Recognising excellence in the events industry, for forty years.

ABOUT THE AWARD

With a rich history of recognising excellence in the events industry, the MEA Awards have celebrated the achievements of the Australian events sector since 1983. Each year, MEA honours the remarkable achievements of an outstanding contributor to the Australian events industry.

The Outstanding Contribution Award category was introduced in 2002. This Award recognises the value of an individual who has contributed significantly to the advancement of the Australian events industry. It pays tribute to an exceptional individual who is highly respected and who leads discussion, supports change, and nurtures the industry leaders of tomorrow. Just eighteen people are listed on this Award’s honour roll; eighteen people who have inspired the sector through their contributions to create the dynamic and professional industry that we witness today.

Robin Mack, Tourism Australia’s Executive General Manager of Commercial and Business Events Australia, said, “Tourism Australia is proud to be once again supporting the MEA Outstanding Contribution Award this year to recognise an individual who has made significant contributions to the advancement of the events industry in Australia.”

HOW TO NOMINATE 

Nominations for the Outstanding Contribution Award have closed for 2023. Nominations for 2024 will open when the 2024 awards program is announced.

 

Eligibility of Nominee

  • This Award is not able to be given posthumously
  • Self-nominations will not be accepted
  • Nominees must be at least 25 years of age
  • Unsuccessful nominees may be renominated in subsequent years

 

What must be included in the nomination

The nomination must include:

  • A written statement of 500 words on why the nominee deserves this recognition.
  • 3 – 5 supporting letters from individuals and organisations who endorse this nomination.

Watch this space for further updates and information on nominating for this Award.

HOW IS THIS AWARD JUDGED?

The Selection Committee

Each year, MEA appoints a committee of three individuals to review the submissions for the Award. Each member of this committee is appointed on the basis that they do not know or have worked with any of the candidates nominated for the Award. They may be a past recipient of this Award, or from outside the events industry. The MEA Board is required to endorse the selection committee.

 

2023 OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTION RECIPIENT - IAN WHITWORTH

At the National Awards Night in June 2024, the esteemed Outstanding Contribution Award for 2023 was presented to Ian Whitworth.

Ian has had a long, storied career in the business event industry. He has built up Scene Change over the last 17 years, into a significant premium national AV company with a unique business model in which the state managers are directors and shareholders.

He is also highly regarded as an ‘out there’ marketing icon, author, blogger, and former advertising creative whose maverick creative genius is lauded as much by his competitors as by his clients and the industry. The man never stands still. He is constantly coming up with new groundbreaking initiatives that are the envy of the industry.

 

PREVIOUS OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTION AWARD RECIPIENTS 

2021/22: Anne Jamieson

2020: Kate Smith

2019: Trevor Gardiner

2018: Simon Baggs

2017: Alec Gilbert

2016: Nigel Collin

2015: David Grant AM

2014: Jim Delahunty

2013: Meri Took & Ruth Lilian OAM

2012: Peter Jones

2011: Ian Stuart AFMEA

2010: Sandra Chipchase

2009: Leigh Harry

2008: Geoff Donaghy

2007: Roslyn McLeod OAM, AMM, AFMEA

2006: Elizabeth Rich

2005: Pieter van der Hoeven

2002: Meg Abernethy