PlaqueBoyMax Honored with the Disrupter Award Presented by VENU at Billboard’s Power 100 to Kick off Grammy Week

This article was created in partnership with VENU.

Billboard’s Finance 50 gathered a dynamic group of executives and creatives for an exclusive evening centered on impactful conversation. Hosted by VENU on January 27, 2026, at The Sun Rose in Los Angeles, the intimate dinner and panel drew notable guests from across finance, entertainment, and media for a high-level conversation on where the industry is headed. The room buzzed with energy as leaders exchanged ideas, perspectives, and insights in a setting designed to encourage meaningful dialogue beyond the stage. 

The event marked a collaboration between VENU and Billboard, united by a shared vision of elevating conversations at the intersection of finance and culture. Moderated by Elizabeth Dilts Marshall, Billboard’s Senior Finance Correspondent, the panel featured insights from VENU’s Terri Liebler alongside Larry Mestel of Primary Wave Music. Together, the evening reflected Billboard’s cultural influence and VENU’s commitment to reimaging entertainment and hospitality—spotlighting the people, ideas, and connections shaping the next era of finance within today’s cultural landscape.

“PlaqueBoyMax redefined what it means to create in public. Through livestreaming, he invited the world into his process, documenting the making of “Victory Lap” alongside Fred again.. and Skepta and turning radical transparency into real impact.”

The momentum of Grammy Week carried into the next evening, where Billboard and VENU continued the celebration at Zouk Los Angeles in West Hollywood by honoring one standout artist at the annual Power 100 with the Disruptor Award, recognizing groundbreaking innovation, bold ideas, fearless creativity, and transformation leadership in the music industry.. Created in partnership with VENU, the award embodies VENU’s mantra to challenge the status quo and what live entertainment can be.  The event captured the energy and excitement of the week, drawing a high-profile crowd of artists, executives, and music industry leaders, eager to celebrate creative risk-taking and cultural impact.

The 2026 honoree, PlaqueBoyMax, received the award for his ability to make the leap from streamer to artist and documenting the process of making his hit song “Victory Lap” with Fred Again…. The track peaked at no. 4 on the Billboard Hot Dance/Electronic Songs chart and earned both artists a nomination at this year’s Grammy Awards. In a brief acceptance speech, he highlighted the collaboration, creativity, and innovation that have helped redefine the modern touring experience, earning recognition from peers and industry veterans alike.

The evening brought together artists and music professionals in an intimate yet lively setting that reflected the star-studded energy of Grammy Week. PlaqueBoyMax’s recognition as the Disruptor Award honoree underscored the event’s focus on honoring innovation and spotlighting the people shaping the future of live music, while Billboard and VENU continued to cement their partnership in celebrating industry trailblazers.