The Exhibition and Event Association of Australasia (EEAA) is calling for nominations to recognise the industry’s unsung heroes and young talent in a condensed version of its 2020 EEAA Awards for Excellence.
EEAA chief executive Claudia Sagripanti said the impact of COVID-19 on the exhibitions and business events industry has been catastrophic, resulting in almost all in-person events being cancelled or postponed.
However, she noted that many of the EEAA’s member organisations have reformulated their business operations and their teams in order to survive during this downturn in activity.
“This year, the EEAA will run two award categories only: the Richard Geddes Young Achiever Award and Scholarship and the Unsung Hero Award, focusing on the people who have made a significant contribution to their company and the industry,” Sagripanti said.
“The category eligibility and criteria have been designed to showcase the exceptional work of our young members via the Richard Geddes Young Achiever Award and the Unsung Heroes of our industry.
“The awards will recognise those EEAA member individuals who have delivered innovation, shown resilience, remained optimistic and garnered business confidence amongst the industry.
“We all know someone who is a driving force for change and pivotal in achieving success for their company or for the industry – they can be one of the younger members of the industry and a person who may fly under the radar.
“We are calling on the industry tell us about the individuals who have made a significant contribution and to allow those people to be recognised.”
This year, the EEAA has partnered with ICC Sydney to host the association’s annual general meeting followed by an end of year reception on Tuesday 8 December, where these two awards will be presented.
“The awards will be broadcast across Australia, with our members gathering in capital cities around Australia to attend the EEAA annual general meeting, followed by the presentation of two important individual Awards,” Sagripanti said.
The Richard Geddes Young Achiever Award and Scholarship includes a study grant that can be used by the winner to undertake an approved course of study to develop their skillset and aid their career progression in the exhibitions and business events industry.
Entries will be judged by a panel of independent industry experts, including representatives of the international events community.
