AEO EXCELLENCE AWARDS DELIVERS A TOUCH OF MAGIC

Headline sponsors: Fusion, GES, the NEC Birmingham

The Association of Event Organisers (AEO) held the AEO Excellence Awards on the 14th June at Grosvenor House on Park Lane, celebrating the best in the events industry.

Magical Bones set the tone for the afternoon with his energetic performance, including card tricks, backflips, and dancing as he wowed the audience with surprises. Celebrity comedian Dara Ó Briain added an extra sprinkling of magic to the ceremony, as he revealed the winners.

A major highlight was the Outstanding Contribution to the Industry Award, given to Carina Bauer, chief executive officer of the IMEX Group.

The AEO Council chose Carina for her exceptional leadership and commitment to values-driven business practices. She has led efforts in sustainability, diversity, equity, inclusion, and team development, setting a high standard in the events industry. Her voluntary work as AEO chair also showed her dedication to promoting industry values and innovation.

Chris Skeith OBE, chief executive of AEO, said, "The AEO Excellence Awards celebrate the outstanding achievements and dedication of professionals across our industry. These winners showcase the innovation, leadership, and commitment to excellence that drive our sector forward.

I’d like to thank the industry and non-industry judges, third-party judging partner, sponsors, partners, members, and the AEO team for their continued support in delivering truly valuable industry events. With a record-breaking number of entries – up 23% this year, competition was fiercer than ever. Huge congratulations to all the winners!"

The AEO Excellence Awards also recognised outstanding achievements in the following categories:

Marketing Campaign of the Year – UK Trade Show: Connected Britain 2023 – Terrapinn
Judges praised the innovative ways to attract registrations and increase sponsor engagement, along with extensive research and a clear strategy, leading to impressive attendance and revenue growth.

Marketing Campaign of the Year – International Trade Show: LEAP 2024 Event Marketing Campaign – Tahaluf
The campaign was noted for its massive scale, use of technology, and effective celebrity/influencer marketing, achieving remarkable results and global reach.

Marketing Campaign of the Year – Consumer Show: The IRN-BRU Carnival 2023/24 – QD Events
Recognised for its comprehensive approach, community engagement, and innovative adaptability, resulting in a successful carnival despite challenges.

Best UK Event Launch: Clinical Pharmacy Congress North 2023 – CloserStill Media
Lauded for its brand extension, use of technology, and impressive app engagement, supported by strong statistics and testimonials.

Best International Event Launch: Cityscape Global 2023 – Tahaluf Events
Celebrated for incredible numbers, global reach, and focus on sustainability and women's inclusion in construction, exceeding all objectives.

Best UK Conference: Housing 2023 – Ocean Media Group
Acknowledged for its growth, government engagement, diverse programming, and focus on social change, amplifying voices with lived experiences.

Best International Conference: Impact 23 – The Way
Highlighted for clear growth, innovative year-round initiatives, community outreach, and sustainability focus, showcasing strong collaborative efforts.

Best International Show – Europe: Labelexpo Europe 2023 – Informa Markets
Impressed judges with audience growth, innovative strategy, and a strong focus on sustainability.

Best International Show – Americas: SOF Week 2023 – Clarion Events
Noted for significant improvements, effective use of focus groups, and strong results in a short timeframe.

Best International Show – Middle East and Africa: Middle East Film & Comic Con (MEFCC) – Informa Connect
A standout show with blockbuster appeal.

Best International Show – Asia Pacific: Future Energy Show Philippines 2023 – Terrapinn
Achieved impressive visitor and revenue growth, effective partnerships, and innovative marketing campaigns, exceeding expectations.

Best Sustainability Initiative: RX
Recognised for increased data collection, emissions reduction, and a roadmap to Net Zero.

Best DEI Initiative: New Futures Network – CEVA Showfreight
Praised for a powerful, groundbreaking initiative supporting a stigmatised group, demonstrating local and national impact.

Organiser Team of the Year: ReedPop – RX
Commended for their inclusive, data-driven approach, positive culture, and exemplary performance.

Venue Team of the Year: Traffic and Control – Olympia Events
Celebrated for their adaptability and excellence in managing site construction and event logistics, often overlooked but critical to success.

Supplier Team of the Year: ASP Events
Highlighted for consistent results, customer understanding, and impressive NPS scores.

Service Supplier of the Year: ASP Events
Recognised for ambitious goals, exceeding objectives, and high NPS scores.

Best Consumer Show: The National Running Show – Raccoon Media Group
Demonstrated success with a focus on ESG and inclusivity, overcoming obstacles with strategic planning.

Best UK Tradeshow – less than 2000sqm: Accountex Summit Manchester – Diversified Communications
Celebrated for sustainability objectives, growth, rebook numbers, and excellent branding.

Best UK Tradeshow – 2001-4000sqm: RecFest UK 2023 – The Recruitment Events Co
Acknowledged for innovative design, emotional connection, and data-driven approaches.

Best UK Tradeshow – 4001-8000sqm: The London Vet Show – CloserStill Media
Recognised for marketing, rebook rate, commercial success, and continuous innovation.

Best UK Tradeshow – more than 8000sqm: The UK Food & Drink Shows 2023 – William Reed
Praised for strategic use of data, growth, clear strategy, and compelling case studies.

Venue of the Year – less than 20,000sqm: Roundhouse
Commended for community focus, accessibility, sustainability, and support for emerging talent.

Venue of the Year – more than 20,000sqm: ExCeL London
Impressed with substantial statistics, investment, and improvements in sustainability and infrastructure.

Unsung Hero: Roberto (Bob) Rose – Nineteen Group
Celebrated for dedication, multitasking, and giving back to the industry.

Independent Organiser of the Year: Broadway Events
Recognised for initiatives, results, growth, ethos, and advisory board initiative.

Technology Innovation Award: MCM Comic Con – RX
Set a new benchmark for event experiences and audience engagement.

 

Next year’s AEO Excellence Awards will take place on the 13th of June 2025.

For more information about the AEO Excellence Awards and a full list of winners, please visit aeoawards.org