EXSA Awards evening a resounding successOn Thursday 17 November at Sandton Convention Centre, EXSA's Awards evening began with guests sipping on their welcome drinks, adorned with Country & Western regalia. A life size statue of a horse quickly put everyone in the mood, as did the bucking bronco, looming in the corner daring all to try their luck. The grand entrance of a group of Indians shouting their war cry was a great indication of how the evening would progress. The awards ceremony kicked off with Justin Hawes, Chairman of EXSA giving his address, reflecting on what had been happening in the exhibition industry in 2005. He reported EXSA's research figures, undertaken in March 2005, which showed that the exhibition industry had experienced strong growth since 2001. Figures included a 12% increase in the number of shows; a 48% increase in the average net space sold per show; a 56% increase in the average number of exhibitors per show; and a 100% increase in the growth rate of the average number of visitors per show. After awarding the trophies, Hawes wrapped up the ceremony by extending a huge thank you to the 2005 Executive Committee team. The awards ceremony ended with Delia Layton leading the Line Dancing and guests moving off to test their skill on the bucking bronco. Mandy O'Connor, General Manager of EXSA comments, "I'd like to applaud all the outstanding achievements by our members as recognised at the EXSA awards ceremony. Judging by all the dancing, a fantastic time was had by all!" WINNERS OF THE EXSA 2005 AWARDSExhibition of the Year 2005 Trade Category 2001m2 - 4000m2 4001m2 - 8000m2 8001m2 and over Consumer Category 2001m2 - 4000m2 4001m2 - 8000m2 8001m2 and over Trade & Consumer 8001m2 and over Confex 2000m2 and under 4001m2 - 8000m2 New Exhibition 8001m2 and over Outstanding Contributions Award 2005Jo Melville - Exhibitions For Africa Chairman's Awards 2005Jacqui Nel - Exhibition Freighting G.S.M Commends you on your outstanding Achievement 2005Best Exhibition VenueSandton Convention Centre Best Exhibition OrganiserExhibitions for Africa Best Exhibition SupplierOasys Innovations Best Exhibition Venue EmployeeJanine Meyer - Sandton Convention Centre Best Exhibition Organiser EmployeeFran Lurie - Exhibitions For Africa Best Exhibition Supplier EmployeeBrian Prowling - 3D Group Stand Winners Custom Category 25m2 and under 26m2 - 50m2 51m2 - 100m2 101m2 - 200m2 (tied) 201m2 and over System Category 25m2 and under 26m2 - 50m2 51m2 - 100m2 101m2 - 200m2 201m2 and over Portable Category 26m2 - 50m2 External Design Category 101m2 - 200m2 About EXSA - Exhibition Association of Southern Africa |