ESSA announces 2024 winners honoring Steve Barratt

The winners of the 2024 Event Suppliers and Services Association (ESSA) Awards were announced last night, celebrating the outstanding achievements of the industry’s brightest minds.

This year’s ESSA Awards, now in their seventh year, saw a record number of entries across its 14 categories. The awards celebrate diversity and excellence in the success of the events industry, recognizing individuals and companies that set the standard for innovation, service excellence and dedication.

A highlight of the evening was the presentation of the prestigious Outstanding Contribution to the Industry Award to Steve Barratt, former CEO and Founder of Full Circle Events & Exhibitions. Praised for his exceptional leadership and lasting impact on the industry, Barratt embodies the spirit of innovation and commitment that defines ESSA’s mission. Steve is known for his unwavering passion, entrepreneurial spirit, and ability to challenge the norm, but his sense of humor and penchant for analogies also set him apart. His reliability, enthusiasm and transformative contributions to exhibitions over many decades make him a man truly worthy of recognition for his extraordinary career.

Full list of ESSA Awards 2024 winners:

ESSA Outstanding Contribution to Industry Award, sponsored by beMatrix UK

Winner: Steve Barratt, former CEO and founder of Full Circle Events & Exhibitions

ESSA Youth Award – Sponsored by Happy Projects

Class of 2024 winners:

• Charlotte Eaglesham, Event Exhibition Partner (EEP)
• Ella Haynes, occasional group
• Emily HollowaY, Tecna UK
• Holly Green, beMatrix UK
• Jack Logan, Scala Contract
• Jay Thorne, Moss UK
• Jessica Beer, Full Circle Events & Exhibitions
• Lauren Walters, “Peacock”
• Shannon Watson “Exhibition Girl”
• Sophie Bestford, Full Circle Events & Exhibitions
• Special mention goes to Max WiFi’s James Pearson who received High Commendation in this category

ESSA Unsung Heroes – Sponsored by InEvexco

Winner: Mandy Rogers, Exhibit 3SIXTY

Best Organizer – Sponsored by Kuehne+Nagel

Winner: Virtue

Best Venue – Sponsored by GES

Winner: ACC Liverpool

Sustainability – sponsored by Abraxys Sustainable

Winner: Solution 2

Silver Medal: BeMatrix (UK)

AV & Production – Sponsored by Aluvision

Winner: Jacob Massey

Silver Award: Insert Production

Logistics – Sponsored by Green Circle Solutions

Winner: Kuehne Nagel

Full Service Contractor – Sponsored by Production Concept

Winner: Seawork Project by Showlite

Best Exhibition Stand Construction Under 10 Square Meters – Sponsored by JLG Power Towers

Winner: ESM

Best Exhibition Stand Construction Under 30 Square Meters – Sponsored by PSP Exhibitions

Winner: Tidal Exhibition

Silver Medal: Aventa

Best booth with floor area over 30 sqm – sponsored by JLG Power Towers

Winner: Solution 2

Silver Award: Exhibit 3Sixty

Print – sponsored by AEO and AEV

Winner: “Peacock”

ESSA Member Company Award – Sponsored by Beechwood Event Flooring

Winner: Immersive Audiovisual

Andrew Harrison, Director of ESSA, said: “This year’s awards showcase the industry’s relentless pursuit of innovation and excellence, providing the stage to showcase outstanding talent and celebrate the collaborative spirit that drives the industry forward. 2024 is It has been an extraordinary year with many positive changes and progress, characterized by significant advances in best practices and more efficient ways of working, and we are committed and excited to continue supporting our members as we move into 2025. Incredible effort and development. ”