Honoring Legacy, Elevating Leadership: Our Sponsorship of the ATHENA Awards

Lisa Wampler | Co-Founder
5 days ago
3 min read

There are some events that go beyond production.

They carry meaning. They carry history. They carry responsibility.

The Columbia Chamber of Commerce Women’s Network ATHENA International Awards Banquet is one of those moments.

And this year, we were honored to not only support it—but to help shape an experience worthy of its legacy.

Columbia, MO, Missouri, Chamber of Commerce, Womens Network, 31st annual, ATHENA International Awards Banquet, Cooper's Ridge Event Venue, Blue Diamond Events, decor sponsor, 360 video booth, sponsor, Sarah Jane Photography, Catering By Design, Dallas Jones, Music, Uplighting, Toast + Mingle, purple and blue, event design, 360 video booth — Photo compliments of: Sarah Jane Photography

A Legacy That Changed the Narrative

The story of the ATHENA International Award begins with a question that should have never needed to be asked.

In 1982, Martha Mayhood Mertz challenged the status quo when she noticed that leadership awards failed to recognize women. The response she received ...“women aren’t leaders” ... became the catalyst for a global movement.

What started in one room has since grown into something extraordinary:

7,000+ leaders honored
500+ communities worldwide
A legacy built on visibility, empowerment, and impact

And in Columbia, Missouri, that legacy has been carried forward for over 31 years through the Women’s Network.

Designing a Moment That Matters

For us, this wasn’t just about showing up as a sponsor.

It was about asking: How do you create an experience that reflects the depth of this story?

The answer became something beautifully simple—and deeply meaningful.

The “My Athena Wall”

Our committee introduced the “My Athena Wall”—an interactive installation designed to shift the spotlight.

Because leadership doesn’t begin on stage. It begins in the quiet moments.

With:

A mentor who believed in you
A colleague who pushed you forward
A woman who showed you what was possible

Throughout the evening, guests were invited to write the name of their Athena—the person whose leadership shaped their own.

By the end of the night, the wall became something powerful:A collective story.A visual representation of influence.A reminder that no leader stands alone.

Capturing the Energy: The 360 Video Booth

To complement the evening’s meaningful moments, we also brought in our 360 Video Booth—an experience designed to capture the energy, confidence, and celebration that filled the room. Guests stepped onto the platform and, in a matter of seconds, were transformed into the moment itself—captured in dynamic, slow-motion video that felt both elevated and fun.

It became more than just entertainment; it was a way for attendees to celebrate themselves and each other, creating shareable memories that extended the impact of the evening far beyond the ballroom. In a night centered around visibility and recognition, it felt only fitting to give every guest a moment to shine.

More Than an Awards Banquet

As the evening unfolded, one thing became clear: This wasn’t just about honoring finalists.

It was about honoring every woman who has led—whether recognized or not.

It was about:

Celebrating authentic leadership
Recognizing collaboration over competition
And reinforcing the idea that true leadership is measured by how we lift others

Each ATHENA recipient, past and present, carries forward the same spirit envisioned decades ago: Courageous. Collaborative. Impact-driven.

Why This Matters to Us

At Blue Diamond Events and our sister brand XSIV Entertainment, we believe the most meaningful events are the ones that connect people to something bigger than themselves.

This night wasn’t about trends or aesthetics.

It was about:

Storytelling
Community
Legacy

And creating space for people to feel seen, valued, and inspired.

A Night That Lives Beyond the Room

Long after the awards were presented, the impact of the evening remained.

In the names written on that wall. In the conversations shared at tables. In the quiet recognition of the women who made it all possible.

Because leadership doesn’t end when the event does. It continues, in every room those women walk into next.

Looking Ahead

We are incredibly proud to support this event year after year, and every event that not only celebrate excellence—but redefine it.

To the Women’s Network, the ATHENA recipients, and every guest who contributed to the evening: Thank you for allowing us to be part of something so meaningful.