From the Parnelli Awards’ humble beginnings, there have always been forward-thinking companies who shared our simple idea: that those who spend their careers putting on shows deserve one themselves. While we have always been grateful for the wide array of live event industry leaders who have made the show possible through sponsorships, we do so especially for our 20th. We would not have hit this milestone without all our sponsors over the years. As the industry gathers once more together to recognize the best of the industry and honor three legends, we wish to take a moment and thank the companies who are joining us as sponsors to make this year’s very special 20th Parnelli Awards celebration possible.
PLATINUM SPONSOR
DiGiCo/Group One have been Platinum Sponsors since our 15th show. In addition to DiGiCo, today Group One includes Avolites, Solid State Logic, Austrian Audio, MC2 Audio, and others. DiGiCo’s audio pioneer and technical director, John Stadius, received the 2018 Parnelli Audio Innovator Award. At that time, Group One owner Jack Kelly said, “The definition of an innovator is ‘a person who develops a new design, product, or who has new ideas about how to do something.’ John Stadius has continued to develop new ideas and designs and has helped redefine what’s possible in the pro-audio industry.”
GOLD SPONSORS
4Wall Entertainment first became a Parnelli Awards Sponsor in 2017. A national provider of entertainment equipment rentals, sales and services, 4Wall has steadily expanded over the last few years, while always maintaining their reputation for quality work by adhering to their motto, “large enough to service, small enough to care.” They were hiring for more expansion when the pandemic hit; now as the industry has reopened they have continued their momentum, building two new xR stages as well as being part of numerous projects. During the pandemic they entertained the industry with a funny YouTube series called Light Humor.
All Access Staging and Production has been with the Parnelli Awards from show number one, and their support has never wavered. “Starting with the very first award show there was such a warm response from our business,” says CEO Clive Forrester. “It was a good shout out to the industry then and continues to be today. And it is always good to be acknowledged by our peers and to be a part of the family that we call the industry.”
Bandit Lites Founder and Chair Michael T. Strickland was honored with the Parnelli Visionary Award at our 19th show, and one of the all-time highlights of the Parnelli Awards was when Garth Brooks made a surprise appearance to present the award to Strickland. “Terry [Lowe, Parnelli Awards executive producer] and the great staff created much more than an awards show; they created the single moment every year that our entire industry comes together to renew old friendships, make new ones, and pay homage to the deserving,” says Strickland. “Without the Parnelli Awards, our industry would be a bit like the NFL without The Super Bowl!” This year’s three lifetime honorees are all “more than deserving,” Strickland adds. “Peter [Morse] and David [Bernstein] are industry pioneers and among the people I have had the pleasure to know and work with since the early 70’s. I can think of no one better than Peter in lighting and David in freight for their amazing accomplishments.”
Elation Professional is sponsoring the Parnelli Awards for the eighth time. “Congrats to Terry and his team on the 20th anniversary of the Parnellis,” says Elation Professional’s Director of Sales & Marketing Eric Loader. “There’s really no other industry event that focuses on what we do like the Parnellis, and no other industry gathering where you are so aware of who is ‘in the room.’ It’s pivotal that we recognize and celebrate excellence in our own industry.”
G2 Structures has been a sponsor since 2017. “We extend our full support and gratitude to the Parnelli Awards,” says G2’s Kaitlin Ellis. “The Parnellis transcend an award show and continue the greatness of music—bringing people together. Not only do the Parnellis bring us in the industry closer together, but it helps keep every company on the cutting edge. And we send our highest congratulations to all three Lifetime honorees.”
Gallagher Staging & Productions has been a supporter of the Parnelli Awards since 2012, just a year after the company was founded by Joey and Joe Gallagher Sr. Since then, the Gallaghers have taken home multiple Parnelli awards over the years for their work, including 2019’s Set Construction Company of the Year. In 2020, the Parnelli Board of Advisors welcomed the company’s CEO Joey Gallagher to the board.
