It was a night like no other. The highly anticipated 20th annual Emerald City Applause Awards kicked off with a member’s only pre-funk at Victory Hall, where Kuroneko of Orion Entertainment got attendees ready for the main event. As guests began to trickle in for cocktail hour, they were welcomed by stilted performers and dancers from Maison De V . They made their way across the LED dance-floor to get their drinks from the bar, took photos in a custom designed photo experience by 321 foto and Gene Alexander Designs. Notably, the dance party got started right away. From the moment guests arrived, this did not feel like a typical award show, or networking event. You had arrived at the rave.
Once invited to take their seats, guests made their way from the cocktail hour, through a breathtaking tunnel display designed and executed by Wilkinson Events, Flora Grand, and LED Solutions NW. As the floor illuminated their steps, and streamers hung from the rafters, the tunnel guided you towards a lyra performer dramatically directing attendees to their seats. As you turned the corner, the room was revealed.
A stunning runway split the room in two as the event’s logo was prominently displayed on a massive LED screen. Custom decaled seats by Blue Ink emblazoned VIP and sponsor tables. Once seated, an out of this world performance by Maison De V graced the stage, and upon its conclusion the event’s host, David Schwartz was invited to the stage. As he made his way to the stage, in a winged peacock bodysuit he turned to face the crowd and exclaimed “ILEA Seattle, Welcome to My World!”
As David welcomed guests to the award show, he gave them a bit of a lesson in rave culture. Explaining the significance of giving Kandi to a first time raver, and how to properly perform the exchange.
He went on to say “for those of you tonight, who have never been to a rave before, look around at your new rave family - you forever belong to the house of ILEA. Boundless connections, friendships, opportunities, and awards await you.”
After a few words from ILEA President, Jana Heinrichs, the award ceremony began. Congratulations once again to all of this year's winners:
Best Catered Event: Foodz Catering, ‘Compass Housing Alliance Gala’
Best Corporate Event (Major): Wilkinson Events, ‘Holiday Happenings’
Best Corporate Event: Tolo Events, ‘TUDOR Brand Experience’
Best Creative Solution: CORT Party Rental, ‘AltigWedding’
Best Designed Event: Tolo Events, ‘Ben Bridge Flagship Grand Opening’
Best Event Entertainment: CircusWerksEntertainment, ‘Psychedelic AliceinWonderland’
Best Event Marketing: BLUE INK, ‘2023 NACE Gala & Auction’
Best Event Music: Orion Entertainment, ‘OR10N’
Best Event Support Services: BLUE INK, ‘2023 NACE Gala & Auction’
Best Industry Innovation: BLUE INK, ‘2023 UserTesting’
Best Meeting/Conference: Tolo Events, ‘WSECU All Star Day 2023’\
Best Non-Profit Event(Major): Tolo Events, ‘Big Opera Party 2023’
Best Non-Profit Event: GFS Events, ‘Learners to Leaders: Peace Community Center's Annual Benefit Dinner’
Best Open House: T-Mobile Park Events & Wilkinson Events, ‘T-Mobile Park Open House’
Best Public Event: GFSEvents, ‘Seattle Animal Shelter Foundation's 2023 Furry 5K’
Best Social Event (non-wedding):-PJ Hummel & Company, ‘Tacoma Arts Live Utopian Garden Non-ProfitFundraiser Gala2023’
Best Team Effort: DSquaredHospitality Company, ‘Here We Are Now, Entertain Us–Seattle Showcase at The Works’
Best Technical Production: LightSmiths,‘Derby After Dark’
Best Videography: Magnus Media Group Video Production, ‘2023 Wall & Ceiling Conference & Trade Show’
Excellence in DEI: GFS Events,‘Northwest Justice Project's 2023 Jubilee for Justice’
Event Professional of the Year: David Schwartz with Orion Entertainment
Thank you to our 2024 ECAA Sponsors!
At the conclusion of the awards, the dancing picked right back up. While Seattle may have initially been apprehensive of going to their first rave, they embraced the fashion, feeling, and freedom of electronic music. The only question left to be answered, how will they top it next year?
