The awards ceremony was part of the first Australian Business Events Association Conference, held at International Convention Centre Sydney (ICC Sydney) on 10-11 December.

Across the two days, the business events sector came together for keynote sessions, breakout workshops, shared learnings and networking, with the awards ceremony a gala celebration attracting more than 450 guests to celebrate outstanding achievements of 2024.

Among the winners on the night, Arinex was recipient of multiple gongs including “Organiser/PCO Team of the Year”; “Best Incentive for ‘Passport to Paradise’ Sydney”, in a category sponsored by Spice, and presented onstage by Spice editor Gavin Dennett; “Overall Best Team in 2024”; commendation for ICOMOS GA2023; and commendation for Sustainability – Social and Cultural award for ICOMOS GA2023.

“To be recognised among such a high standard of innovators and creatives in the business events industry is extremely rewarding,” says Arinex CEO Nicole Walker.

“However, these successful outcomes would not have happened without our incredible network of partners and suppliers, with who we enjoy a collaborative and fruitful partnership, and we thank each and every one of them.”

Adelaide Convention Centre was also a multi-award winner, taking out the categories of “Best Consumer Show” for Cellar Door Fest; “Sustainability Initiative Award – Environment and Climate” and “Best Product or Initiative in 2024”.

“Australia’s business events industry is of an exceptional standard so for Adelaide Convention Centre to receive these three national accolades is a real coup for South Australia,” says Martin Radcliffe, CEO at Adelaide Venue Management, which operates Adelaide Convention Centre.

“Our team at Adelaide Convention Centre is proudly committed to showcasing South Australia’s amazing food and drink producers, and operating sustainably on every front.”

The inaugural ABEA board was recognised for its work that led to the unification of industry associations to form ABEA.

Special thanks was given to Janet Hamilton, Julia Swanson, Nigel Keen, Matt Pearce, Nicole Walker, Michael Matthews and Dr. Leo Jago.

Former ICC Sydney CEO Geoff Donaghy was honoured with the ABEA Lifetime Achievement Award for his leadership and enduring contribution to the industry.

The 2024 Australian Business Events Association Awards winners:

Best events

• Best Consumer Show: Adelaide Convention Centre – Cellar Door Fest 2024.
• Best Trade Show: Hannover Fairs Australia – AFAC24 powered by INTERSCHUTZ.
• Best Conference: Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre – 12th International AIDS Society Conference on HIV Science (IAS 2023).
• Best Incentive Event: Arinex – Paramount Pools’ “Passport to Paradise” for JNR Incorporated.

Innovation and creativity

• Best Stand, Show Feature or Event Build: Designteam – BAE Systems Land Forces 2024.
• Best New Product or Service: Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary – The Homestead.
• Best Technology Innovation: Jomablue – Event Check-in and Smart Badge.

Sustainability awards

• Climate and Environment Initiative: Adelaide Convention Centre – Minimising Waste to Landfill.
• Social and Cultural Initiative: ICC Sydney – RESPECT.

Most outstanding marketing campaign

• Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre – It Takes a Team, Join Ours Campaign.
• RX Global – All Energy Australia.

Team and industry leadership

• Organiser or PCO Team of the Year: Arinex.
• Venue Team of the Year: ICC Sydney.
• Service/Supplier Team of the Year: Half Eaten Donut and Zadro.
• Future Leader’s Award: Elle Reinehr.

Special recognitions

• Contribution to Industry Award: Nigel Keen.
• Venue of the Year: Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre.
• Best Event in 2024: Hannover Fairs Australia – AFAC24 powered by INTERSCHUTZ.
• Best Product or Initiative in 2024: Adelaide Convention Centre – Minimising Waste to Landfill.
• Best Team in 2024: Arinex.