by Emily Olson
The line to enter the ESCA Winter Awards event moved slowly, but it was no fault of the event planners. Instead, attendees were constantly distracted from the task at hand by their breathtaking surroundings. And more than a few were searching for evidence of the four ghosts rumored to walk the venue’s halls.
ESCA’s Winter Awards took place in downtown Louisville at the Palace Theatre, a nearly 100-year-old building that, according to ESCA director of operations Julie Kagy, came uncomfortably close to becoming a parking lot. Instead, the building underwent restoration and Kentucky is better for it.
Every surface of the Baroque-inspired theater was decorated with carvings, statues and intricately decorated columns. From the curved, vaulted ceiling where the event took place, 139 carved faces of historical figures stared down at the proceedings. Beyond the event space, was the stage, and the ceiling above it was painted to look like the night sky, with twinkling lightbulbs standing in for stars and suspended birds appearing to fly near the balcony seating.
The event was MC’d by Sheila Lemaster, who quickly passed the microphone to outgoing ESCA president, Bob Ryley, who discussed the work of the past year before passing the mic to incoming ESCA president Damon Ross. Ross discussed the future of ESCA, promising to work toward a more diverse membership, improve the capabilities of the WIS badge, enhance ESCA educational offerings and enhance revenue streams in order to bring the organization back into the black. “Because black is beautiful, baby!” Ross said to laughter from the audience.
Ross’ remarks were followed by the awards presentation (see sidebar) and a spectacular dinner, complete with the opportunity to catch up with old friends.
ESCA Winter Award Winners
Sheila Lemaster, GES
Outstanding Service
Debbie Rorabaugh, Cort
Volunteer of the Year
SMT Expo, NOVA Fabric Booth System
Innovation Award
UFI, The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry
Humanitarian Award
Carl Mitchell
Lifetime Achievement (watch this space for an upcoming profile!)
