With décor and fashion inspired by the James Bond 007 movie of the late 1980’s this star studded evening had a twist of its own and was all about Licence to Win 007. Leaving the helicopter chases, underwater diving, water-skis and 18-wheel tanker trucks to the movie makers, this glamorous evening was no movie, this was about real winners.

Hosted by the Exhibition and Event Association of Southern Africa (EXSA) and the Association of African Exhibition Organisers (AAXO), the annual Exhibition Industry Alliance (EIA) Awards event was held at the Gallagher Convention Centre on Friday 31 January. The awards celebrate outstanding achievements in the Exhibitions industry.

The AAXO ROAR Awards were amongst the many awards presented during the evening. Entries were judged on exhibition organisers’ exceptional exhibition marketing strategy and logistics excellence. Exhibitors were also recognised for the visual and interactive impact of their Exhibitor stands.  

In the category ‘trade exhibition over 12,000m²’ Specialised Exhibitions, part of the Montgomery Group, was delighted to receive a Distinction in Marketing Award for Propak Africa which took place at the Expo Centre in Johannesburg in March 2019. The Propak Africa Exhibitor Distinction Award for best stand was won by USS Pactech.

There was also great excitement when Electra Mining Botswana won a Distinction in Marketing Award, a Distinction in Logistics Award and overall Best Africa Bound Exhibition for 2019. Electra Mining Botswana, which took place at the Gaborone Fairgrounds in September last year, was also selected as one of the top ten exhibitions in the ‘2019 Exhibition of the Year’ category, and, although did not win, it was an achievement in itself to be in the top ten. The Electra Mining Botswana Exhibitor Distinction Award for best stand was won by Sweet-Orr.

Additional exhibitors who won Exhibitor Distinction Awards for best stand for shows organised by Specialised Exhibitions were KZN Industrial Technology exhibitor IFM (DIO); Facilities Management Expo exhibitor Fidelity Security Group; A-OSH Expo exhibitor BBF Safety Group; Securex exhibitor Zkteco; Caminex exhibitor Tata Zambia; and Local Southern African Manufacturing Expo exhibitor Invincible Valves.

“To be recognised amongst our industry peers is a great honour and we are thrilled to have won AAXO ROAR awards for Propak Africa and Electra Mining Botswana,” says Gary Corin, Managing Director of Specialised Exhibitions, speaking after the event. “We were also delighted to celebrate the achievements of our exhibitors as they were presented with their exhibitor distinction awards for best stand.”

“We are mindful of the challenges and difficult trading conditions that many industries currently face. As exhibition organisers, we listen to industry and adapt our exhibitions to meet changing market needs. This, together with our experienced and dedicated team, and support from our industry partners and our exhibitors, we believe, is what drives our continued success. A big thank you to our Botswana partners, TRM Group, who greatly contributed to the success of Electra Mining Botswana.” 

“Our thanks also go to the Exhibition Industry Alliance for this opportunity; not only to receive our awards, but also to celebrate awards presented to our industry colleagues.”

The next Exhibition Industry Awards will take place in January 2021.