NoNonsense Group delivered a clear statement at the 2026 Event Production Awards, taking home the accolades of both the Legend Award and Best Staging Provider.
Co-founder and director Liz Madden was recognised with the Legend Award, a reflection of more than three decades working at the sharp end of live event production.
Liz’s contribution extends well beyond project delivery. As co-chair of the Production Services Association, she has played a consistent role in shaping industry standards, supporting workforce development and pushing for a more joined-up approach across suppliers. Over more than 20 years as a PSA member, including over a decade on council, she has always been directly involved in the conversations that define how the industry operates.
Alongside this, Liz has remained active on panels, in working groups and across industry forums, contributing practical insight grounded in real-world delivery. She has also committed significant time to mentoring emerging talent, supporting young people entering the sector and helping to build a more capable and resilient workforce.
Her impact is straightforward: raise standards, share knowledge and make the industry better to work in.
In parallel, NoNonsense Group was named Best Staging Provider. Judges cited the company’s delivery at Labyrinth on the Thames at the Old Royal Naval College as “visually striking”, with particular recognition given to its integrated approach to sustainable production.
The project combined structural design, build methodology and material choices to reduce impact without compromising delivery, a solid reflection of how NoNonsense approaches staging: engineered, practical and considered.
Commenting on the award wins, Liz’s co-director Steve ‘Jumbo’ Richards said: “Liz has put a huge amount into this industry over a long time; building our business from scratch, supporting the PSA, through mentoring and by showing up properly in the conversations that move things forward. The Legend Award recognises that, and it’s well deserved.
At the same time, Best Staging Provider is about the work and our team who consistently deliver a technically solid and high-end solutions. Doing it in the right way is important – safe, efficient and with sustainability built in. That’s the standard we hold ourselves to.”
This is not a one-off. The award recognises a consistent approach to design, fabrication and delivery across a wide range of live environments, from heritage sites to large-scale outdoor productions.
Author: Kizzy Allott
Kizzy Allott is Publisher at Event Industry News, where she has been a driving force behind the brand for over a decade. With a deep understanding of the events sector and a passion for storytelling, Kizzy leads the platform’s commercial and content strategy, connecting the industry through news, insights, and meaningful conversations. She is dedicated to championing innovation, amplifying industry voices, and ensuring event professionals stay informed, inspired, and future-focused.
