The Association of British Professional Conference Organisers (ABPCO) has opened entries for its annual Excellence Awards, which for 2020 will take place virtually on 7th December.
The annual awards are an opportunity to recognise members who have demonstrated excellence and leadership in conference and event organising within the association sector.
“This will be our seventh Chairmen’s Awards event and though we are disappointed not to be holding it face to face in Aberdeen as planned, we are excited to be exploring not just a new format but also a new approach to the awards categories,” said association director Heather Lishman. “Our members embraced the switch to digital during lock down and are already working hard on hybrid and physical distancing measures for live events moving forward. We expect this year’s event to once again showcase the incredible hard work and creativity of our members as well as the significant impact association conferences have on the world around us.”
The awards are open to any ABPCO accredited members and all entries are free.
The categories, which have been adjusted for 2020 are:
The PCO Awards
The focus of these will be on how an event challenged practice as well as its measurable impact:
• In-house less than 500 delegates
• In-house more than 500 delegates
• Agency less than 500 delegates
• Agency more than 500 delegates
The winners will be chosen through a 50/50 combination of marks from a judging panel and peer voting on the day.
The Partner Awards
These will be nominated by a member PCO and focus on a new innovation, product or service. The PCO will need to explain in a short paragraph what contribution or impact the partner made. Recognition awards will be given to the best chosen by the judging panel.
The Chairmen’s Award
This award will recognise the proactive approach members are taking in relation to the ABPCO values of Excellence, Learning and Belonging as well as ABPCO’s purpose: ‘Proud to enable and promote excellence in association conferences and events’. All of the finalists will be evaluated for this award as well as any separate nominations from the executive.
2019 winners were:
• Best Industry Partner – Manchester Central in partnership with Haymarket
• Best In-house Conference Organiser – National Cancer Research Institute
• Best Agency Conference Organiser – Healthcare Conferences UK
• Chairmen’s Award – Glasgow Convention Bureau
Entry forms and submission details are available via www.abpco.org. Closing date for entries is Friday 4 September
M&IT editor Paul Harvey is a journalist with more than 15 years of experience. He began his career in the local press, working for various titles across the north. Since joining M&IT in 2013, he has become a trusted and respected voice in the sector, championing event professionals and reporting on all aspects of the events industry for the brand.
