DiMascio named AIME Industry Person of the Year

Exhibition and Event Association of Australasia chief executive Joyce DiMascio has been named Industry Person of the Year at the Asia-Pacific Incentives & Meetings Expo (AIME).

DiMascio was announced as the recipient of the award during the expo’s CEO Summit, with AIME director Jacqui Timmins describing her as a “terrific advocate” for the events industry.

“Joyce’s determination to see the business events industry evolve, and the way in which she works closely with events such as AIME to highlight the vital contribution exhibitions and events make to our sector, means she is a fitting recipient of this year’s prize,” Timmins said.

DiMascio described the accolade as a "great honour".

"I am absolutely chuffed that the industry has acknowledged the importance of the contribution of exhibitions to the business events industry and particularly to AIME," she said.

A range of other awards celebrated exhibitors at the event who demonstrated excellence in stand design and presentation on the show floor.

The Best Environmental Stand award went to Townsville Convention Bureau with the choice attributed to their “careful attention to detail” on factors such as energy efficiency, a low carbon footprint and use of environmentally friendly products.

Meanwhile, ExpoNet scooped the award for Best Innovative stand, while Best New Stand went to Haycom. Best Stand over 36sqm was taken by Business Events Sydney with Best Stand under 36sqm awarded to Decorative Events.

The inaugural AFTA Best Business Travel Award Stand went to American Express Meetings & Events.

Finally, the winner of the People’s Choice Award, decided by attendees and exhibitors, went to Disney Destinations International.

The awards are an important acknowledgement of the effort put in my exhibitors to make their stands look as inviting as possible, according to Timmins.

“Our panel of industry judges found these weren’t easy decisions to make,” she said. “All of our exhibitors are showcasing amazing stands and the level of creativity and imagination on display simply blew the judging panel away.”