Inaugural Inductees of AACB Hall of Fame Announced
The Association of Australian Convention Bureaux (AACB) and IMEX Group are pleased to announce David Weston and David Hall as the inaugural AACB Hall of Fame inductees 2015. The induction ceremony occurred at AACB’s Staff Conference Gala Dinner in the Hunter Valley last Friday, 11 September.
The AACB Hall of Fame was established to acknowledge AACB’s 30th anniversary and continued business events leadership and is sponsored by the IMEX Group. This award recognises individuals who have made a significant contribution to the advancement of Australian convention bureaux and the business events industry. It also provides a historical narrative of leaders that have grown and nurtured the industry to present day.
AACB Executive Director Andrew Hiebl said, “In celebrating 30 years of leadership, AACB is thrilled to recognise David Weston and David Hall as industry pioneers and inaugural AACB Hall of Fame inductees. It was an honour to interview both about the formation of AACB and their memories of establishing the association in the early 1980’s.”
IMEX Group Managing Director Paul Flackett highlighted, “It is important that every industry recognise its forefathers and mothers that help make their industry so great. I was delighted to work with Andrew on the hall of fame award and happy to hear it was well received at the staff conference.”
David Weston was the inaugural Executive Director of the Tasmanian Convention & Visitors Bureau from 1978-1983 and served as the first Chairman of AACB. David Hall followed as the second AACB Chairman and was also CEO at Adelaide Convention Bureau 1980-1992 and CEO at Gold Coast Convention & Visitors Bureau from 1992-1993.
David Weston remarked, “I’d like to thank AACB and IMEX for this honour. I feel very privileged and would like to recognise the tremendous people and friends I’ve worked with throughout my career. It is great to see how the industry has evolved and taken shape over the years.”
David Hall added, “Thank you AACB and IMEX Group. This award and recognition means a great deal to me. It is a privilege to have worked in the business events and meetings industry for more than 40 years and I am honoured to have helped with the creation of AACB. I am delighted that AACB leadership remains strong.”
-ENDS-
PHOTO CREDIT: From left to right - Andrew Hiebl, David Weston, Lyn Lewis-Smith, David Hall
HEAR FROM THE HALL OF FAME SPONSOR: Paul Flackett, Managing Director IMEX Group
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