Entries for the Exhibition and Event Association of Australasia (EEAA) 2009 Awards for Excellence are now open, with entries closing Friday October 16 2009.

The highly regarded program which celebrates achievement and innovation in exhibitions, events and outstanding industry members is judged by a panel of industry experts who will name the best of the best for 2009.

With 13 categories including Best Consumer Show under 10,000 m2, Best Custom Stand, Best Supplier Team, and the new award for Best New Product or Service, the Association anticipates this year’s program to be the biggest and most impressive to date. Finalists will be announced in early November.

“Each year the calibre of entries improves and expectations are surpassed – proving the strength of Australia’s event industry and commitment and passion of its members,” said EEAA president, Matthew Pearce.

Events must have been held within the qualifying period – 1 October 2008 to 30 September 2009 – to be eligible to enter. Nomination kits can be downloaded by clicking here.

The Awards will culminate in the industry’s major calendar event – The EEAA 2009 Awards for Excellence Gala Dinner, at the Ivy Room, Sydney, Thursday December 3, 2009. Tickets will be available from October. Early booking is recommended to avoid disappointment.

“The gala dinner is always a great opportunity for EEAA members to celebrate innovation and congratulate peers on their achievements. A night of dinner, entertainment and dancing, it gives us all a chance to let our hair down, mingle, network and be on the other side on an event – which is rare for organisers, suppliers and venues,” said Pearce. 

For entry kits and more information click here.