By James Wells

Images provided by Photobooth

The winners of the stand awards at the Australian Business Events Expo 2009 have been announced recognising the Best Small Stand of the Year, Best Large Stand of the Year and Best New Product of the Year.

The winner of ABEE 2009 Best Large Stand of the Year above 9 square metres was Dockside Group.

The Dockside Group team celebrates their win.

According to Dockside Group director of sales El Kwang, the event showcased the Dockside and L’Aqua venues which will be relaunched early next month with a new menu, new AV and lighting.

“The concept behind the stand was a ‘diamond in a spectacular setting’ theme. Our interactive stand provided event organisers with the opportunity to taste our new menu touch and feel the materials in our new fitout including the carpets as well as the veneers, stones and marble used on our pillars.” Kwang said.

“This is the first time we used a 6×6 stand and we needed the extra space for our look. We rece ived a lot of leads which is fabulous – we actually received more than we did last year.”

Other finalists in this category were: Blue Mountains Tourism and ID Meetings & Events.

The winner of ABEE 2009 Best Small Stand – 3 square metres and under was Merivale.

Merivale’s David Aussel in the Photobooth after their ‘Best Small Stand’ win.

According to Merivale visual stylist, David Aussel, the exhibition provided an opportunity to promote a new function space at ivy called The Sunroom.

“The Sunroom at ivy is a function-only space with indoor and outdoor areas. We used a green and white look on the stand to replicate the room space. The Sunroom is more homely that the ivy room which caters for up to 1000 people,” Aussel said.

Other finalists in this category were: Let’s Go Surfing and Chateau Elan.

The winner of ABEE 2009 Best New Product was Corporate Creatures – a company which uses puppetry as an innovative communication, marketing and entertainment tool. Puppets are used to stage interviews, promote products and services, conduct skills training and presentations at workplaces or at expos and exhibitions.

Some unique team members of Corporate Creatures at the show

Other finalists in this category were: 8Pod Internet Business Centres and Almost Famous Corporate Teambuilding and Events.