Harman Professional brands include BSS, dbx, Crown, JBL, Martin, AKG, and Soundcraft, and they have supported the Parnellis since the eighth show. It should be noted, however, that JBL and dbx go back as far as the sixth show, when it was held in Las Vegas. And Martin Professional, which joined the Harman family in 2013, was in fact one of our original Parnelli sponsors, having supported the awards since the very first show held in San Diego in 2002.
MEGA Lite’s founders also support the Parnelli mission. “The Parnelli Awards unite our industry for one evening [putting us out front] instead of being behind the scenes where we belong,” says MEGA’s Guillermo Cabada. “We get to feel how the audience feels when we do our job. Most of us are addicted to this industry even though we are always the first ones in and many times the last ones out, so recognizing the ones that make all that happen unites us.” Cabada also has a message for this year’s Visionary honoree: “Peter Morse, you inspired me with your lighting creations! Thank you for using the products I sold you and letting me be part of your beautiful art.”
Meyer Sound joined the Parnelli sponsor family in 2011. But the company’s connection to the award show goes back before that. In 2004, the Audio Innovator lifetime achievement honor debuted, and Meyer founder John Meyer was the first to receive it. “Innovation has been in Meyer Sound’s DNA since the very beginning and continues today,” John and Helen Meyer said in a statement. “The Parnelli Awards foster and celebrate innovation in the industry, so we are very proud to be longtime supporters.”
NAMM’s President/CEO Joe Lamond notes that, “for every Parnelli Awards that I’ve been to, the recipients speak about others who have influenced or helped them along the way in their careers. And I think that’s one of the most important elements of the Parnellis—to celebrate professional accomplishments but also in knowing there’s a role to give back and help others. That’s where so much of the next generation is inspired, nurtured, and encouraged. And that’s a part of NAMM’s mission too—to foster the next generation and give back to those who are making the world a more musical place.”
NovaStar International Department Director Selena Zhang points out that “NovaStar not only invests in R&D and innovation, but also cares about feedback and user experience. The Parnelli Awards, as the authoritative awards in the industry, represent the comments and expectations of numerous experts and users, and also reflect the direction of the industry. Every opportunity of getting industry feedback will bring a better NovaStar and create a better industry atmosphere.”
Pyrotek Special Effects makes things go boom—and that includes the Parnelli Awards. They have been supporters since show 15. They are particularly fondly recalled by Parnelli guests, and appreciated for, some pretty lavish afterparties in previous years. They are often nominated and have taken home a number “… of the year” awards for Special Effects starting in 2005.
Robe is one of our newer Sponsors, and we’re grateful to have them joining us again for our 20th celebration. As well as being a Parnelli sponsor, the lighting manufacturer has also been a Parnelli nominee multiple times for their products in the Indispensable Technology Award’s Lighting category, winning in 2016. They are nominated again this year for their well-regarded T11 Hybrid Luminaire.
Rock-it Global’s David Bernstein will be receiving the Parnelli Lifetime Achievement honor at this year’s 20th Parnelli show. The work of the company Bernstein built pretty much touches everyone in the industry. A frequent winner of the “Freight Forwarding” honor, Rock-it has supported our gala gathering dating back to 2013. That was the same year when Bernstein’s good friend George Travis, PM to Bruce Springsteen, took home the same Lifetime Achievement honor.
Screenworks founder Danny O’Bryen is a video pioneer who received the Parnelli Visionary honor at the 16th Parnelli show. Today he is a member of the Parnelli Board of Advisors. Screenworks, with offices in Southern California and Nashville, continue to provide road-worthy solutions to concert touring and events across the country. They also continue to support our industry and the Parnelli Awards.
