PHILADELPHIA – The Exhibition Services & Contractors Association (ESCA) honored its 2021 award winners in Philadelphia on the eve of the IAEE Expo! Expo!.
Industry pioneers and leaders who inspire, innovate and rise to the challenge of serving their clients, their community and the exhibition industry were recognized.
The 2021 Innovation Award, which recognizes individuals or organizations that have implemented innovative and creative industrial solutions and applications, was awarded to Fern for its Fern Health Check and to BeMatrix for its pop-IN and pop-OUT.
Fern has partnered with ShareMyHealth to provide testing and health technology. Fern HealthCheck has enabled dozens of events and tens of thousands of attendees to return safely to the show floor with vaccine and testing verification solutions, as well as on-site PCR and antigen testing.
According to Fern, the offer was not intended to generate revenue but to help the trade show industry.
BeMatrix won the 2021 Innovation Award for shifting its focus from exhibition construction to live communication during the pandemic.
As part of this change, BeMatrix wanted to create a product range that would allow exhibition and event organisers to use their beMatrix products outdoors or in a retail/event setting. So beMatrix created pop-OUT
The Humanitarian Award, presented to individuals or organizations that have made significant contributions to alleviating human suffering, improving the quality of life and well-being of individuals in the United States and abroad, and demonstrating significant leadership and exceptional humanitarian volunteer achievement that brings credit to the industry, was presented to IATSE – International Alliance of Theatrical and Stage Employees and Motion Picture Technicians, Artists and Allied Crafts of the United States.
During the pandemic, women, men and families in hundreds of IATSE locals across the United States and Canada helped create PPE for hospitals, essential workers, retail workers and assisted living and homeless centers. Members produced more than 50,000 masks, including those accepted by hospitals by reusing surgical equipment already on hand in most hospitals that would otherwise have been discarded. In addition, the International created a website – IATSECares.org – that worked tirelessly to connect members’ needs with resources, produced a “buddy system” through which members provided services to others, and provided wellness checks to members by the more than 2,500 members who signed up to volunteer.
The Volunteer of the Year Award, recognizing an outstanding volunteer for their valuable and selfless commitment to innovation, implementation and improvement of the ESCA community, was presented to Brett Mitchell, General Manager of the Overland Park Convention Center. He volunteered in 2021 as Chair of the ESCA Management and Venue Management Board, member of the ESCA Health and Safety Committee and key organizer of the ESCA ALL IN campaign.
Outstanding Service Awards that recognize an individual who has made measurable and recognizable contributions to the industry were presented to Mark Staples, president and CEO of American Exposition Services and Tommy Blitsch, secretary-treasurer/general manager of International Brotherhood of Teamsters Local Union 631.
Staples has actively sought ways to support suppliers, customers and employees in the industry. It always puts the well-being of its staff and customers first while embodying the values of ESCA.
Blitsch was recognized for his advocacy efforts, working extensively with Las Vegas industry, county officials and local politicians as he served as an industry champion.
Employco was also recognized for its exceptional service for its efforts to educate the industry and offer assistance to anyone who needed it during the pandemic. They hosted several free webinars not only for ESCA clients, but also for any small business that needed guidance on a variety of topics including COVID-19, HR issues, PPP updates, and best practices for reopening.
The President’s Award, presented by the ESCA President to recognize exceptional service, was presented to Randy Pekowski, President and COO of The Expo Group. Pekowski’s dedication, leadership and guidance have been essential in getting ESCA and the industry back on track. He has donated his company’s resources to ESCA’s All In campaign, given selflessly of his time and demonstrated thoughtful leadership during a challenging time for the industry.
Contact Julie Kagy at julie@esca.org or (773) 418-1955