2000
Eric Martin, Esq., CFEE calls being selected to the IFEA Miller Brewing Company Hall of Fame, his greatest honor yet. That says a lot considering his long list of accomplishments including a legal degree, an Emmy Award and three published books.
"I'm shocked, honored, surprised and overwhelmed," said the Associate Executive Director of Bands of America, Inc. "I think that it's the most outstanding award I've ever received in my life. It's a tremendous honor to be recognized by my peers and the people whom I call friends."
A member of two state bar associations, Martin blends more than 20 years of legal expertise with his love for event planning. In addition to producing Bands of America events and the San Francisco Chinese New Year Parade, he consults on festival and event legal and operational issues. IFEA and its members can credit the industry's heightened legal savvy to Martin's dedication. They can also give him credit for persistent festival and event advocacy in the public eye.
"One of my most important accomplishments is being an advocate for the role events have in our society," Martin said. "Events are instrumental in bringing people together. How we measure our lives in our communities shows through our festivals and events."
During Martin's outstanding career he produced numerous annual and once-in-a-lifetime events such as the 5,000 voice Paralympic Gospel Choir which opened the Atlanta Paralympic Games in 1996. One of his career highlights was producing the Emmy Award Winning Martin Luther King, Jr. National Holiday Parade.
Through much of his career, Martin has been an active member of the IFEA, serving seven years on the Board of Directors, including one year as Chair. "I've watched IFEA grow for more than 10 years into a powerhouse organization," Martin said. "The role that this organization plays is crucial and vital. It articulates the way society sees itself and celebrates itself."