EEAA AWARDS FOR EXCELLENCE CELEBRATED IN STYLE AT MELBOURNE CONVENTION AND EXHIBITION CENTRE

By Exhibition and Event Association of Australasia, 24 November, 2014

MEDIA RELEASE

Friday, 21 November 2014

EEAA AWARDS FOR EXCELLENCE CELEBRATED IN STYLE AT

MELBOURNE CONVENTION AND EXHIBITION CENTRE

The Exhibition and Event Association of Australasia’s (EEAA) 2014 Awards for Excellence were presented at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre gala dinner last night in front of an industry crowd from across Australia and New Zealand.

The dinner featured the best of Victorian produce, Melbourne band – The Gentleman’s Swing Club and an elegant Awards ceremony created by suppliers in the EEAA community. The evening was anchored by talented ABC presenter, James O’Loghlin.

Winner trophies were presented in 15 categories and the first Hall of Fame inductee was named in a special tribute to recognise consistent achievement.

EEAA Chief Executive, Joyce DiMascio, said 40 percent of entries came from first time entrants and new Members, reflecting the changing profile of the industry and the EEAA Membership.

“There is no more fitting way to close the events year than to come together to celebrate the high achievers from our community of organisers, venues and suppliers,” she said.

“The 2014 entries included exciting new shows and established ones, new products and services, proud teams from venues and shows and other categories. All categories attracted a very high standard of entries – in some cases only a whisker separated the winners. In four categories, there was both an overall winner and commended finalist.

 “The awards attracted double the number of nominees for the Richard Geddes Young Achiever Award showing the strengthening impact of the Association’s work with its younger members. When you see the calibre of entrants, we are reminded that the future of our industry is in capable hands,” Ms DiMascio said.

EEAA President, Domenic Genua, said he was proud to be the President of such a vibrant and strong Association.

“On this night, we see the outstanding work that is delivered by our Members throughout the year. It is an industry that continues to evolve and adapt – we see this clearly in the winners tonight.

“It is also an industry that gives generously and I thank our partners and supporters for their contribution to this gala event,” he said.

New in 2014 was the creation of a Hall of Fame.

“This followed feedback from EEAA Members who wanted to see those who had won a category for three consecutive years to be inducted into a Hall of Fame. This is a mark of distinction for enduring achievement,” Mr Genua said.

Entries from organisers, venues and suppliers from across Australia and New Zealand were reviewed by an independent panel of judges. Each category was assessed by three judges and their scores consolidated to determine the winners.

Ms DiMascio said the competition had been tough and she thanked the judges for diligently scrutinising submissions.

“To win an Award for Excellence is a great accolade and one which individuals and companies are very proud to receive. So our congratulations to all those on the honour roll tonight,” Ms DiMascio said.

“We also say thank you to all our partners and sponsors for supporting this special night.”

2014 EEAA AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE WINNERS

HONOUR ROLL

Best Australian Show

Winner: Dog Lovers Show, Event Management International

Best New Zealand Show

Winner: Canterbury buildnz | designex, XPO Exhibitions

The Richard Geddes Young Achiever Award

Winner: Lauren Milledge, Sydney Showground

Commended: Robyn Gardner, Diversified Communications Australia

Commended: Amy Schwab, Reed Exhibitions Australia

Commended: Jonathan Whyman, Reed Exhibitions Australia

Hall of Fame – for Best Green Initiative

Winner: Reed Exhibitions Australia

Category winner in 2014, 2013 and 2012

Best Consumer Show over 10,000 m2

Winner: Motorclassica, Exhibitions & Trade Fairs

Best Trade Show over 10,000 m2

Winner: Fine Food Australia – Melbourne, Diversified Communications Australia

Best Supplier Team

Winner: League of Legends 2014, VIM Media & Events

Best Venue Team

Winner: Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre for

20th International AIDS Conference (AIDS 2014)

Best New Product or Service

Winner: Venue Management Solution with Real Time Booking Engine for Events, iVvy

Best Green Initiative

Winner: Reed Exhibitions and Sydney Exhibition Centre @ Glebe Island Sustainable Transport, Reed Exhibitions Australia

Most Outstanding Marketing Campaign

Winner: Cake Bake & Sweets Show, National Media

Commended: Cellar Door Wine Festival – Adelaide, Adelaide Convention Centre

Best Consumer Show under 10,000 m2

Winner: Dog Lovers Show, Event Management International

Best Trade Show under 10,000 m2

Winner: Security Exhibition & Conference, Diversified Communications Australia

Commended: Irrigation Australia Exhibition, Exhibitions & Trade Fairs

Best Custom Stand

Winner: Cisco Stand at Cisco Live, Exhibit Systems

Commended: Hafele Australia Stand at AWISA, by DisplayWise

Best Show Team

Winner: National 4 X 4 Outdoor Show & Fishing and Boating Expo – Melbourne

Exhibitions & Trade Fairs

Best New Show

Winner: Canterbury buildnz | designex, XPO Exhibitions

……………………

The 2014 EEAA Awards for Excellence have been generously supported by:

Major Awards Partner – FABframe

Major Venue Partner – Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre

Major Entertainment Partner – Australian Technology Park Sydney

Master of Ceremonies Partner – AFI Branding

Preferred Accommodation Partner – Quest Serviced Apartments

Program Partner – Sydney Showground

Supporting Partners – Agility Fairs & Events, EEAA New Zealand Chapter, Exhibitions and Trade Fairs, Expo Direct, Harry the Hirer, Info Salons, Octanorm, ODE Management, Pomp & Splendour, Service Skills Australia, The Monkey’s Cobbler, Ungerboeck Software International.

ENDS/

Source: Exhibition and Event Association of Australasia