Group Delphi Wins Event Industry's Preeminent Ex Award.

Alameda, Calif. - May 4, 2010 - Group Delphi announced today that it was honored with two Ex Awards, the preeminent award for event marketing, recognizing excellence in outstanding event and experiential programs. At the annual Event Marketing Summit held last evening in Chicago, Group Delphi received top honors in the "Best Production of an Event (B-to-B)" category for its production of Virgin Galactic's 2009 unveiling of SpaceShip Two, the world's first commercial manned spaceship. Group Delphi was also a Silver finalist in the "Best Use of Technology" category for its incorporation of interactive multi-touch experiences into Medtronic's exhibit at the 2009 Heart Rhythm Society (HRS).

The ExAwards is the only competition judged entirely by brand marketers and represents the year's best experiential and event campaigns. Judging looks for campaigns based on clear strategic thinking, innovation and effectiveness. Winners have succeeded in reaching out and "touching" the hearts and minds of the target audience as well efficient use of budget. "At Group Delphi brand-side event marketers are one of our most important audiences so we are thrilled by their strong endorsement of our work for Virgin Galactic and Medtronic," said Justin Hersh, Group Delphi's CEO and President. "Furthermore, we have such high regard for Red7 Media who are not only responsible for the ExAwards but make it their mission to promote the event industry at large. We greatly appreciate the opportunity their team has made possible for best-of-breed agencies to be recognized for innovative experiential works."

The "Best Production of an Event" category honors the most creative, extensive, outrageous, ambitious and delicious production of an event. The lighting, music, script and entire ensemble, as well as the process between idea and execution, are all key criteria. The once-in-a lifetime reveal of SpaceShip Two, the VSS Enterprise, addressed all of these and then some. The large-scale event took place at a unique setting -- the Mojave Air and Spaceport 100 miles east of L.A. – where attendees could be immersed in the experience. An international audience, consisting of 800 press, future astronauts and VIPs, gathered for a press conference and celebration as they witnessed the VSS Enterprise carried down the runway by mothership, VMW Eve, to a theatrical display of lights, music and snow.

"All productions have challenges but building a city in the middle of the desert, in the middle of winter, in the middle of a high security airport has a few more than usual," said Susan Newsam, Head of Marketing Production, Virgin Galactic. "To add more complexity, our primary objectives were to speak individually and coherently to a number of discreet groups – ranging from press to princesses to government officials. By all outstanding reports, mission accomplished! Choosing Group Delphi was, without doubt, absolutely the right business decision for Virgin Galactic. They are one of the most professional, creative and technically knowledgeable production companies I have had the pleasure of working with. Equally impressive was the manner in which they translated the concept into reality without compromising in any way." The "Best Use of Technology" category honors the event or tradeshow program that effectively leveraged new or creative technologies to take their experience to the next level. The Medtronic multi-touch experience was the centerpiece of their 11000 sq. ft. HRS exhibit space and enabled the company to address three stated goals: (1) attract attendees to the booth through some kind of (wow) factor; (2) serve as a vehicle to educate their audience about new products and services; (3) reinforce Medtronic's image as a technology leader by using innovative technology to deliver their messages.

"We are especially thankful to Virgin Galactic and Medtronic for entrusting us with the production of their landmark events," said Hersh. "Their belief in our creative and production processes as well as our insistence that storytelling is central to effectively communicating their message, has enabled us to deliver on their goals."

Group Delphi provides strategic and creative solutions for companies' face-to-face marketing needs. Delphi Productions and ICON Exhibits merged in March 2009, creating a diversified enterprise with a more robust product, service and solutions offering for organizations in the event, tradeshow, museum, media and retail marketplace. Building from the strength, expertise and longevity of its founding companies, Group Delphi has nearly a century of industry experience, an extensive geographic reach with offices in the San Francisco Bay Area, Ft. Wayne, Chicago and Berlin, Germany, and a strong industry commitment through key affiliations with EDPA, TSEA, HCEA, CEMA, EMI, IFES, and AAM.

For more on Group Delphi, please visit www.groupdelphi.com
For more on the Virgin Galactic event, please visit http://www.youtube.com/groupdelphi
For more on the ExAwards, please visit http://www.eventmarketer.com/