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Wednesday 3 March 2010

The inaugural AIME awards recognising the outstanding contributions of two meetings and incentives industry figures were presented today at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, along with four awards for exhibitor stands.

Two awards were presented to individuals in recognition of their achievement for best practice and overall commitment to the industry.

The AIME Outstanding Contribution Asia-Pacific award was presented to Barrie Markey, Managing Director International Convention Management Services and Deborah Sexton, USA President and CEO of the Professional Convention Management Association scooped the AIME Outstanding Contribution International award.

The AIME Awards, also promote excellence in stand design and presentation and included categories for Best Stand under 30sqm, Best Stand over 30sqm, Best New Exhibitor Stand and Best Environmental Stand.

The Perth Convention Bureau took out the award for the Best Stand over 30sqm while the Seoul Tourism Organisation won the Best New Exhibitor Stand.

Decorative Events and Exhibitions won two categories including the Best Stand under 30sqm and the Best Environmental Stand award.

The Judging Panel for the AIME Awards 2010 consisted of highly experienced industry leaders, including leaders from Meetings and Events Australia, Exhibition & Event Association of Australasia and the International Congress and Convention Association.  The Judging Panel also included representation from the Carbon Reduction Institute, providing expert input into judging the environmental award.

Rob Cawthorne Environmental Director, from the Carbon Reduction Institute shortlisted Business Events Sydney for the Best Environmental Stand Award but Decorative Events and Exhibitions was ultimately awarded the prize.

They were recognised for carbon offsetting the delivery and transport of goods to and from the event, using low energy lighting on-stand and also ensuring an exceptionally low volume of handout material was used at the show.

Rosemarie Sama, Event Director and Craig Moyes, Group Exhibition Director Reed Travel Exhibitions presented the highly coveted industry awards.

“AIME provides the ideal forum for recognising outstanding, influential individuals and companies who have made a significant difference within the business events industry,” Rosemarie said.

“Both Deborah and Barrie have worked hard over many years to shape and improve the professionalism of the meetings and incentives industry and set a benchmark for good conferencing and education within this sector.”

Deborah Sexton joined the Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA) in March 2005 as President and CEO. In conjunction with this role, she also serves as President of the PCMA Education Foundation.  A 30-year veteran of the meetings and convention industry, Sexton’s work has included senior positions within a convention bureau ( Chicago ) and with a number of hotels.

Sexton is currently Chair of the Convention Industry Council. She also is an active member of the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE), the International Association for Expositions and Events, Meeting Professionals International (MPI) and Destination Marketing Association International (DMAI). She formerly served on the Foundation Board of Trustees of both ASAE and DMAI, and was an officer of the Board of Directors of MPI. In addition to the MPI Board term, Sexton served a second term on the MPI Board Executive Committee. Sexton is an ASAE Fellow.  She has received much industry recognition, including being named one of Meeting News' 25 most powerful people in the meetings industry in 2008, 2007, 2005 and 2004.

Barrie Markey - In awarding the Outstanding Contribution Asia-Pacific Award Rosemarie Sama said: “Barrie Markey has contributed enormously to both the Asia Pacific Conference industry and Australian tourism market.

As one of the first Australian PCO's he has had the foresight to write the first computer registration software package in Australia and has instigated many other first off's that have since become staples of conference organisation.

Barrie has been responsible for the largest scientific congress over 10,000 attendees ever held in Australia , 14th World Congress of Cardiology, 2002. Barrie is constantly striving to bring new meetings into the Asia Pacific Area, also assisting clients in taking their meetings abroad.”