Catersource and The Special Event
Feb 24 – 27, 2025
Broward County Convention CenterFort Lauderdale, FL

Special Events Gala Lifetime Achievement Award

The Special Events Gala Lifetime Achievement Award has been presented since 1986 and is the gold standard for those with robust careers in the events industry. Previous recent recipients have included Lenny Talarico, Sally Webb Barry, Larry Green, Connie Riley, and Michael Cerbelli.

The 2024 Special Events Gala Lifetime Achievement Award goes to...

Rob Barber
Vice President of Modular Systems + R&D
ATOMIC

Since joining ATOMIC in 2010, Rob Barber, Vice President of Modular Systems + R&D, has been instrumental in leading ATOMIC’s product development efforts and propelling ATOMIC to be an industry leader in modular scenic stage products.

He and his team have introduced over 100 new products and several patented product lines, including Modular SuperLever, FASTwall, and SuperZipper. His team celebrates 13 industry-related design awards and multiple patents.

In addition to leading Modular Systems at ATOMIC’s headquarters in Lititz, PA, Rob has extended ATOMIC’s product reach by launching ATOMIC Modular Systems in Los Angeles, Las Vegas, and Frankfurt and by building lease partnerships around the globe.

Clients include an extensive list of entertainment and media brands such as iHeartRadio, MTV, FOX Sports, NBC, Warner Bros. Discovery, Hulu, The Talk, and Ellen, and tours for artists like Madonna, Usher, Elton John, Miranda Lambert and Mötley Crüe.

Additionally, Rob has spoken both nationally and internationally throughout Europe, the Middle East and Asia on a variety of topics including leadership and creativity.

Prior to ATOMIC, Rob was part of development team for Eggland’s Best Eggs and developed and patented the technology for printing on eggs, as well as designed the technology for environmentally controlled poultry houses.

He has a formal education in fine woodworking, computer science, and business management…an oddly weird and perfect fit for ATOMIC.

Rob serves nationally on the Advisory Board of the Parnelli Awards, which recognizes high-level achievement in the Concert Touring and Live Event industries. Locally, Rob was recently awarded the Medal of Honor from the Pennsylvania College of Art & Design. An award honoring those who have made significant achievements in the fields of art, design, and creativity.