The Votes Have been Tallied!

Introducing THE 2026 FLEX AWARD WINNERS!

Sales Superhero of the Year!

Ashley Portier

Sounds Ideas Production Group

As Vice President and Account Executive at Sound Ideas Production Group, Ashley Portier is known for her kindness, expertise, and steady presence. She leads her team with grace and is admired by colleagues and clients alike. Her nominator described her as one of the kindest and most knowledgeable sales professionals in the industry and an incredible representative of Sound Ideas. She brings genuine care to every interaction, and it shows.

Operations Overlord of the Year!

Sean Anderson

AVmedia

As Director of Asset Management at AVmedia, Sean Anderson plays a critical role in keeping operations calm, organized, and moving forward, even when the pressure is on. Nominated by the Flex team, Sean was recognized for his long-standing experience as a Flex user, his commitment to getting the most out of the platform, and his willingness to share his knowledge with others in the Flex community.

Warehouse Wizard of the Year!

Chris Bauman

Felix Lighting

At Felix Lighting, Chris Bauman plays a hands-on role in making sure every show starts ready to roll. Nominated by the Flex team, Chris was recognized for bringing a fresh perspective as a newer Flex user, for openly sharing his RFID journey, and for contributing thoughtful feedback that helps improve the product along the way.

Scheduling Star of the Year!

Jesse Andler

Allied Productions and Sales

At Allied Productions, Jesse Andler plays a critical role in keeping people, schedules, and priorities aligned. As People Operations Coordinator, he balances shifting timelines, evolving crew needs, and constant communication across teams, often all at once. His work ensures that the right people are in the right place at the right time, even when conditions are changing fast.

Why We Created the Flex Awards

Behind every successful live event is a team of professionals whose work starts long before show day. The Flex Awards were created to recognize the people whose behind-the-scenes efforts keep productions running smoothly. From warehouses to schedules to operations and sales, we’re proud to celebrate the legends behind the legends.

The 2026 Flex Awards Nominees

Amelia Bray

Synergetic

Sr. Account Manager

Nick Ledesma

Audio Visual Productions, Inc.

Director of Sales

Ashley Portier

Sound Ideas Production Group

Vice President & Account Executive

Nicole Schroeder

Wired Production Group

Marketing Director

Sean Anderson

AVmedia

Director of Asset Management

Joshua Nelson

Citation Support

General Manager

Andi Barrett

Gateway Studios and Production Services

Asset Manager

Jack Gomm

Perception Live

Project Manager

Aaron Gopen

Technotrix

Operations Manager

Chris Bauman

Felix Lighting

Special Ops

Andrew Steelman

Special Event Services

Asset Manager

Dan Phillips

3G Productions

Director of Purchasing & Inventory

Jesse Andler

Allied Productions and Sales

People Operations Coordinator

Tyree Carter

Showboss AV

Staffing & Logistics Manager

Ryan Harbin

Sound Ideas Production Group

Operations Coordinator

Varian Mattingly

3REP

Labor Coordinator

AWARD CATEGORIES

These awards highlight genuine excellence, the best of the best in the live events community.

Sales Superhero
of the Year

For turning building relationships, closing deals, and keeping the gear (and the shows) moving.

Operations Overlord
of the Year

For keeping chaos at bay, bringing order to the madness and making complex productions look effortless.

Warehouse Wizard
of the Year

For transforming prep & return into fine art, where every case finds its place and every show starts ready to roll.

Scheduling Star
of the Year

For making sure the right people are in the right place at the right time, and somehow doing it all with a smile.

The Flex Awards

presented by Flex Rental Solutions in February 2026.