Special Event Services (SES) is “incredibly proud to sponsor The Parnelli Awards as the premier awards program for our industry,” says marketing director Rebekah Carney. “We celebrate the legacy of past and current nominees as leaders who’ve had an immeasurable impact on our industry. Congratulations to all nominees and winners this year, and to lifetime honorees Peter Morse, Sam Berkow, and David Bernstein.”
Solotech first came on as a sponsor in 2011. Mickey Curbishley, President, Live Productions, Solotech US and UK, noted, “The board of the Parnelli Awards do a great job at giving recognition to the legends of our industry and reminding us of the hard work and the dedication it takes to be successful. Winning a Parnelli is always special. We have been fortunate to pick up many over the years, and the thrill of winning never diminishes.”
Sound Image is sponsoring the Parnelli Awards for the 14th time. Company co-founder and President, Dave Shadoan was honored (along with Sound Image co-founder Ross Ritto, posthumously) with the Audio Innovator Award in 2012. Shadoan has also served as a member of the Board of Advisors since the early days. His insight into the innovators in audio are valuable to the board, and he hasn’t hesitated to advocate for “competitors” to receive the Parnelli honor.
Stageline founder Yvon Miron received the Parnelli Visionary Award in 2019, and his company is also a steadfast supporter of the annual ceremony. “The Parnelli Awards are important because it recognizes innovations and talent of all who work behind the scenes so that artists can perform at their best,” says Pierre Luc Rompré, Operations Director. “It’s a well-deserved celebration that inspires us to improve and rise above our limits. Being part of this is a privilege for Stageline.’’
Strictly FX has earned the Parnelli Pyro Company of the Year 12 times. Founded in 1996 by Mark Grega and Ted Maccabee, today Strictly FX has offices in Chicago, Nashville, and Los Angeles. A highly respected vendor throughout the industry and with a ‘too many to name’ client roster, one project is perhaps particularly special: in June of 2020, Strictly FX was involved in a very special show—using 140 drones equipped with LEDs, they put on a display of thanks for the health care workers of Nashville.
SILVER SPONSORS
Advanced Entertainment Services is no stranger to the Parnelli Awards as they are often nominated in the Parnelli Special Effects category. We are pleased to now welcome them for the first time as a sponsor. Based in Las Vegas, AES serves a wide variety of markets within our industry, with clients including Carnival, Cirque du Soleil, Disney, X Games, and many corporate clients.
Brown Note Productions is often nominated in the “Hometown Hero” category and took a Parnelli Award home in 2013, and then again in 2017 and 2018. The company, based in the Denver area, started out modestly and has since grown into a full-service production company whose offerings include all the production disciplines as well as special effects, systems integration, and start-to-finish show design for concerts, touring, and music festivals, among other live event segments.
Hemphill Brothers Coach Company’s co-founder Joey Hemphill is frequently in the audience at the Parnelli Awards and has often made a trip to the podium to accept one of the numerous awards Hemphill has won in the “Coach Company of the Year” category. The company first became a sponsor at the 8th Parnelli show. Joey and Trent Hemphill, who grew up on a tour bus as part of a traveling family gospel group, launched the company in 1980 with just two buses.
INFiLED, the Shenzhen-based LED video equipment company, is a first-time sponsor of the Parnelli Awards this year. They have grown rapidly in the U.S. over the years, and their products are now seen not only in concerts and live events, but also in advertisements, transportation, sports, corporate branding, and more. “The Parnelli Awards is like the Oscars of the Live Event Industry—it’s an unparalleled honor to be a part of this event,” says Grif Palmer, Vice President of Sales.
On Tour Logistics, based Nashville, has been providing exemplary transportation and logistics services to the industry since 1971, so it’s only natural that they have emerged as a frequent Parnelli nominee in the transportation category. The company has grown to serve some of the biggest clients and names in the music industry, including Ed Sheeran. They first became a Parnelli sponsor for the 18th annual ceremony.
