National Awards Program - live portal voting opens till 14 February 2018!

24 Oct 2017 10:47 AM | Deleted user

Meetings & Events Australia (MEA) is excited to announce the launch of its revamped National Awards Program.

A working group - consisting of representatives from all sectors of the events industry – scrutinised and restructured the Program’s categories, questions and format. The number of awards to be presented is similar to previous years; more than 16 Awards have been consolidated, rewritten or renamed.

New awards include an Innovation Award, a Social Legacy Award, recognising the social and financial impact events deliver to destinations and communities, Unique Event venue with accommodation, Creative Design, Education and Training, and several awards for Associations, Government and regional events.

The complex two-part application process has been streamlined into one simple application and the application period has been extended into mid-February, so more entries are anticipated than ever before. The qualifying period for this first year is from 1 October 2016 to 31 December 2017 to transition from the previous program. From 2018, the Awards will cover the events held within each calendar year. The coveted MEA trophy is also undergoing a facelift, with the mantle-worthy display piece to be unveiled at the State Awards in April 2018.

Alana Hay, Chair of the Awards Review Working Group, said, “The new MEA National Awards Program more accurately reflects the meetings and events industry, the breadth of the MEA membership and the depth of innovation and creativity that is required to deliver exceptional meetings, events and experiences. This is your opportunity to reflect on your work, showcase your expertise and celebrate outstanding success with the best of the best from all sectors of the industry. I encourage MEA members to submit an application for an Award.”

Awards will be judged by a panel of esteemed industry leaders from all sectors of the industry under the guidance of the Head of Judges, Ian Stuart. The State finalists and winners will be announced in April at State Awards events to be held around the country, with the winners of the National Awards to be presented at the gala dinner on the last night of the 2018 MEA Conference, to be held in Adelaide.

The Awards portal will be live at www.meetingsevents.com.au/awards2017 from Monday 23 October until the 5pm 14 February 2018, providing MEA members ample time to collaborate with their clients and colleagues and submit an entry.

LIST OF 2017 AWARDS

Events of the Year

  • Association Event of the Year NEW
  • Government Event of the Year NEW
  • Corporate Event of the Year
  • Event of the Year UPDATED
  • Exhibition of the Year
  • Public Event of the Year
  • Cause Related Event of the Year
  • Regional Event of the Year NEW

Event Management Awards

  • Professional Conference Organisation UPDATED
  • Event Management Team – Association NEW
  • Event Management Team – Government NEW
  • Event Management Team - Corporate
  • Event Agency NEW

Venue Awards

  • Meeting Exhibition or Event Venue – Capacity less than 500 UPDATED
  • Meeting Exhibition or Event Venue – Capacity more than 500 UPDATED
  • Unique Event venue with accommodation NEW
  • Unique Event Venue without accommodation NEW

Event Production and Services Awards

  • Banqueting and Catering
  • Audio Visual Services UPDATED
  • Event Technology NEW
  • Specialist Services and Suppliers NEW
  • Creative Design NEW
  • Event Marketing NEW
  • Exhibition Services

Destination Marketing Awards

  • Metropolitan Destination Marketing Organisation or Bureau UPDATED
  • Regional Destination Marketing Organisation or Bureau UPDATED

Event Professional Awards

  • Operations Person of the Year
  • Sales, Marketing or Business Development Person of the Year UPDATED
  • Event Manager of the Year - PCO
  • Event Manager of the Year – Agency NEW
  • Event Manager of the Year – In-house UPDATED
  • YMEA Future Leader

Education and Training Award NEW
Social Legacy Award NEW
Innovation Award NEW
Outstanding Industry Contribution Award UPDATED
Platinum Award - Event Company of the Year
Platinum Award - Event Professional of the Year

Strengthening Trans-Tasman Connections: AuSAE and Tourism New Zealand Business Events Renew Partnership

Association professionals across Australia and New Zealand have even more reason to explore trans-Tasman opportunities. AuSAE is proud to announce the renewal of its longstanding partnership with Tourism New Zealand Business Events, celebrating 11 years of collaboration.

For over a decade, this partnership has strengthened connections between the two countries, helping associations expand networks, share knowledge, and deliver world-class events.

Toni Brearley, CAE, Chief Executive Officer at AuSAE, said:

“Our partnership with Tourism New Zealand Business Events has opened doors for association leaders to plan unforgettable events and connect with peers across the Tasman. Together, we’ve created opportunities, shared knowledge, and elevated the experiences of our members and their delegates. This partnership reinforces our commitment to fostering strong trans-Tasman collaborations, helping associations innovate, grow, and deliver outstanding value to their members.”

Helen Bambry, Business Events Manager at Tourism New Zealand, added:

“Partnering with AuSAE means we can directly support association professionals in bringing their next international business event to New Zealand – offering assistance, funding, and support to ensure exceptional experiences for both organisers and delegates.”

Watch the Tourism New Zealand Business Events video

What this partnership means for you

For Australian associations:

  • Receive expert guidance and support to bring conferences or member events to New Zealand.
  • Access funding assistance through Tourism New Zealand Business Events.
  • Expand your network and build partnerships with New Zealand peers and industry leaders.
  • Deliver international experiences for members and delegates just across the Tasman.

For New Zealand associations:

  • Strengthen professional connections with Australian association leaders through AuSAE’s network.
  • Share expertise and collaborate on professional development, governance, and member engagement initiatives, and more.
  • Gain visibility within the broader association community in Australia and New Zealand.
  • Access opportunities to host international association events and delegates in New Zealand, boosting local engagement and knowledge exchange.

About AuSAE:

The home for association professionals, the Australasian Society of Association Executives (AuSAE) is the leading - and only not-for-profit, member-based - organisation supporting association professionals in Australia and New Zealand. For 70 years, AuSAE has been a trusted partner for those working in associations, providing professional development, support, and networking to help association leaders achieve organisational goals, advance their careers, and strengthen the wider sector.

About Tourism New Zealand Business Events:

Tourism New Zealand Business Events provides expert guidance, funding, and support to attract conferences, incentives and corporate events to New Zealand.

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For more information about AuSAE, please contact Toni Brearley, CAE:
Toni Brearley, CAE
Chief Executive Officer, AuSAE
E: toni@ausae.org.au
T: + 61 458 000 155

To apply for funding and support to host a conference in New Zealand contact Helen Bambry:
Helen Bambry
Business Events Manager, Tourism New Zealand
E: Helen.Bambry@tnz.govt.nz
T: +61 415 933 325


The Australasian Society of Association Executives

Contact us:

Email: info@ausae.org.au
Phone: 1300 764 576 (within Australia)
Phone: +61 7 3268 7955 (outside Australia)
Address: Unit 6, 26 Navigator Place, Hendra QLD 4011, Australia

                    
        


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