Anaheim, California –The touring industry’s best gathered for the 23rd Annual Parnelli Awards during NAMM 2025 and Bandit Lites was proud to once again be awarded Lighting Company of the Year. Bandit Chair and founder, Michael T. Strickland, accepted the honor with Client Representative Mike Stanley joining him on stage.
“Bandit is humbled to again receive this award,” said Strickland. “The Parnellis are indeed the Oscars of the live event industry. Bandit people make the difference, and we work every day to be the best version of ourselves possible. We dedicate this to the late Kent Shafferman, who we lost last week.”
Since 2001, the Parnelli Awards have celebrated the entertainment industry’s innovators and trailblazers, both on an individual and company scale. The Parnelli Awards center on “Allowing one night a year when the microphone is on for and the spotlight shines on those individuals who spend their careers behind the scenes.”
Bandit Lites has been nominated every year since the awards inaugural event. Globally, Bandit has now earned 31 Lighting Company of the Year honors since 1993.
“Bandit always puts people first, and that is our key to success,” finished Strickland. “We kept every single employee fully paid during COVID, because Bandit is the people. Winning another Parnelli amplifies the fact we made the correct choice. Thank you to our clients, to our people, and to everyone that voted for Bandit. We would love to work with you on your next project, give us a call. Thank you!”
Bandit wishes to thank Terry Lowe, Greg Gallardo, William Vanyo, Kevin Mitchell, Marshall Bissett, and the great staff at PLSN for making this all possible.
About Bandit Lites, Inc.
Bandit Lites is a full-service design, management and producer of live events, theatrical productions, and live shows. Bandit Lites has a full staff of highly trained professionals to deal with all types of production needs. Bandit’s presence will ensure seamless transitions no matter where your next show takes you. More information available at www.BanditLites.com