(The iconic Hollywood sign sets the stage for ESCA’s Winter Celebration & Awards, where the exhibition industry will gather for a night of 1950s glamour and Tinseltown-inspired festivities.)
ESCA’s annual awards night invites attendees to channel Old Hollywood icons and celebrate a year of industry excellence
by Exhibit City News Staff
LOS ANGELES, Calif.—Mark your calendars and polish those dancing shoes because the ESCA Winter Celebration & Awards is bringing the glitz, glamour, and old-school Hollywood magic to The Majestic Downtown on December 15th! For one night only, the exhibition industry’s finest will walk the red carpet, decked out in 1950s style, ready to celebrate a year of achievements in true Tinseltown fashion.
On the inspiration behind the “Old Hollywood” theme, Rachel Rodean, ESCA’s Director of Education & Events, shared:
When asked about the inspiration behind the “Old Hollywood” theme, Rachel Rodean, ESCA’s Director of Education & Events, explained that the goal was to create a truly memorable experience. “We’re all in the experiential event industry, so we wanted to create something truly memorable for this year’s Winter Celebration and Awards—something that stands out from the usual networking receptions. When we started looking for venues, The Majestic caught our eye. It’s a venue with incredible history, dating back to 1924, and the details were amazing—the crystal chandeliers and painted ceilings—it was a perfect fit for an Old Hollywood theme. We also thought Old Hollywood was a great tie-in to our awards ceremony, our location, and a theme that would get the attendees excited.”
Rodean added that she’s particularly excited for the opening red carpet and the chance to see how attendees embrace the theme. “We’ve encouraged attendees to dress up in the spirit of Old Hollywood glam, and the buzz we’ve been hearing is great! To encourage more to participate in the theme, we’re adding a ‘best dressed’ award, where attendees can vote for their favorite look throughout the night. I think this will be a fun way to engage everyone and add another layer of excitement.”
This year, the Exhibition Services & Contractors Association (ESCA) has pulled out all the stops. With a theme straight from the silver screen, attendees will channel icons of the past, donning their best red-carpet attire and dazzling looks. It’s set to be a night of high style, warm toasts, and perhaps a little friendly competition—the kind that only Hollywood could inspire. One lucky attendee will even go home with the coveted Best Dressed Attendee Award, chosen for embodying the essence of Old Hollywood glamour.
An Evening Fit for the Stars
The doors to The Majestic open at 6:00 p.m., inviting guests to step into a world of cinematic wonder. At 6:30 p.m., the spotlight will shine on the stars of the night—the award winners! ESCA will be presenting six prestigious awards, including the Diversity & Inclusion Award, the Innovation Award, and the Lifetime Achievement Award, which celebrates individuals who have made enduring contributions to the industry. One of the evening’s highlights will be honoring Chuck Grouzard, this year’s recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award for his trailblazing work and dedication to the field.
At 7:15 p.m., the reception begins, giving attendees the chance to mingle, sip cocktails, and revel in the night’s theme against the grand architecture and historic charm of The Majestic Downtown. With every detail in place, ESCA’s celebration promises to be a blockbuster event, the kind that could have graced the silver screen in Hollywood’s golden age.
So, grab your gown, dust off your tux, and get ready to join ESCA at The Majestic for an evening that’ll feel like a scene straight out of a classic film. On December 15th, it’s “lights, camera, action” for the exhibition industry!
Hollywood-Inspired Slang for ESCA’s Night of Glitz and Glam
As we step into the glamour of Old Hollywood at the ESCA Winter Celebration & Awards, why not brush up on a little 1950s lingo to truly get in character? From “Daddy-O” to “Classy Chassis,” these classic terms will help you talk the talk as you walk the red carpet alongside the exhibition industry’s finest. Whether you’re complimenting a sleek booth or hurrying to the awards hall, these phrases will add a splash of vintage flair to the night’s festivities. Here’s your guide to sounding as hip as a Hollywood star!
- Daddy-O – A cool or admired figure. “The event planner really outdid himself, Daddy-O!”
- Made in the Shade – When things are going smoothly. “With this year’s setup, ESCA’s got everything made in the shade.”
- Ginchiest – High praise for something impressive. “This event decor is the ginchiest—can’t wait to see the guests’ reactions!”
- Burn Rubber – To hurry up or move quickly. “Let’s burn rubber to the awards hall before the program starts!”
- Pad – Your home base or venue. “The Majestic is ESCA’s ultimate pad tonight.”
- Ankle-Biter – Refers affectionately to young attendees or newbies. “Got a few ankle-biters helping with the booth setup this year!”
- Wig Chop – A quick haircut before the big event. “All the sales reps got a wig chop for tonight’s big shindig!”
- Back Seat Bingo – Reserved for after-hours mingling. “Let’s keep the back seat bingo out of the show floor!”
- Beat Feet – To leave or move quickly. “Gotta beat feet to the vendor hall before the big presentation!”
- Cruisin’ for a Bruisin’ – If someone is causing trouble. “Anyone who messes with the AV setup is cruisin’ for a bruisin’!”
- Greaser – A slicked-back, polished look. “Some exhibitors went full greaser to match the Old Hollywood theme!”
- Cut the Gas – Telling someone to quiet down. “Hey, cut the gas for a second; they’re announcing the winners!”
- Passion Pit – Where attendees can unwind. “The lounge is the event’s passion pit for some serious relaxation.”
- Big Tickle – Something really fun. “The networking mixer was a big tickle for everyone there!”
- Classy Chassis – Complimenting a sleek exhibit or display. “Now that’s a classy chassis of a display booth!”
- Word from the Bird – Assuring someone it’s true. “I hear the new tech’s a big hit—word from the bird!”
- Wet Rag – A downer at the event. “No wet rags allowed tonight; we’re here to celebrate!”
- Knuckle Sandwich – Playful warning. “Anyone messing with our display might get a knuckle sandwich!”
- Cat – Refers to someone cool or admired. “All the top cats of the industry are here tonight!”
