The CableACE was created to serve as the cable industry's counterpart to broadcast television's Primetime Emmy Awards.
For much of its existence, the ceremony aired on a simulcast on as many as twelve cable networks in some years.
The last few years found the ceremony awarded solely to one network, usually Lifetime or TBS.
Smaller cable networks called for the CableACEs to be saved as their only real forum for recognition.
A Universal City hotel would be selected, where several rooms would be rented for the day.