Celebrating 35 Years of Event Excellence
Advancing the event industry through innovation, excellence, and support for emerging talent.
The Allie History
In 1988, Tim Lundy, CSEP, ignited a spark with a daring vision: to catapult Atlanta into the spotlight as a leader in the national event and hospitality scene.
As a committed member of both the National Association of Catering Executives (NACE) and the International Live Events Association (ILEA) in Atlanta, Lundy conceived the idea of an awards ceremony to celebrate excellence within the local event industry. This innovative concept rapidly gained traction, leading to the establishment of an awards committee chaired by Lundy and industry pioneer Judy Cook.
The awards were named “Allies” to represent the collaborative spirit of Atlanta’s event companies working together to achieve excellence in design, planning, and production. The inaugural event was held in 1991, attracting 185 event professionals in the Greater Atlanta area. It coincided with an Oscars broadcast, with awards presented during commercial breaks. Initially featuring a limited number of categories, the event has since expanded to include over 30 categories, reflecting the industry’s growth and evolution.
In 2015, the Allies transitioned to a certified 501(c)(3) public charity, the Allie Awards, Inc. An all-volunteer Board of Directors, comprising past Allie Awards Event Chairs and representatives from five strategic partner associations, manages the organization’s mission and funds. In 2022, the organization officially rebranded as the Allie Foundation of Georgia, Inc., aiming to foster greater year-round community engagement and distinguish itself from the annual event.
Today, the Allie Foundation of Georgia stands as a prominent event, contributing to charitable causes within Atlanta and inspiring similar awards across North America. The foundation remains dedicated to supporting the live events industry’s future growth through strategic partnerships and community involvement, continuing its legacy of excellence and altruism.
Our Mission
The Allies Foundation of Georgia, Inc. fosters growth for the future of the live events industry through strategic partnerships aligned to support our foundation initiatives between the education and business communities.
The Allie Foundation of Georgia operates as a certified 501(c)(3) public charity, emphasizing community engagement and charitable contributions. The organization is governed by an all-volunteer Board of Directors composed of past Allie Awards Event Chairs and representatives from five strategic partner associations: ACVB, ILEA, MPI, NACE, and WIPA.
These board members hold fiduciary responsibility to manage the foundation’s funds and ensure its strategic mission aligns with industry growth and community needs.
Board members attend regular meetings to oversee the foundation’s initiatives and maintain accountability. Their collaborative efforts enable the foundation to support educational programs and initiatives that benefit the local event industry, ensuring a sustainable future for the profession.
By providing a platform for networking, education, and recognition, the Allie Foundation of Georgia continues to inspire excellence and innovation while giving back to the community and supporting the industry’s evolution in Atlanta and beyond.
Board of Directors
Strategic Partners
Advancing Excellence Together
Our strategic partnerships are the cornerstone of innovation and excellence. These collaborations enable us to reach new heights, enhancing our ability to celebrate the achievements and progress within the event industry.
