Studio 45

The Ad Club of Edmonton’s 45th Anniversary taking everyone back to 1977

2024 was a double celebration for ACE – The Advertising Club of Edmonton. In addition to the annual awards show it was also their 45th Anniversary celebration.
The theme “Studio 45” meant we were throwing it back to a time when two of the greatest clubs in the world opened its doors: Studio 54 and the Ad Club of Edmonton.

Client

The Advertising Club of Edmonton

The Event

Annual Awards Show

Location

JW Marriott Edmonton ICE District

Guests

350

Event Mandate

A special year for the Ad Club of Edmonton, we were tasked to production manage and design the event at the JW Marriott’s Alberta Ballroom. Working closely with the Awards Committee and Creative Sponsor ZGM to build a Studio45 experience.

Our Expertise

Critical Path Development
Production Management & Design
Structuring & Monitoring the Production Budget
Sourcing and Coordinating of Contracts: Vendors & Suppliers
Floorplan Development
Production Scheduling
Sponsorship activation support
Venue liaison
Logistics
Script review & Run of Show Development
Content Coordination
Event Consultation
Stage Management
On-site Event Execution

Strategic Goals

ACE members celebrate industry, group, and individual excellence year-round, formally acknowledged at the Annual ACE Awards gala – the sole advertising creative award show in Edmonton for 45 years. It serves as the largest annual gathering of advertising, marketing, communications, and public relations professionals in the community. Edmonton’s best advertising is judged against international standards by experts from across and outside the country, confirming the world class work of ACE members. The ultimate goal of the event is to showcase outstanding creative work developed locally, dedicated to recognizing and rewarding the professionalism and spirit of the industry.

45 years ago, the first ACE Awards were held in Edmonton, changing the way the community celebrates indefinitely. Every year since, ACE has hosted the biggest party of the year. The goal was to throw it back and party like they did in 1977 with a throwback to Studio54.

Key Event Objectives

The event’s design and overall experience were crafted to transport guests back in time and support a dress code that everyone could easily participate in.
A classy (and classic) discothèque dining and party experience with an elevated, authentic, vintage and spectacular vibe.
An interactive evening and engaging program incorporating an awards show with over 50 awards.
An exclusive VIP experience and celebratory evening.

The Experience

Event Concept

Studio54 was the place to be when it was at its high point as a NYC nightclub in the 1970s. Known for being the birthplace of modern celebrity culture, hosting legendary bashes, and its strict door policy, Studio 54 was our blueprint.

Event Highlights

The JW Marriott ballroom was transformed into an electrifying disco club experience. Guests began their journey in a fully wrapped, themed elevator before heading up to the “club,” where Studio45 branding on the ballroom doors hinted at the surprise behind them. We kept the doors closed during the reception—where guests enjoyed beverages and passed appetizers—building anticipation for the reveal.

Once the doors opened, guests stepped into a full 1970s-inspired club environment, complete with immersive room décor, a center-stage DJ, dynamic LED lighting, and of course, shimmering disco balls. Drag queen Margaret Snatcher energized the night with disco flair, while DJ Thomas Culture powered the entire program, performing every cue live—from walk-ons to background tracks. One of the most striking elements was that the guests themselves became part of the décor. Dressed in standout Studio 54–inspired looks, they flooded the dance floor the moment the night’s most prestigious award, Best in Show, was announced. The evening truly was one of community spirit and celebration.

One of the most striking elements was that the guests themselves became part of the décor. Dressed in standout Studio 54–inspired looks, they flooded the dance floor the moment the night’s most prestigious award, Best in Show, was announced. The evening truly was one of community spirit and celebration.

A message from ACE

The event would simply not be the same without your continued support and expertise on the show. I always hear amazing comments from our awards team so I wanted to also follow up and say thank you for all that you do for us and to make this event happen year after year!

PABLO HERRERA

Vice President 2024, Advertising Club of Edmonton