AusLeisure

Event Management International's Dog Lovers Show has been named Australia's best Show at the Exhibition and Event Association of Australasia’s (EEAA) 2014 Awards for Excellence.

Presented at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre gala dinner on Thursday evening (20th November) last night in front of an industry audience from across Australia and New Zealand, XPO Exhibitions' Canterbury buildnz/designex, was named New Zealand's best show

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% of entries came from first time entrants and new Members, reflecting the changing profile of the industry and the EEAA Membership.

DiMascio stated "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."

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

The 2014 Awards saw the creation of an industry Hall of Fame.

Commenting on this initiative, Genua added "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."

2014 EEAA Award Winners
 

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 metre2
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 metre2
Winner: Dog Lovers Show, Event Management International
 
Best Trade Show under 10,000 metre2
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 acknowledge the support of:
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.

15th August 2014 - EAAA TO INTRODUCE INDUSTRY HALL OF FAME

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