Celebrating the Rebels Who Embrace
Chaos and Get Things Done


The Ruckusmaker Awards, powered by DAHLIA+Agency and Evessio , celebrates
the renegades, the visionaries, and the unapologetic changemakers

Nominations are FREE and open
until September 29th, 2025 @ 11pm EST

AWARD CATEGORIES

Honors those who are not just keeping up with trends, but actively defining what’s next. These are the visionaries whose work is shaping the future of events, awards, or recognition—setting new standards and inspiring others to follow their lead.

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For the straight shooters who cut through the noise, speak honestly, and back up their words with real action. This award honors leaders who are authentic, direct, and get things done—earning respect through both their words and their results.

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Celebrates organizations or individuals who have used event technology platforms in creative and impactful ways to deliver exceptional, memorable, or game-changing awards experiences. This award recognizes those who push the boundaries of what’s possible with technology to engage, inspire, and connect people in new ways.

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For the fearless innovators who challenge the status quo and aren’t afraid to disrupt the norm. This award goes to those who take bold risks, experiment, and aren’t afraid to “break things” in pursuit of something better.

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Recognizes those who turn unconventional, “out there” ideas into reality—and make them work. This award is for the creative minds who see possibilities where others see obstacles, and who transform wild ideas into genius moves.

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Honoring the boldest changemaker of them all!
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MEET THE JUDGES

Jay Schwedelson

Marketing rebel and Email Empire builder, Jay flips tired tactics into high-performing plays. If it doesn’t move the needle or break the mold, he’s not interested.

Why he’s judging: Because no one can spot marketing BS faster — or reward the work that actually works.

Liz Irving

A strategy powerhouse with a bias for bold moves, Liz has scaled global events with fearless focus. She brings clarity, courage, and a no-BS lens to what actually works.

Why she’s judging: Because she doesn’t just admire strategy — she demands it.

David Adler

Founder of BizBash and master connector, David has spent decades stirring the pot in live events. He’s the industry’s original ruckusmaker, proving that influence comes from building communities, not just throwing parties.

Why he’s judging: Because he’s seen every awards show under the sun — and knows when someone is truly breaking the mold.

Cecilia Lavin

Global Strategic Growth Director at Evessio, Cecilia is a force for smart, scalable growth in the events world. She thrives on turning ideas into impact, helping brands harness technology to transform how communities connect and thrive. A born relationship-builder, she blends strategy with a bold vision for what's next.

Why she's judging: Because she can spot the difference between surface-level innovation - and the kind of growth that truly changes the game.

Kathryn Frankson

Demand-gen queen turned event marketer, Kathryn knows how to translate buzz into business. She calls out fluff and celebrates campaigns that make audiences feel something real.

Why she’s judging: Because no one spots a fake faster — and no one cheers louder for the real deal.

Adam Parry

Co-founder of Event Tech Live, Adam thrives where tech and events collide. He’s known for spotlighting the innovators, the agitators, and the ones shaping what’s next.

Why he’s judging: Because he lives at the edge of event tech — and can tell who’s making noise versus who’s making change.

Melissa Cohen

With a career built on curating brand experiences that hit both head and heart, Melissa is a storyteller at scale. She’s all about the kind of recognition moments people never forget.

Why she’s judging: Because she knows when a story is surface-level — and when it’s a ruckus worth remembering.

Countdown to the awards