(Guests enjoy live jazz, gourmet food, and lively conversation under the glittering chandeliers at The Majestic Downtown during the 2024 ESCA Winter Celebration & Awards. Photo by Mark Hebert, Exhibit City News.)
Honoring excellence and innovation, the ESCA Winter Celebration brought the exhibition industry together for an unforgettable evening
by Mark Hebert, Exhibit City News
The exhibition industry gathered on December 15, for the ESCA Winter Celebration 2024 and Awards, held at The Majestic Downtown in Los Angeles. With the venue decked out in 1950s Old Hollywood style, attendees walked a sparkling red carpet, showcasing dazzling gowns, sharp suits, and timeless glamour. The event blended the excitement of the silver screen with heartfelt moments of reflection and celebration.
The red carpet provided an opportunity for industry professionals to reconnect and showcase their style. Robert Devine, Senior VP of Strategic Initiatives at Heritage, summed up the sentiment perfectly: “I’m always excited to meet with colleagues. This is a crazy business, and I love it. Eight years, and I love it.”
Honoring Todd Iverson
One of the evening’s most poignant moments came during the opening ceremony, as ESCA honored the late Todd Iverson, a respected industry leader who passed away in October after battling early-onset Parkinson’s Disease and Parkinson’s Dementia. Todd’s 35-year career included roles at Brede Exposition Services, GES Exposition Services, and Fern Expo & Event Services. Known for his tireless energy and commitment, Todd also served as ESCA President in 1999.
Reflecting on Todd’s legacy, his lifelong friend and colleague Bob Ryley of GES said, “Todd was the ‘T’ in tradeshows.” The tribute captured Todd’s unmatched passion for the industry and his dedication to clients and colleagues alike. His legacy continues to inspire through his family, including his father Ralph and brother Chad, both leaders in the tradeshow business.
Awards
The awards ceremony celebrated the best in the business, honoring innovation, service, and excellence across multiple categories:
- Chuck Grouzard – Lifetime Achievement Award
- Jim Kelley – President’s Award
- Taylor Vriens – Outgoing President Award
- Alyssa Konareski – Young Professional Excellence Award
- Ben Cramer – Young Professional Excellence Award
- Katherine Baize – Young Professional Excellence Award
- Robert Annable – Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Award
- Bobby Lee – Humanitarian Award
- Aluvision USA – Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Award
- August Robotics – Innovation Award
- Boomer Commerce – Outstanding Service & Volunteerism Award
Outgoing board members, including Joanne Sanders, Pat Putzer, Steve Margos, Tim Hefferman, and Damon Ross, were also recognized for their contributions.
Lifetime Achievement Award
During his acceptance speech for the Lifetime Achievement Award, Chuck Grouzard expressed heartfelt gratitude to his faith, his wife Margaret, and their two daughters, Maddie and Grace, who were all in attendance.
“Maddie and Grace, you are my pride and joy—the reason I strive to do my very best every day. You are both beautiful inside and out, and I couldn’t be prouder to be your dad.
To my amazing wife, Margaret, thank you for your unconditional love, support, and the countless sacrifices you’ve made to help me reach this point in my journey. You have been my biggest supporter and my rock, and I owe so much to you for believing in me and sharing this incredible journey over the past 28 years.
Margaret, Maddie, and Grace—you are my everything, and I am beyond blessed. Thank you for being here tonight.”
With 36 years of experience in the exhibitions industry, Grouzard currently serves as Executive Vice President of Business Development, Creative and Design at GES, where he has led strategic growth, market expansion, and innovative client partnerships. Beyond his professional success, Chuck and Margaret dedicate their time to housing and feeding the unhoused, including hosting Thanksgiving dinners in their community. Their commitment to service reflects the values that have guided his career and personal life alike.
“I owe so much to the people who have supported me throughout this journey,” he said. “Their love, belief, and encouragement have been the foundation of everything I’ve accomplished. This industry thrives on relationships and collaboration, and I’m honored to be part of a community that continuously inspires me to give back.”
Grouzard’s influence extends far beyond GES. He has served as Chairperson for the Center for Exhibition Industry Research (CEIR), President of the Exhibition Services Contractors Association (ESCA), and is the incoming Chairperson of IAEE’s 2025 Board of Directors. Reflecting on his impact, IAEE President and CEO Marsha Flanagan remarked, “Chuck’s leadership and ability to inspire innovation have positioned him as a transformative force in the industry.” His passion for giving back is evident not only in his leadership roles but also in his dedication to mentoring the next generation of industry professionals and fostering a spirit of collaboration and growth across the exhibitions sector.
An Evening of Glamour
The evening’s ambiance was elevated by live jazz music by Big Lucky, setting the tone for the Old Hollywood-inspired celebration. Guests indulged in a gourmet dinner featuring a sumptuous surf-and-turf menu of lobster and steak, complemented by a selection of delicious hors d’oeuvres. An open bar kept spirits high as attendees mingled and toasted the achievements of the industry’s finest.
The 2024 ESCA Winter Celebration & Awards wasn’t just about recognition—it was a tribute to the resilience and creativity of the industry. From the glamour of the red carpet to the emotional tributes and celebrations of excellence, the night captured the heart of what makes the tradeshow world thrive.
