The Exhibition Services and Contractors Association (ESCA) gathered its community on December 7 at The Astorian in Houston for the 2025 Winter Celebration and Awards. The evening blended Western luxury with industry tradition as members honored leadership, service, and innovation across the exhibition sector.
A Night in Black Gold at The Astorian
This year’s theme, A Night in Black Gold, paired polished boots with evening elegance. Velvet, satin, metallics, and bold silhouettes filled the room. The Astorian’s rustic, high-class setting matched the Texas oil-country inspiration. Guests described the venue as elegant and historic, with a warm Southern atmosphere.
As attendees moved toward their tables, the space filled quickly. Meanwhile, conversation and music created a lively backdrop while the awards program prepared to begin. Although the acoustics made recording difficult, the energy in the room stayed high.
Recognizing ESCA Staff and Partners
During the opening remarks, ESCA leadership thanked staff members who supported the event. Rachel Rodean, director of education and events, coordinated the program. Tammy McGlade, who manages marketing and technology, received recognition while recovering from an injury. Mike Montgomery also received thanks for his work on the ESCA Badge system, which he helped support after joining the team earlier this year.
Media partners were also recognized, including Exhibit City News, TSNN, and Tradeshow Executive. ESCA thanked local partners in Houston for their support in securing the venue and hosting ESCA programs throughout the week.
Honoring the 2025 Scholarship Recipients
The Dennis Hale Memorial Scholarship Committee presented nine recipients this year, the largest group in the program’s history. Winners included Ashley Kristine Bonner, Tyler Kleinsasser, Chris Previlon, Thomas Owen Grossenbacher, Kelsey Klinger, Kylee Jordan Klinger, William Grossenbacher, Mackenzie Giles, and Megan Lipari.
Committee leaders noted the significance of the growing applicant pool and thanked members who encouraged students to apply.
Innovation Award
Matchpoint received the Innovation Award for a matchmaking platform designed to connect attendees based on shared goals and availability. The system was recognized for its creativity and practical use on the show floor.
Diversity and Inclusion Awards
Two recipients were honored this year.
Steve Margos of Shepard Exposition Services received the award for promoting fairness and inclusion.
A second award recognized Marlena Sullivan of Exhibit City News for elevating underrepresented voices and highlighting people whose stories often go overlooked in the industry.
“It is an honor to be recognized by an industry we are committed to covering with care,” says Sullivan. “Exhibit City News has stood with this community for three decades. We remain dedicated to reporting the stories that matter to those who are true to the trade.”
Rising Leader Excellence Award
The Rising Leader Excellence Award went to Will Estes of Emerald Carpets. He earned recognition for authenticity, collaboration, and his contributions to the Rising Leaders community, including his work in the inaugural Leadership Lab.
Humanitarian Award
Ryan Yemm of Heritage received the Humanitarian Award. He earned recognition for prioritizing people, supporting his team, and responding to community needs. Yemm expressed gratitude for the award and reflected on his years in the industry.
Lifetime Achievement Award
The Lifetime Achievement Award celebrated Ray Pekowski of The Expo Group for decades of leadership and vision. A video tribute introduced his career and long-term industry impact. Frank Staziowski presented the award and described their early years of collaboration, emphasizing the trust and partnership that shaped many projects.
Pekowski thanked his family, business partners, customers, and team members. He encouraged younger professionals to enjoy the work and embrace the opportunities within the tradeshow industry.
Looking Ahead to ESCA 3.0 and 2026 Leadership
ESCA outlined priorities for the year ahead through its Esco 3.0 initiative. The strategy focuses on financial strength, membership value, innovation, and industry standardization. The organization also highlighted education expansion and workforce development as priorities.
The program marked the transition from outgoing president Corey Clayton to incoming 2026 president Randy Pekowski, president and CEO at The Expo Group. New board members were welcomed, and upcoming events were announced, including the Rising Leaders Summit in February and the 2026 Educational Conference in Banff, Canada.
Closing the Night
Mason Creager and the Gulf Coast Drifters closed the celebration as guests returned to the bar and the social portion of the evening continued. The night carried a strong sense of community, recognition, and optimism for the future.
Sponsors Who Powered the Celebration
ESCA recognized the companies whose support made the Winter Celebration possible.
Diamond sponsors included AEX, ConventionSuite, Core Events, Emerald Carpet, The Expo Group, Fern, Freeman, GES, Heritage, and United Rentals.
Platinum sponsors included Boomer Commerce, Oscar & Associates, Willwork, and Expo Convention Contractors, Inc.
Gold sponsors included 42Chat, LVE, Modern Expo and Events, Shepard, Show Strategy, SourceOne Events, and Vista Convention Services.
Silver sponsors included AFR, Aluvision, Employco, ExhibitorInsurance.com, Quest Events, and Superior Expo Services.
Bronze sponsors included Convention Electric, CSI, Lippman Connects, and Sunbelt.
