Frankfurt, May 21 2014 –10 different industry awards were presented to a selection of high-achieving global meetings industry professionals last night at the 12th annual IMEX Gala Dinner at the Sheraton Hotel, Frankfurt.
IMEX Group Chairman, Ray Bloom and Managing Director, Paul Flackett, presented the prestigious IMEX Academy Awards to four individuals from different world regions.
The Academy Award for Europe was made amid loud applause to Edgar Hirt, Managing Director CCH of Congress Centre Hamburg and President of the International Association of Convention Centres (AIPC). Hirt is an industry champion whose tireless promotion of the highest standards is widely recognised.
Fay Beauchine, former President of Business Loyalty at Aimia, was the delighted recipient of the IMEX Academy Award for the Americas 2014. She was inducted into the Convention Industry Council’s Hall of Leaders in 2011 as one of the most outstanding leaders and innovators in the industry. In his opening remarks IMEX Group Managing Director, Paul Flackett, described Beauchine as “an amazing mentor and a true industry powerhouse. An example to us all.”
The IMEX Academy Award for the Asia Pacific region was awarded to Martin Winter, CEO of Gold Coast Tourism Corporation. Winter is a well-known industry figure and an ICCA Board Member who Flackett told Gala Dinner guests was proud to be “100 per cent Aussie” in a truly global industry.
The final Academy Award for the Africa Middle East region went to Trevor McCartney, General Manager of Oman Convention & Exhibition Centre. Mr McCartney was appointed General Manager in January 2014, following tenure as Director of Business Development at Qatar National Convention Centre. Flackett shared with his audience: “He is your go-to man if you want to open a convention centre. He’s launched six of them, so what he doesn’t know isn’t worth knowing.”
JMIC Unity Award surprise
In a total surprise to its recipient, the JMIC Unity Award 2014 was made to IMEX’s own Director of International Relations, Tom Hulton. Tom is a former ICCA CEO but in recent years has become well-known throughout the global meetings, incentive travel and events industry for his work helping to develop the IMEX-MPI-MCI Future Leaders Forum. He has also been instrumental in raising the profile and impact of the IMEX Politicians Forum, a crucial element in IMEX’s long-term effort to deliver better communication and recognition of industry issues at local, regional and national government levels all over the world. Hulton’s award prompted a standing ovation from guests, led by his IMEX colleagues.
Site Master Motivator Award
Also presented during the IMEX Gala Dinner was the Site Master Motivator Award. The award was made to Sian Thomas, Area Director of Sales at The Address Hotels + Resorts. Sian was described as passionate about the hospitality industry and a specialist in international corporate, association and group sales. Now based in the Middle East, she has experience working with established companies in Asia, USA and Europe.
PCMA Global Meetings Executive of the Year
The PCMA Global Meetings Executive of the Year Award was awarded to Phelps R. Hope, CMP Vice President, Meetings & Expositions at Kellen Meetings. Phelps is responsible for the management of Kellen Meetings, the meetings and expositions division of the company.
MPI Foundation Student Award
The MPI Foundation Student Scholarship Award was presented to delighted young student, Irina Nikolayenko. The International University Challenge, sponsored by Marriott, takes place at Future Leaders Forums around the world, and enables students to demonstrate their creativity in event planning. The winners of each Challenge are brought together at the Future Leaders Forum in Frankfurt each May to compete against each other, with the overall winner receiving the MPI Foundation Student Scholarship Award.
Two new awards from IAEE and DMAI
The night also included the presentation of two new awards introduced this year at IMEX. The Destination Marketing Award from DMAI (Destination Marketing Association International) was awarded to Lyn Lewis Smith, CEO of Business Events Sydney. The new IAEE International Excellence Award was won by the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) and Cherif Moujabber, president, Creative Expos & Conferences, Inc. This new award recognizes an individual and/or organization that has made exceptional strides in creating, launching and managing an international event in the exhibitions and events industry on an international scale.
