Mark Berman promises some surprises and he’s not even about to let anyone in on the secrets.
The chairman of this year’s Laurel Awards says there will be surprise guests - “no one you’d expect and some may not even be human,” he says with a mysterious smile - and surprise happenings when the awards are given out April 2 at the Florida Theatre in downtown Jacksonville.
“We have a goal to have a truly Oscar-like evening,” said Berman, the local franchisee for GarageTek. “We chose the Florida Theatre because it’s the right setting. You can’t do much with a hotel ballroom and the T-U Center (site of last year’s awards) is a concert hall.
“The Florida Theatre is perfect. It’s the right size (about 1,500 seats, all with good views) and there’s ample room for socializing.”
There will be awards in 70-plus categories and Berman said that he and his co-host, Ch. 4 news anchor Stacy Spanos, would moves the program along.
The awards are scheduled to start at 8. Tickets are $75 each and can be obtained through the North East Florida Builders’ Association office.
The Laurels are the annual awards sponsored by the Sales and Marketing Council, which is part of NEFBA. Almost 300 entries were received this year, a record.
The evening starts with a reception at 6 with hors d’oeuvres catered by The Gallery Bistro and a cash bar. The program is scheduled from 8-10 and new this year will be an after party from 10-11.
“There will be desserts, the cash bar, and everyone can view the winning entries,” said Berman. “It’s a touch that we felt would give it more of an ‘Oscar’ feel.”
Berman will be one of the show’s stars but he doesn’t want the credit.
“It was Portland Stuart’s idea,” he said, referring to the SMC staffer. “She’s leading, I’m
helping.”
Laurel facts
Where: The Florida Theatre in downtown Jacksonville. It’s on the corner of Forsyth and Newnan, three blocks north of the river.
When: April 2. Reception at 6, program at 8.
Cost: $75.
Where to park: There is no
parking at the theatre, but there are numerous lots in the area including one almost across the street. There are curbside spaces on almost every block within easy walking distance.
Dress: As formal as you wish.