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 Thursday night.

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.

“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,” said DiMascio.

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.

The winners for 2014 are as follows:

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 and 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 and 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 and Conference, Diversified Communications Australia
Commended: Irrigation Australia Exhibition, Exhibitions and 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 and Trade Fairs

Best New Show
Winner: Canterbury buildnz | designex, XPO Exhibitions

ENDS/