EDPA has recognized Robert Laarhoven (pictured above) as the winner of the 43rd annual Hazel Hays Award. Hailed as the “highest honor bestowed by EDPA,” the Hazel Hays Award recognizes an outstanding individual for playing a major role in contributing to the experiential and exhibit industry.
Laarhoven is the president of beMatrix USA, the leading modular frame manufacturer in North America. He has been making key contributions to the exhibit industry for more than 35 years and served as the EDPA president in 1998.
The award is named after Hazel Hays who was commonly known as the “first lady in the exhibit industry.” She was the first woman to serve on the EDPA board of directors, and this award honors those who contribute to the knowledge, innovation, processes, and influence of the exhibit industry.
Laarhoven has helped to set the standard for innovation, creativity, and the evolution of the exhibit/experiential industry. Winning the Hazel Hays award recognizes his skill, integrity, vision, and support of our industry domestically, and around the world.
“It is the greatest honor to have been selected as the recipient of such an important award,” says Laarhoven. “EDPA and our industry have already given so much to me over the years, and I am humbled and honored to have been considered for this award. I have a true passion for our industry, and I am flattered to be recognized.”
beMatrix designs and manufactures aluminum frame systems known for quick and easy construction and versatility—each frame can be used as a floor, wall, or ceiling. Frames are produced and delivered throughout North America from a state-of-the-art production facility in Atlanta, Georgia, with global manufacturing facilities located in Belgium and China. beMatrix is currently used by more than 500 North American partners and is available in 63 countries around the world. For more info, visit www.beMatrix.us.
