Hall of Fame

Award Background and Information
The Association of Australian Convention Bureaux (AACB) advances the success of convention bureaux across Australia. AACB's influential membership includes 16 convention bureaux, representing more than 1,700 industry operators.

The AACB Hall of Fame award, was established in 2015 to acknowledge the Association’s 30th anniversary. Its purpose is to recognise individuals from or associated with Australian Convention Bureaux who have made significant contributions to the advancement of the business events industry, and to provide a historical narrative of the leaders who have grown and nurtured the industry to the present day.

Criteria and Eligibility
The Hall of Fame inductee would be an individual at any level within or associated with an Australian Convention Bureau who has demonstrated a significant and long term contribution to the field through their leadership, innovation and creativity and in turn has advanced the professionalism and stature of the business events industry.

This may include involvement with AACB board leadership or specific efforts at the local level where their contributions have resulted in growing or positively altering the direction of business events marketing regionally, nationally or internationally.

This acknowledgement will be the highest honour the Association awards. The Hall of Fame recipients will be chosen annually by the Hall of Fame Committee and up to three individuals maximum will be inducted each year.

Processes and Deadlines
Nominations to the Hall of Fame will be open to all members of AACB through an annual nomination process. Any convention bureau member is eligible to nominate and can submit for consideration. The inductee would be invited to attend an AACB sponsored event, such as the annual Gala Dinner, to be presented with the Hall of Fame recognition. The Hall of Fame will become a permanent part of the AACB website and a standing exhibit displayed during the annual AACB Staff Conference.       

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AACB Hall of Fame Inductees 2019

The Association of Australian Convention Bureaux (AACB) and IMEX Group are pleased to announce Professor Leo Jago OAM and Professor Margaret Deery as the AACB Hall of Fame inductees for 2019. The announcement was made at the Destination Business Events Gala Dinner held at Crown Aviary on Friday, 20 September, in Melbourne.

“On behalf of the Board, we are delighted to recognise Professor Leo Jago OAM and Professor Margaret Deery as Hall of Fame Inductees. It is a privilege to recognise their valuable contribution to Australia’s convention bureaux and outstanding achievements for the business events industry,” said Michael Matthews, AACB President.

Carina Bauer, CEO of the IMEX Group, added, “We, at IMEX, are delighted that Professors Jago and Deery are being inducted into the AACB Hall of Fame in 2019. It is important that every industry recognises its trailblazers and this acknowledgement truly reflects their dedication to the advancement of the business events sector. Congratulations!”

Photo: Prof. Leo Jago and Prof. Margaret Deery, 2019 Hall of Fame Inductees.

Past AACB Hall of Fame inductees

2018 - Mike Cannon

2017 - Vin Barron

2016 - Ms Sue Calwell and Mr Jon Hutchison AM

2015 - David Weston and David Hall