storytelling through design. It is a recognition of excellence that clients and colleagues alike respect and admire.
Spotlight on JK Creative’s Nomination: Event Design and Décor of the Year
The Event Design and Décor of the Year category honors projects that demonstrate exceptional creativity, thematic execution, and innovation in transforming spaces. This category highlights teams that push boundaries by seamlessly blending aesthetics with purpose to craft immersive guest experiences.
JK Creative’s nomination celebrates our work on a truly special project: the American Cancer Society’s Orlando Cattle Baron’s Ball 2024. This event stands as a testament to our passion for design that is both meaningful and memorable. Through innovative styling and strategic planning, we elevated an iconic western gala into a visually stunning celebration that captured the hearts of attendees and enhanced the client’s mission.
Our nomination reaffirms JK Creative’s role as a leader in event design and décor, combining artistry with strategic vision to deliver truly impactful experiences.
Behind the Design: The Orlando Cattle Baron’s Ball 2024 Reimagined
The 2024 event marked the 25th anniversary of the Orlando Cattle Baron’s Ball, a milestone deserving a design reflecting both legacy and evolution. The American Cancer Society tasked JK Creative with reimagining their traditional Western-themed gala by elevating it to a new level of sophistication while honoring its rich history.
The design brief was clear: incorporate modern elegance without losing the event’s spirited western roots, enhance donor engagement, and create an atmosphere of celebration and gratitude.
Key design elements included:
Elevated Silver Accents: Symbolizing 25 years of dedication and support, silver details adorned the décor and influenced guest attire, adding a celebratory metallic shimmer throughout the venue.
Sophisticated Black and Gold Palette: Inspired by the updated ACS Cattle Baron’s logo, these colors brought a cohesive and contemporary feel, visually strengthening brand identity and lending a sense of luxury.
Strategic Touchpoints: Every detail, from the luxe invitations to the event program’s guest guide, was thoughtfully designed to enhance functionality and elevate the guest experience.
Visually, our team blended classic western motifs with sleek, modern elements. This combination created an inviting, memorable atmosphere that appealed to both longtime supporters and new attendees, reinforcing the event’s relevance today.
Impact and Reception: More Than Just Looks
The success of this project extended far beyond aesthetics. Attendee feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with many calling it “the best-looking Cattle Baron’s Ball yet.” The fresh design invigorated the event’s energy and fostered heightened excitement among guests.
This renewed enthusiasm and cohesive visual storytelling strengthened the American Cancer Society’s brand identity, aligning perfectly with their mission and marketing goals.
JK Creative’s work on this gala serves as a compelling case study in strategic event marketing, demonstrating that great design is an investment with measurable returns for both brand and cause.
You can learn more about this project here: American Cancer Society Gala Project Feature
Lessons for Marketers and Event Planners
What can marketers and event planners learn from JK Creative’s approach to event design? Several key insights stand out:
Harness the Power of Visual Identity: Leveraging colors, logos, and consistent themes in event design builds powerful brand affinity, making experiences instantly recognizable and memorable.
Design as a Marketing Tool: Effective event design goes beyond beauty. It supports engagement, storytelling, and strategic objectives such as fundraising and client loyalty.
Reimagine Tradition: Refreshing established event themes with modern touches revitalizes audience interest and opens new possibilities for interaction.
Attention to Detail Matters: From invitations to venue décor, every element should work together to craft a seamless and immersive experience.
Creatives across industries can apply these principles to elevate their own events or campaigns and make a meaningful impact.
JK Creative’s nomination for the 2025 NACE One Award in Event Design and Décor of the Year is a proud milestone for our team. Our transformation of the American Cancer Society’s Orlando Cattle Baron’s Ball into a modern yet iconic celebration exemplifies the power of creative design to captivate and engage.
We encourage you to celebrate this achievement by sharing this post and exploring how thoughtful, strategic event design can elevate your next project. How might you blend tradition with innovation to craft an unforgettable experience for your audience?
The JK Creative team would love to discuss how we can transform your event - let us help you tell your story!