The AEO Excellence Awards 2011 took place Friday 1 July in The Capital Hall at ExCeL London. The flagship ceremony for the live events and exhibition industry was attended by more than 1,200 professionals; all vying for the top slot in their respective categories. 

The ceremony was hosted by comedian Dominic Holland and featured body-popping specialists Chris and Wes who demonstrated exactly why they won the Sky One dance spectacular ‘Got To Dance’.

But it was two very different characters who stole the show as guests received a crash course in dancing, Stavros Flatley style!

Austen Hawkins, CEO, said: “I couldn’t have wished for a better event. The AEO Excellence Awards is the biggest party in the industry and this year’s event recognised the achievements in every area, from organisers to venues to suppliers. Congratulations to all the winners.

“ExCeL, Leith’s, Beyond Media Services, and all our other event partners and supporters really went to town and seeing the captains of industry bouncing and dancing around tables will stay with me for a long time!”

The Lords Taverners, AEO’s adopted charity, raised over £8,000 at this year’s ceremony with a charity raffle that included prizes such as a two-week holiday in a private villa on Nevis Island in the West Indies. The charity also showcased the new AEO-funded minibus which will provide a vital function to disadvantaged youngsters. 

A big congratulations goes to the winners of this year's AEO Excellence Awards! Please see below for the list of winners:

OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTION TO THE INDUSTRY
Winner: Keith Harris, Chairman, Quartz Group

BEST CONSUMER LAUNCH SHOW
Winner: The Big Scuba Show by Circle Publishing organised by Bluestone Events 

BEST TRADE LAUNCH SHOW
Winner: Farm Shop & Deli Show by William Reed Business Media
Highly Commended: Retail Business Technology Expo by Legend Exhibitions
Commended: White Gallery London by Ocean Media

SUPPLIER TEAM OF THE YEAR
Winner: CEVA Showfreight IT 

VENUE TEAM OF THE YEAR
Winner: EC&O Marketing

ORGANISER TEAM OF THE YEAR 
Winner: Fresh RM
Highly Commended: Media 10 Events

STAND DESIGN & BUILD SUPPLIER OF THE YEAR
Winner: Communication by Design

BEST TRADESHOW EXHIBITION - UNDER NET 2,000M2
Winner: lunch! by Diversified Business Communications
Highly Commended: camexpo - The Complementary, Natural and Integrated Healthcare Show by Diversified Business Communications

UNSUNG HERO
Winner: Dave Freeman, Goods Receiver at Manchester Central Convention Complex 

OFFICIAL CONTRACTOR OF THE YEAR 
Winner:  CEVA Showfreight
Highly Commended: Melville Exhibition & Event Services

MARKETING CAMPAIGN OF THE YEAR 
Winner: Labelexpo Americas by Tarsus Group
Highly Commended: Ideal Home Show by Media 10 Ventures and MOVE IT by Upper Street Events
Commended: The Dentistry Show by Closerstill Media Healthcare

VENUE SUSTAINABLE INITIATIVE OF THE YEAR 
Winner: 'Plan-it green' by Edinburgh International Conference Centre
Highly Commended: ADNEC 

BEST CONSUMER LIVE EVENT 
Winner: Jameson Cult Film Club by Miss Jones & Co (London)
Highly Commended: Top Gear Festival by Brand Events  

BEST TRADE LIVE EVENT 
Winner: The Oracle Retail Week Awards by Emap Inform
 Highly Commended: The National Business Awards by UBM Awards 

INTERNATIONAL VENUE OF THE YEAR
Winner: ADNEC

EQUIPMENT SUPPLIER OF THE YEAR
Winner: Penny Banks 

BEST CONSUMER EXHIBITION
Winner: The Gadget Show Live by Upper Street Events
Highly Commended: Spirit of Christmas Fair by Clarion Events

SERVICE SUPPLIER OF THE YEAR
Winner: Melville Middle East
Highly Commended: Etherlive

UK VENUE OF THE YEAR
Winner: ExCeL London 
Highly Commended: Business Design Centre and Roundhouse

BEST TRADESHOW EXHIBITION - OVER NET 2,000M2
Winner: Ipex by Informa Exhibitions
Highly Commended: The Dentistry Show by CloserStill Media Healthcare

THE EXCELLENCE AWARD
Winner: Media 10 Events

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