Named after Rick "Parnelli" O'Brien, the awards honor both individuals and companies in the entertainment industry who keep it moving forward with the "four H's": Humanity, Humility, Honesty, and Humor. These qualities were the defining traits of Rick O'Brien, a renowned production manager and respected colleague.
The award banquet was held in conjunction with ETS-LDI, the industry's yearly product and services convention. Chip Monck presented this year's lighting awards. TLS David Milly said that receiving the award was a real honor, but having Chip Monck present the award was just as notable. Monck is a previous Parnelli Lifetime Achievement Award recipient.
The award is voted on by subscribers to Projection, Lights & Staging News and FRONT of HOUSE magazines, it is therefore an award of distinction among peers.(Sarah Rushton-Read)