See Factor first became a Parnelli sponsor in 2009, and Founder Bob See was one of the early Parnelli board members. See, a live event pioneer, took home the Parnelli Lifetime Achievement honor in 2004 for not only all his company’s concert touring innovations, but also for being a “school” where so many future designers and leaders of the industry—and Parnelli winners—worked and learned.
Ultratec Special Effects has been a sponsor of the Parnelli Awards since 2011. “The Parnelli Awards are one of the highest honors bestowed upon a company in the live event industry,” says Ultratec President Adrian Segeren. “As 2022 marks the 20th anniversary for this prestigious award, we’re reminded that receiving a Parnelli and being recognized amongst your peers is a timeless and humbling recognition.”
COCKTAIL SPONSORS
Chauvet Professional, which has been a sponsor since 2009, has also been Parnelli winners. They have taken home a number of Parnelli Indispensable Technology Awards, first winning in 2012 and most recently in 2019 for their innovative lighting products. This year they are again nominated for a Parnelli “IT” award in the lighting category for their Maverick Silens 2 Profile.
Shockwave Cargo is a cargo logistics company that has been recognized with numerous Parnelli Award nominations over the years. The company is known for its team of cargo logistics experts and 200 agents globally, many of whom have spent their entire careers in the freight forwarding field as technical managers and transportation managers. The Parnelli Awards is pleased to welcome them as a first-time sponsor this year.
Tyler Truss VP Bill Edwards notes that “the Tyler Truss team is fortunate to be a part of this amazing industry. Supporting the Parnellis is one small contribution we are honored to make to recognize the nominees and trailblazers and say ‘thank you’ to our many clients and friends. The Parnelli Awards celebrate excellence and achievement, and also reminds us that success requires hard work as well as talent.”
PRODUCTION PARTNERS
Access Event Solutions CEO/Founder Seth Sheck says, “We see the Parnellis as an important and key event within and honoring the entertainment industry that we service as a vendor. There are few events that honor the work and achievements of the people and companies that make the wheels turn in this business. We’re grateful for the work that goes into putting this event on and the purpose it serves, and like being part of it—it is also fun, for sure!”
Atomic has been there for the Parnelli Awards, dressing up the stage and providing elegant set pieces for the gala since show #12. “Atomic has been a long-time production partner of the Parnelli Awards, and we’re proud to stand alongside the team at TPI again this year as we celebrate those who have dedicated their careers to building some of the world’s most incredible shows,” states Atomic VP, and Parnelli Board of Advisor member, Rob Barber. “Honoring nominees and winners’ commitment with a proper show is just one small way of saying thank you!”
PRG has been a Parnelli Awards production partner for the Parnelli Awards since 2007, providing whatever the ceremony needs, big or small. “The Parnelli Awards recognize pioneers in live events, and at PRG we feel that this ceremony is vital to both our industry as a whole and the spirit of our company,” says PRG’s Erin Bates. “As innovators, we take pride in supporting the celebration and recognition of groundbreaking achievements in our field.” In 2006, PRG founder Jere Harris was honored with the Parnelli Lifetime Achievement Award.
TPI’s CFO Michael O’Keefe attended his first Parnelli show in 2008, and immediately offered to help with the next one. We humbly, and without offense, accepted his offer. O’Keefe and his TPI team, led by designer and now CEO Elizabeth O’Keefe, have done a bit more each year to exponentially better results. “The Parnelli Awards is one of my favorite evenings of the year,” Elizabeth comments. “It gives us a chance to honor those often unsung heroes of live event production. I always leave this evening feeling inspired to do more and to be more for those people in the seats out there. Those we celebrate on this night are legends, visionaries, artists, craftspeople and quite literally the lifeblood of entertainment. It’s an honor and privilege to help them feel like the rock stars they are!”
Again we thank all the sponsors and just as these companies have all shown their commitment to supporting and celebrating the best of our industry through their sponsorship of the Parnelli Awards, we hope that you will consider supporting them when looking for production services and equipment.
