EXSA Awards evening a resounding success

A life size statue of a horse quickly put everyone in the mood, as did the bucking bronco, looming in the corner daring all to try their luck. The grand entrance of a group of Indians shouting their war cry was a great indication of how the evening would progress.

The awards ceremony kicked off with Justin Hawes, Chairman of EXSA giving his address, reflecting on what had been happening in the exhibition industry in 2005. He reported EXSA's research figures, undertaken in March 2005, which showed that the exhibition industry had experienced strong growth since 2001. Figures included a 12% increase in the number of shows; a 48% increase in the average net space sold per show; a 56% increase in the average number of exhibitors per show; and a 100% increase in the growth rate of the average number of visitors per show.

After awarding the trophies, Hawes wrapped up the ceremony by extending a huge thank you to the 2005 Executive Committee team.

The awards ceremony ended with Delia Layton leading the Line Dancing and guests moving off to test their skill on the bucking bronco.

Mandy O'Connor, General Manager of EXSA comments, "I'd like to applaud all the outstanding achievements by our members as recognised at the EXSA awards ceremony. Judging by all the dancing, a fantastic time was had by all!"

WINNERS OF THE EXSA 2005 AWARDS

Exhibition of the Year 2005

Trade Category

2001m2 - 4000m2
HRDA - Specialised Exhibitions

4001m2 - 8000m2
Securex - Exhibitions For Africa

8001m2 and over
SARCDA Christmas - SARCDA

Consumer Category

2001m2 - 4000m2
Weddings Expo - Amanda Cunningham Communications

4001m2 - 8000m2
Bridal Africa - NichePro (Pty) Ltd

8001m2 and over
The Rand Show - Kagiso Exhibitions

Trade & Consumer

8001m2 and over
Decorex Cape - Thebe Exhibitions

Confex

2000m2 and under
Micro Finance Expo - NichePro (Pty) Ltd

4001m2 - 8000m2
18th World Petroleum Congress - ITE South Africa

New Exhibition

8001m2 and over
South Africa International Oil and Gas Exhibition - ITE South Africa

Outstanding Contributions Award 2005

Jo Melville - Exhibitions For Africa

Chairman's Awards 2005

Jacqui Nel - Exhibition Freighting G.S.M

Commends you on your outstanding Achievement 2005

Best Exhibition Venue

Sandton Convention Centre

Best Exhibition Organiser

Exhibitions for Africa

Best Exhibition Supplier

Oasys Innovations

Best Exhibition Venue Employee

Janine Meyer - Sandton Convention Centre

Best Exhibition Organiser Employee

Fran Lurie - Exhibitions For Africa

Best Exhibition Supplier Employee

Brian Prowling - 3D Group

Stand Winners

Custom Category

25m2 and under
Old Mutual Employee Benefits - IDG Cape Town
Institute of Retirement

26m2 - 50m2
Southern Sun Hotel - Set Squared
Indaba

51m2 - 100m2
Sun International - Set Squared
Indaba

101m2 - 200m2 (tied)
Konica Minolta - Dzines
Futurex
BP - Progroup
18th World Petroleum Congress & Southern Africa International Oil & Gas Exhibition

201m2 and over
KZN Tourism - Eclectic Exhibits
Indaba

System Category

25m2 and under
DataPro - 3D Design
Indaba

26m2 - 50m2
GHD - 3D Design
Beauty Africa

51m2 - 100m2
Scan Display Solutions - Scan Display Solutions
Markex & World of Events Cape

101m2 - 200m2
Telkom - 3D Design
Rand Show

201m2 and over
Telkom - 3D Design
Futurex Gauteng

Portable Category

26m2 - 50m2
Rightstuff - Scan Display Solutions
Markex & World of Events

External Design Category

101m2 - 200m2
Saudi Aramco - Scan Display Solutions
18th World Petroleum Congress & Southern Africa International Oil & Gas Exhibition

About EXSA - Exhibition Association of Southern Africa
The Exhibition Association of Southern Africa, (EXSA), was founded in 1980 as a non-profit organisation representing Venues, Organisers, Exhibition Designers, Contractors, Service Companies and Associate organisations. Through collective representation, it provides a forum for these participants within the exhibition industry. It adds credibility, status and integrity to its members through membership qualifying criteria and adherence to the strict Code of Ethics. EXSA protects the interests of its members, exhibitors and visitors to exhibitions and provides an information collection and dissemination service to all interested parties, both locally and internationally. www.exsa.co.za