Le Croissant Catering & Events in Salt Lake City, Utah, and Purple Onion Catering in Washington, D.C., were among the prestigious winners of ICA Catered Arts Through Innovative Excellence (CATIE) Awards, presented by the International Caterers Association (ICA) at the Catersource and Event Solutions Conference & Tradeshow 2016 in Las Vegas.

Le Croissant Catering won for best dessert, and Purple Onion Catering won best celebration cake.

Founded in 1995, Le Croissant Catering has continually grown over the years. Owner Pat Slade began working as a caterer in St George, Utah, more than 40 years ago. She later moved to Salt Lake City and began her own business, Pat’s Weddings. John and Kelly Lake, partners and owners today, have worked with Slade for more than 30 years.

Over the past few decades, Purple Onion Catering has evolved into one of Washington, D.C.’s most successful catering and event planning teams. Margot Jones launched Purple Onion Catering in 1990.

More than 30 leaders across the catering and events community were honored March 15 at the Catersource and Event Solutions Conference & Tradeshow's (CSES2016) POPalooza! Industry Awards Celebration. The three annual awards presented include the CATIE Awards, Catersource's Achievement in Catering Excellence (ACE) Awards, and Event Solutions' Spotlight Awards.

"Winners of these three industry awards epitomize the best in catering and events, as the business leaders and creative innovators shaping the industry," said Catersource and Event Solutions brand director Ron Bigley.

Other award winners were as follows:

CATIE Awards:

Best Barbeque or Picnic Menu: Culinary Crafts

Best Buffet Presentation & Menu: A Taste of Elegance Catering & Events

Best Celebration Cake: Purple Onion Catering

Best Dessert: Le Croissant Catering & Events

Best Hors d'oeuvre: Thomas Caterers of Distinction

Best Main Course Plate Presentation: Le Croissant Catering & Events

Best Plated Menu: The JDK Group

Best Food Trend Incorporation: Crave Catering

Best Table Scape Design: Le Croissant Catering & Events

Signature Caterer for Best Wedding: The JDK Group

Signature Caterer for Best Multiple Day Event: Culinary Capers

Innovative Mixology: Empyrean Events and Catering

Signature Caterer for Best Event: Zilli Hospitality Group

Chef of the Year: Robin Selden, Marcia Selden Catering

Caterer of the Year: Santa Barbara Catering

Catersource Achievement in Catering Excellence (ACE) Awards:  These awards recognize companies that have shown noteworthy achievement in the catering industry through culinary, business, community, and professional development. Finalists were chosen to represent the best in each of these three geographic regions: East, West, and International.

East, $2 million +: Forte Belanger

East, $2 million and below: JPC Event Group

West, $2 million +: Footers Catering

West, $2 million and below: Catering with a Twist

International, $2 million +: By Word of Mouth

Event Solutions Spotlight Awards: Dedicated to recognizing the best and the brightest event professionals in the industry, these awards are presented in a variety of categories and honor both individuals and companies for their body of work in the previous year.

Entertainment of the Year: MGM Resorts Event Productions

Event Company of the Year: CL22 Productions

Event Site of the Year: Vibiana

Event Supplier of the Year: Images by Lighting

Rental Company of the Year: All Occasions Event Rental

International Event Company of the Year: Gavin Rajah Concept

Corporate Event Planner/Producer of the Year: Sara Gorlick, Rakuten Group

Designer/Creative Director of the Year: Jose Graterol, Jose Graterol Designs

Event Planner of the Year: Kristin Banta, Kristin Banta Events

Floral Designer of the Year: Jose Graterol, Jose Graterol Designs

Innovator of the Year: Kate Patay, CPCE, Creative Coverings

Rising Star: Natasha Frankowski, PartyArt Design