Meetings & Events Australia (MEA) is thrilled to announce Tourism Australia will sponsor the Outstanding Contribution Award category of the 2023 MEA Awards.

With a rich history of recognising excellence in the events industry, the MEA Awards have celebrated the achievements of the Australian events sector since 1983. Each year, MEA honours the remarkable achievements of an outstanding contributor to the Australian events industry.

The Outstanding Contribution Awardcategory was introduced in 2002. This Award recognises the value of an individual who has contributed significantly to the advancement of the Australian events industry. It pays tribute to an exceptional individual who is highly respected and who leads discussion, supports change, and nurtures the industry leaders of tomorrow.

Just eighteen people are listed on this Award’s honour roll; eighteen people who have inspired the sector through their contributions to create the dynamic and professional industry that we witness today. These include the 2023 Chair of Judges, Simon Baggs, Ruth Lilian OAM, Peter Jones, and Roslyn McLeod OAM. The most recent recipients have been stalwarts Anne Jamieson, Kate Smith, and Trevor Gardiner. Suffice it to say that this year’s recipient will be deserving of such esteemed company.

MEA CEO Peter McDonald said, “I’m both delighted and appreciative that Tourism Australia has seen fit to continue their sponsorship of MEA’s most prestigious award. That the federal government’s agency for the business events sector chooses to partner with MEA and attach its brand to our Outstanding Contribution award is humbling for us, but also conveys to the recipient the national significance and value of the recognition and honour bestowed upon them.”

Robin Mack, Tourism Australia’s Executive General Manager of Commercial and Business Events Australia, said, “Tourism Australia is proud to be once again supporting the MEA Outstanding Contribution Award this year to recognise an individual who has made significant contributions to the advancement of the events industry in Australia.”

Submissions for the awards will close Monday 12 February 2024 at 11.59 pm [AEDT]. Late submissions unfortunately will not be accepted due to judging timelines. Further information about the program milestones can be found on MEA’s website here. Awards criteria can be viewed, and submissions made via: https://bit.ly/23MEAawards