The Society has been presenting awards at its annual conference for many years in an effort to build the image of the profession. It is an excellent way to provide recognition to deserving individuals who contribute their time, effort and energy to the Society, the industry, and to the world at large.

There are generally three categories of awards that are presented, the Presidents Awards, Blasters Leadership Award, and the Distinguished Service Award.

The Presidents Award is presented to those who have contributed their time and talent to the organization - for commendable volunteer effort to the Society. The following individuals were presented with the Presidents Award at the 33rd Annual Conference in Nashville, TN:

Phyllis Renz
Corry Goumans
Rich Mainiero


The Blasters Leadership Award recognizes those who have given an extraordinary amount of their time and talents to helping fellow blasters in the field. The following individual was presented with the Blasters Leadership Award at the 33rd Annual Conference in Nashville, TN:

Vic Sterner


The Distinguished Service Award is the highest level of recognition in the explosives industry. Nominees should have demonstrated leadership within and made a significant contribution to or impact on the explosives industry. The following individual was presented with the Distinguished Service Award at the 33rd Annual Conference in Nashville, TN:

Dr. Alday B. Andrews


Nominations for the Distinguished Service Award and the Blaster's Leadership Award can now be completed online. (click nominations button below)



Occasionally others are shown appreciation who do not fall into one of the categories above but are deserving of recognition.

In addition, the ISEE Board of Directors has established the Explosives Industry Hall of Fame. The Board decided that, initially nominees will be inducted who might otherwise have received the Distinguished Service Award, but who are now deceased. At some point in the future, the Board will most likely include the previous recipients of the Distinguished Service Award in the Hall of Fame and expand the program with additional recognition.

Awards have been presented at Annual Awards & Recognition Banquet for twenty-five years. Click here to view a complete listing of previous Award Recipients. Traditionally, families of the recipients are invited to attend the banquet and the awards are kept under wraps until the presentations, the night of the banquet. It makes for a fun and exciting evening. Previous year’s award recipients are given recognition in the banquet program and current recipients are recognized in the Journal.

Members of the Society are always encouraged to make recommendations and suggestions or discuss their concerns with members of the Committee or the Board of Directors.