Photos credit: zoomproductions.com.au

Top performers from the exhibition and events industry have been celebrated in a showcase of innovation, performance and success at the 2011 Exhibition and Event Association of Australasia (EEAA) Awards for Excellence, held at Crystal Palace Luna Park, Sydney.

A record 320 people attended the event to pay tribute to the finalists and winners at a gala dinner that was created in collaboration with some of the events industry’s most creative and biggest suppliers.

The stylish and entertaining evening hosted by ‘Australia’s First Lady of Comedy’, Julia Morris, celebrated the outstanding work that has been delivered across all tiers of the industry.

General Manager of EEAA Joyce DiMascio said the Awards provide an excellent opportunity for businesses to showcase their expertise and commitment to the exhibition and event industry.

“Our aim through these awards is to shine the light on individuals and teams, large and small shows, stand builders, and innovators in safety and sustainability initiatives,” Ms DiMascio said.

“Our team of 21 independent judges assessed the Award submissions very closely looking for evidence of innovation, measureable results and return on investment.

“In 2011, we wanted to pay a big tribute to the young leaders in the industry who were nominated by their employers and colleagues for the Richard Geddes Young Achiever Award.

“All the finalists in this category were honoured on stage as an acknowledgment that the exhibition industry should be encouraging our bright young stars – with Christine Philips of ExpoNet winning the award.

“In addition, the EEAA President Matthew Pearce presented the President’s Award to Robert O’Keeffe, Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre, for his contribution to the industry and in particular to the work of the Executive Committee.

“We would like to congratulate all the 2011 winners for achieving exceptional results within the respective award categories.

“We are proud that the Awards continue to promote key values in the industry, which encourage enterprise, product innovation, service excellence, marketing excellence and environmental sustainability.”

Winners include:

Best Consumer Show Under 10,000m2 - The Food Show Auckland, North Port Events

Best Consumer Show Over 10,000m2 – Herald Sun Home Show, Exhibitions and Events Australia

Best Trade Show Under 10,000m2 – Landscape Australia Expo Melbourne, Exhibitions and Trade Fairs

Best Trade Show over 10,000m2 - Australasian Oil and Gas, Diversified Exhibitions Australia

Best New Show – Motorclassica, Exhibitions and Trade Fairs

Best Custom Stand – Covidien, Van Den Berg Designs

Most Innovative Marketing Campaign - The Baby and Toddler Show Melbourne, Single Market Events

Best Green Initiative - Ecowise Program, Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre

Best Safety Initiative - RXA Operations Department Safety Initiative, Reed Exhibitions Australia

Best New Product or Service – LEADS, The Lido Group

Best Show Team - The Baby and Toddler Show Team, Single Market Events

Best Venue Team - Sydney Showground Team, Sydney Showground

Best Supplier Team - ExpoNet Team for AIMEX, ExpoNet

Richard Geddes Young Achiever - Christine Philips, ExpoNet

Best Australian Show - Australasian Oil & Gas, Diversified Exhibitions Australia

Best New Zealand Show - The Food Show Auckland, North Port Events

Trevor Riddell President’s Award – Robert O’Keeffe, Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre