The event brought together industry leaders, innovators and stakeholders to celebrate excellence and recognise the remarkable contributions made by individuals and organisations in the field. 

The ROAR Awards, now in its fifth edition, continue to serve as a prestigious platform that acknowledges excellence, innovation and professionalism within the African exhibition industry, says AAXO.

According to AAXO, 2024's awards saw an unprecedented level of participation and competition, highlighting the industry's resilience and commitment to delivering exceptional experiences despite challenging times.

After careful consideration by an esteemed panel of judges, the winners across various categories were announced, showcasing excellence in different aspects of exhibition management, design, marketing and service delivery.

The judges included:

  • Irene Costa
  • Lia Marus
  • Sello Ramasepele
  • Antonio Brito
  • Jennifer Potter, and
  • Martha Geyser.
Among the highlights of the evening were the following award categories and winners:

Best Trade Exhibition Under 6000m2
  • Certificate of Excellence in Marketing and PR went to Propak Cape by Specialised Exhibitions
  • Certificate of Excellence in Operations went to Angola Oil & Power by Energy Capital & Power, and
  • the category award winner was Securex by Specialised Exhibitions.
Best Trade Exhibition Over 6000m2
  • Certificate of Excellence went to Big 5 Construct Southern Africa by dmg events, and
  • the award went to Enlit Africa by VUKA Group.
Best Consumer Exhibition Over 6000m2
  • Comic Con Africa by Mogull Media
 
Best Trade and Consumer Exhibition Under 6000m2
  • Certificate of Excellence went to Fame Week Africa by RX Africa, and
  • the award went to Decorex Cape Town by RX Africa.
Best Trade and Consumer Exhibition Over 6000m2
  • Certificate of Excellence went to Rand Show by Dogan, and
  • the award went to Decorex Johannesburg by RX Africa.
Exhibition Stand of the Year
  • Certificate of Excellence was awarded to House of Task by House of Task, and
  • the Best Stand Build was awarded to Console Connect by Scan Display. 
Outstanding Contribution to the Industry
  • Tiisetso Tau, managing director of Synergy Business Events
  • Devi Paulsen-Abbott, chairperson of Association of African Exhibition Organisers and CEO of Energy Capital & Power
  • Justin Hawes, managing director at Scan Display, and 
  • Projeni Pather, immediate past-chair of the Association of African Exhibition Organisers and managing director of Exposure Marketing.
Service Supplier of the Year
  • Certificate of Excellence went to Expo Guys, and
  • the winner for best supplier was GL Events.
Best Social Media Campaign 
  • Mogull Media for Comic Con Africa 
Best SA Launch Event
  • Mogull Media by Comic Con Africa
Best Digital Campaign
  • Frame Week Africa by RX Africa
 
Best PR Campaign
  • RX Africa PR Team — Decorex 
 
Best Venue
  • Gallagher Convention Centre 
 
Most Promising Rising Star / Young Professional 
  • Boitumelo Pooe, Scan Display 
"The ROAR Awards not only recognise excellence but also inspire industry professionals to continuously innovate and elevate standards within the exhibition sector. As the industry evolves, these awards serve as a benchmark for excellence and a testament to the collective dedication, resilience and talent within the African exhibition community," says Devi Paulsen-Abbott, chairperson of AAXO.

"Congratulations to the winners who have not only excelled but have become beacons of inspiration, shaping the narrative of excellence in the African exhibition community," Paulsen-Abbott concludes. 

The full list of 2024 ROAR Awards winners can be viewed here.  

For more information, visit www.aaxo.co.za. You can also follow AAXO on Facebook, LinkedIn, X or on Instagram. 

*Image courtesy of contributor