Business Services & Education

The 2015 SDM Gala

It was off to the races for a banner year celebrating both the 10th annual SDM 100 Gala and the 25th anniversary of the SDM 100 Report. This annual gala event is held annually to recognize the success of the largest security companies in the industry, as ranked on the SDM 100; and this year’s theme tipped its hats (and in some cases, fascinators) to the horse racing tradition of its host city of Baltimore. The Preakness Stakes is one of the three major U.S. races that make up horse racing’s coveted Triple Crown, which was accomplished this year by American Pharoah — the first horse to win it since 1979.

In keeping with this timely theme, ladies donned their best fancy hats and gentlemen had the chance to dress up in pastels and straw hats of their own. Guests could try their hand at betting on a pre-recorded race using play money (winners were entered into a drawing at the end of the evening). Attendees could also race one another in a “virtual” horserace. A particularly popular activity was the graffiti wall where they could pose in front of one of many backgrounds, then “graffiti” themselves.

Prior to the catered meal, representatives of SDM 100 companies attending the event posed for a group photo. SDM’s publisher, Chris Ward, and Laura Stepanek, SDM’s editor, introduced them by looking back over of a decade of success for both the Gala and the many companies who have been honored to be listed on the SDM 100 over the past quarter-century. Special recognition was given to several companies that have been published on the list for all 25 years. Win, place or show, it was an exciting night for all.