The keynote speaker and first awardee was hit songwriter Holly Knight, who was presented with the "ad Skills Award" for her multi-faceted career.

The next awardee was Orianthi, who at the tender age of 27 is already performing at her 9th NAMM Show. Orianthi came to the attention of many people when she was picked by Michael Jackson for his This is It tour. Incredibly, she had been working the booth at Paul Reed Smith Guitars since she was 18. She is currently playing lead guitar for Alice Cooper, and is set to release her second solo album Heaven in this Hell on March 12. Orianthi was presented with the "Inspire Award."