(Future Leaders Class of 2023, courtesy of EDPA. Pictured are the award recipients (left to right): Nolan Bratt – Derse, Caleb Brininger – Stamm Media, Jenny Chang – Deckel & Moneypenny, Mark Condon – Allstates WorldCargo, Michelle Davis – Live Marketing, Joseph D’Alessandro – Sho-Link, Vaughn Ellis – CenterPoint Marketing, Jillian Fafard – Aluvision, Jessica Gifford Diamantopoulos – Access TCA, Kayla Gott – Agam, Krystal Hanvold – Hill & Partners, Alec Pierson – Brumark, Erika Plata – Hamilton, Carla Ramos – MSM, Sharla Robertson – Exhibit Concepts, Ethan Taylor – Apogee Exhibits, Jan van de Weijer – Cialona Expo B.v., Joe Wilush – Moss, and Walt McCreary – beMatrix USA. EDPA courtesy image.)
Highlighting this year’s categories, criteria, and the impact of recognizing industry innovation and dedication
by Mark Hebert, Exhibit City News
The 2024 Experiential Designers & Producers Association (EDPA) Awards highlight the best in the experiential design industry, recognizing excellence, innovation, and dedication among individuals and companies. Scheduled for Dec. 3 to Dec. 5, the awards ceremony will take place at the Hyatt Regency Indian Wells in Palm Desert, California, during ACCESS 2024.
Nominations are open to EDPA members and must be submitted by October 4, 2024. Members interested in nominating can visit the EDPA website for detailed instructions and criteria. Various award categories have different submission fees, such as a $150 fee for the Future Leaders Award and $225 for the Eddie Awards.
Dana Esposito, EDPA Board Member and the new chair of the EDPA Awards, shared insights into this year’s awards and their impact on the industry.
Award Categories and Their Significance
The 2024 EDPA Awards feature six main categories, each designed to honor specific achievements and contributions:
- Ambassador Award: This award acknowledges an individual for outstanding service or contribution to EDPA and the industry. It celebrates members who go above and beyond to promote and participate in EDPA’s engagements and good works.
- Designer of the Year Award: This accolade is for designers who enhance professional standards in experiential and exhibit design, contributing their talents, creativity, and personal time to bring innovation to the industry. Esposito notes, “The result of these efforts can be seen in EDPA’s Designer of the Year Award, which has been given to multiple graduates of both Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) and Bemidji State University (BSU) over the past several years.”
- Hazel Hays Award: The highest honor bestowed by EDPA, this award recognizes an individual for their outstanding contribution to the experiential and exhibit industry overall.
- EDPA International Collaboration Award: This award highlights companies that have formed international partnerships through their EDPA membership to deliver outstanding work for their clients.
- Chapter of the Year Award: This award recognizes an EDPA Chapter based on various criteria including membership, programs, fundraising, student assistance, and public relations. It celebrates the collective efforts and creativity of local chapters.
- Eddie Awards: These awards focus on specific projects and recognize excellence in six unique categories:
- Small Exhibits
- 20 x 20 or Larger Exhibits
- Print Matter Campaigns
- Online or Multi-Media Campaigns
- Best End-to-End Customer Experience
- Sustainability
Reflecting Industry Trends and Values
The criteria for the awards are meticulously designed to reflect current industry trends and values such as sustainability and innovation. For example, the Eddie Awards include a category specifically for sustainability, recognizing efforts to reduce environmental impact. This aligns with the growing emphasis on sustainable practices within the industry.
Impact of Recognition
Winning an EDPA Award can significantly impact both individuals and companies. Recognition enhances professional reputations, provides a sense of accomplishment, and positions recipients as thought leaders in the industry. Esposito emphasizes, “Recognition for one’s efforts holds several benefits: it rewards the individual for the selfless donation of their time and talent for contributions that are often ‘beyond their desk.’” She adds that it “can enhance an employee’s professional reputation, making them more visible to industry leaders, peers, and potential clients or partners.”
Connection with the EDPA Foundation
While the EDPA Awards celebrate professional excellence, the EDPA Foundation focuses on charitable works and educational initiatives. The Foundation’s University Affiliations program supports design programs at institutions like FIT and BSU. Notably, graduates from these programs have been frequent recipients of the Designer of the Year Award, illustrating the synergy between the Foundation’s educational efforts and the awards.
Looking Ahead
As we approach the 2024 EDPA Awards, the anticipation builds for who will be honored this year. The awards not only celebrate the achievements of today but also inspire future innovations and contributions within the experiential design industry.
“We aim to change the judges each year,” says Esposito. “This year we have invited some amazingly talented industry veterans to the judging panel. They are eager to lend their insight, seeking exceptional work and talent from this year’s nominee submissions.”
Stay tuned as Exhibit City News continues our series leading up to the awards ceremony, providing more insights and stories about past winners, nomination tips, and much more.
