Unleash Your Creativity at the NACE South Florida Tabletop Design Challenge

The best part? You don’t need any design experience to participate.

What Is the Tabletop Design Challenge?

The Tabletop Design Challenge is an interactive event where teams work together to transform everyday furnishings and décor into eye-catching tabletop displays. Rather than sitting through another lecture or presentation, attendees get to roll up their sleeves, brainstorm ideas, and bring their vision to life.

This isn’t about being a professional interior designer or floral expert. It’s about creativity, teamwork, and seeing what can happen when talented people from different areas of the event industry collaborate.

Whether you’re naturally artistic or simply enjoy trying something new, you’ll leave inspired.

The event will take place at:

IKEA Sunrise
151 NW 136th Avenue
Sunrise, Florida

Free parking is available for all attendees.

An Evening of Learning Without Feeling Like Work

One of the reasons NACE South Florida events continue to grow is because they balance professional development with genuine fun.

Rather than spending an evening listening to presentations, attendees become active participants.

You’ll laugh.

You’ll collaborate.

You’ll meet new people.

You’ll challenge yourself creatively.

And you might even surprise yourself with what your team creates.

Whether your design wins or not, everyone walks away having learned something new.

Perfect for Students and First-Time Attendees

If you’ve never attended a NACE event before, this is one of the best introductions you could ask for.

Interactive events naturally make meeting people easier because you’re working together toward a common goal.

Students are especially encouraged to attend.

You’ll gain valuable exposure to industry professionals, learn how different vendors work together, and begin building relationships that could help launch your career.

Experienced professionals are equally welcoming and often enjoy mentoring newcomers.

No Experience Necessary

One of the biggest misconceptions about design competitions is that they’re only for decorators or florists, but that’s simply not the case. This event was designed for everyone, regardless of experience or profession. Wedding planners bring organization and vision, photographers have an eye for lighting, composition, and visual balance, DJs understand how atmosphere shapes an event, and venue managers know how spaces flow. Caterers contribute their expertise in presentation and guest experience, rental companies offer valuable insight into décor and design elements, and students gain hands-on experience while working alongside seasoned professionals. Every participant brings a unique perspective to the table, and it’s that combination of creativity, collaboration, and diverse backgrounds that makes the challenge both successful and so much fun.

Why Creative Challenges Matter

The wedding and events industry thrives on creativity.

Every wedding, corporate event, gala, fundraiser, and celebration asks professionals to solve problems while creating memorable experiences.

Participating in creative exercises outside of client events helps sharpen those skills in a low-pressure environment.

You’ll practice:

• Brainstorming with a team
• Thinking creatively under time constraints
• Communicating ideas effectively
• Working with available resources
• Seeing design from different perspectives

These are valuable skills that translate directly into real-world events.

More Than a Competition

While the design challenge is the highlight of the evening, the event is equally valuable as a networking opportunity.

NACE South Florida events regularly bring together professionals from across the hospitality and events industry, including:

• Wedding planners
• Event planners
• Photographers
• Videographers
• DJs and entertainment professionals
• Florists
• Caterers
• Venue managers
• Hotels
• Rental companies
• Decor specialists
• Event designers
• Students preparing for careers in hospitality

Relationships built during networking events often lead to referrals, collaborations, and lasting professional friendships.

Many successful partnerships begin with a simple conversation over dinner or while working together on a fun activity like this.

Why IKEA Sunrise?

There couldn’t be a more fitting venue for a tabletop design challenge than IKEA Sunrise.

Known for its modern furniture, home décor, and creative room displays, IKEA provides the perfect backdrop for an evening centered around design inspiration.

Attendees can explore creative possibilities while enjoying a venue that encourages fresh ideas and innovative thinking.

Registration

NACE Members: FREE

Students: FREE

Guests: $25

Advance registration is recommended.

Visit NACESFL.com to reserve your spot.

About NACE South Florida

The National Association for Catering and Events (NACE) is one of the premier organizations supporting professionals throughout the catering, hospitality, wedding, and special events industries.

The South Florida Chapter brings together professionals from Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach Counties to promote education, networking, leadership, and professional growth.

Monthly events provide opportunities to connect with industry peers, hear from expert speakers, participate in interactive experiences, and stay current with trends shaping the event industry.

Whether you’re an established business owner, an aspiring entrepreneur, or just beginning your career, NACE offers valuable opportunities to grow both professionally and personally.

Join the Challenge

Creativity doesn’t require years of experience—it simply requires the willingness to participate.

If you’re looking for an evening that combines networking, collaboration, learning, and plenty of fun, don’t miss the NACE South Florida Tabletop Design Challenge.

Bring your ideas, meet fellow event professionals, and discover just how creative you can be when you work together.

We’ll see you on July 30 at IKEA Sunrise!

Complete Weddings and Events – Fort Lauderdale, FL

We have worked thousands of weddings and are here to help. Call or text us and we can help you navigate through these tough times. Complete Weddings + Events, Fort Lauderdale’s leading provider of event and wedding photography, videography, lighting, DJ services & photo booth rental.