(All images by Gary Prochorchik, Exposures LTD.)
On July 29 at the Moss Inc. Headquarters located in Franklin Park, Illinois, over 100 exhibit, event, and tradeshow professionals gathered for the inaugural ExSys Awards. Hosted by Exhibit City News (ECN) and The Experiential Design Authority (TEDA), The ExSys Awards capped off a busy week in Chicago with a blend of entertainment, networking, panel insights, and awards.
Created by TEDA, the ExSys Awards honored excellence in system-based exhibit design and execution. With more than 130 entries, 2,000 votes in the People’s Choice voting, and twenty-seven categories, the ExSys Awards celebrate tradeshows and the ones who make them.
The night kicked off with professional networking, while Kellen Langston, an upcoming musician, and Ellen Lustig, a caricature artist, entertained guests and set the mood. Dinner for the night was provided by Buona (Chicago’s Original Italian Beef).
Marlena Sullivan, the Managing Editor of ECN, and Travis Stanton, director of strategy at Storylink Creative and head of The Experiential Design Authority (TEDA), took the stage to moderate the industry insights panel featuring Laura Palker the founder and president of the Exhibitions and Events Workforce Development Federation, Kevin Carty, the Executive Vice President of Classic Exhibits Inc., and Debbie Parrott, the CEO and owner of Highmark TechSystems. The panel discussed topics ranging from design to tariffs, focused heavily on their impact for the tradeshow professional.
The night ended with the inaugural awards ceremony where winners were highlighted in twenty-seven categories. The gold winners were presented their awards to eager applause. Aluvision received the System of the Year Award for overall design excellence and versatility. Condit Exhibits was named Agency of the Year after earning five Gold and Silver trophies. Debbie Parrott was honored with the first ever ExSys Lifetime Achievement Award. Brave Exhibits with Classic Exhibits won the first ever People’s Choice Award. Jacob Hinman from Bemidji State University received gold for the best Student Design award. Although only the gold winners were presented the awards live, all bronze, silver, and gold award winners were given complimentary trophies for their accomplishments.
The ExSys Awards will return for 2026. Please join the TEDA mailing list to get more information on future award programs as well as when nominations open for the 2026 ExSys Awards.
This event was only possible thanks to the sponsors. Platinum sponsors for the event included beMatrix, ConventionSuite by NewGen Business Solutions, All Exhibit Solutions, Moss, and Highmark TechSystems. Gold sponsors included: Acer Exhibits & Events, and Exhibit Craft. Silver sponsors included: Exposures, LTD and Sho-Link.
To read more about the panel and what was discussed, feel free to read the recap or watch the full panel discussion.
To see the full list of winners please visit the Experiential Design Authority website.
To view the full gallery of images from the event please click here.
About Exhibit City News
Founded in 1994, Exhibit City News is the premier publication covering the tradeshow industry. With in-depth reporting, expert analysis, and a strong online and print presence, ECN continues to be the trusted resource for show floor professionals, exhibitors, and event organizers.
About The Experiential Design Authority (TEDA):
TEDA is dedicated to celebrating and elevating system-based exhibit design through professional development, student engagement, and international recognition.
