The award winners for the Asia-Pacific Incentives & Meetings Expo (AIME) 2012 were announced last night at a jazzy event, Nightcap Networking, held at the Australian Centre for Contemporary Art (ACCA) and hosted by the Melbourne Convention + Visitors Bureau (MCVB) and the Atlantic Group.

The awards, presented by Sally de Swart, recognised excellence in stand design and presentation, as well as acknowledging one individual who has contributed to the success of the meetings and incentives industry.

This year, Leigh Harry, Chief Executive of Tourism Victoria, was recognised as an international leader in the field of business events receiving the Outstanding Contribution Award.

Mr Harry has previously held the position of International President of both the Joint Meetings Industry Council (JMIC) and International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) from 2006-2010.  In his previous role he was instrumental in the planning process of the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) as its Chief Executive.

Three stand awards were also presented for Best Stand 36m² and Under, Best Stand Over 36m² and Best New Exhibitor Stand.

The stands are judged on a list of criteria including originality and creative input by industry specialists Linda Gaunt of Meetings & Events Australia (MEA), Joyce DiMascio of Exhibition & Event Association Australasia (EEAA) and Noor Ahmad Hamid from the International Congress and Conventions Association (ICCA).

The Best Stand 36m² and Under was awarded to Dockside Group for recreating the stylish, outside venue space on the show floor.

Tourism Fiji took out the Best Stand Over 36m² award, recognised for its bright and eye-catching structure which beautifully captured the spirit of Fiji.

American Express Meetings & Events won the award for Best New Exhibitor Stand, with its fresh and functional approach to the space.  

AIME also recognised exhibitors who have gone the extra mile to make their stand environmentally friendly. This year the award for Best Environmentally Sustainable Stand was presented to Accor Asia Pacific for their efforts in creating a stand with limited impact on the environment.  The materials on the stand are 100% reusable and its flooring system has a lifespan of 10 years or more, with a certified structural base from Good Environmental Choice Australia (GECA).  This award was judged by Reed Exhibitions Operations Director, Robert McIndoe.

Nightcap Networking, where the awards were presented, is a new event that has been introduced for the 20^th anniversary show, providing an additional networking opportunity for exhibitors and buyers. The supper catering by Atlantic Group was a highlight, with various appetising stations including cheese table and dessert stand as well as coffee and tea by T2 and other creative canapes.