On Jan. 6, the Michigan events industry lost a hero and legend with the unexpected death of Todd Lloyd. When I was asked if I would be interested in writing a tribute to him, I really struggled. How do you encapsulate everything he was into one short essay?
Todd was incredibly charismatic. His infectious laugh, sense of humor and charm made him a person towards whom others naturally gravitated. His spirit commanded a room and made him seem almost larger than life.
Yet as fun-loving and congenial as Todd was, there was always an intensity under the surface. He had a way of focusing intently during a conversation and providing his undivided attention so you instantly felt like part of his inner circle. I believe that this underlying intensity is what made him such an incredible leader and business owner.
Todd’s “Linen Hero” alter ego was actually a very true reflection of his contribution to the events industry. He started out as the owner of a small floral shop and evolved his company into Chair Covers & Linens, one of the largest linen rental companies in the country. He also owned and operated Top That! Event, a flourishing full-service events company. Along the way, Todd was also incredibly committed to elevating the industry as a whole. He was a founding charter member of the Detroit Chapter of ISES and president of the Greater Detroit Chapter of NACE, and served on the NACE National CPC Board as events professional vice chair. Last year, Todd received the Michigan Meetings + Events 2013 Lifetime Achievement Award, a designation that he undoubtedly earned and deserved.
Educating and cultivating the next generation of event industry leaders was Todd’s passion, and he was instrumental in the founding of the first student NACE chapter in Michigan, at Ferris State University. The EPIC Awards scholarship that was created in his name honors this dedication.
Todd was my friend, colleague and mentor. It was he who first got me involved on the NACE board, back when I was an industry newbie, and his guidance was invaluable to my growth and development. He and his team truly came to my rescue on several occasions, always going above and beyond to help my clients’ visions become a reality. As my friend, Todd made me laugh every time we were together, and I consider myself blessed to have had him in my life.
Todd touched the lives of everyone who knew him- family, friends and colleagues. His memory and legacy will live on through all of us. We can take comfort in knowing the scholarship fund will allow him to make an impact on future generations as well, which is most certainly something that would have made him proud.
(Keri Dinica is the events manager for FordDirect and the president of the Greater Detroit Chapter of NACE.)
