The Australian business events community gathered in Melbourne last night for the Australian Business Events Awards 2025, celebrating the partnerships, achievements and industry leadership driving impact across the sector.

Hosted during the ABEA Conference at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, the event recognised outstanding work across exhibitions, conferences, incentives, venues, teams, innovation and sustainability, showcasing the breadth and strength of Australia’s business events industry.

Peter King, Chair of the Australian Business Events Association (ABEA), said this year’s winners reflect the industry’s creativity, resilience and commitment to best practice.

“Our sector thrives on collaboration, expertise and a shared commitment to delivering exceptional outcomes. The award recipients represent the highest standards of professionalism and contribution across the industry.”

ABEA CEO, Melissa Brown, congratulated all finalists and winners, acknowledging the vital role they play in strengthening Australia’s position as a global leader in business events.

“Our industry is driven by passionate, capable professionals who continuously raise the bar for innovation, sustainability and excellence. These awards recognise their commitment and the partnerships that make our sector so influential. Congratulations to all who have contributed to another remarkable year.”

The 2025 Australian Business Events Association Award winners are:

 

Best Events

· Best Consumer Show Good Food and Wine Show Perth 2025 – Spectapular Events

· Best Trade Show AIME 2025 – Talk2 Media & Events

· Best Conference SXSW Sydney 2024

· Best Incentive Event Mega Lekker Escape – Forum Group Events & Marketing

 

Innovation & Creativity

· Best Stand or Show Feature All Energy Australia – Enphase Energy, RX Australia

· Best New Product or Service Reed Gift Fairs Exhibitor Nurturing Program RX Australia

· Best Technology Innovation Facial Recognition Lüp Events

 

Sustainability Awards

· Climate & Environment Initiative The Workshop @ ArchiBuild Expo National Media

· Social & Cultural Initiative The 76th International Astronautical Congress 2025 MCI Australia

 

Most Outstanding Marketing Campaign

· The 76th International Astronautical Congress 2025  MCI Australia

 

Team & Industry Leadership

· Organiser / PCO Team of the Year Forum Group Events & Marketing

· Venue Team of the Year Adelaide Convention Centre

· Non-Hire Service / Supplier Team of the Year AV1

· Hire Company Team of the Year Moreton Hire

· Best Bureau Destination Marketing Team of the Year Business Events Perth

· Future Leaders Award Georgia Bivens, Business Events Perth

· Event Manager of the Year Meg Watt, MCI Australia

· Operations Person of the Year  Brooke Perry, AV1

· Sales, Marketing or Business Development Person of the Year Virginia Loyola, Arinex

 

Venue Awards

· Convention / Exhibition Centre of the Year Adelaide Convention Centre

· Business Event Venue of the Year (Non-Convention Centre) Melbourne Cricket Ground

 

Special Recognitions

· Best Event in 2025 AIME 2025 – Talk2 Media & Events

· Best Product or Initiative in 2025 The 76th International Astronautical Congress 2025 Sustainability Initiative – Social & Cultural – MCI Australia

· Best Team in 2025 Adelaide Convention Centre