Celebrating over a decade of success

The Association of Event Organisers (AEO) is the trade body representing companies which conceive, create, develop or manage trade and consumer events. Run by its members for the benefit of its members, it has for over 100 years supported the events industry. 

The AEO Excellence Awards is their flagship event, representing the best that the events industry has to offer, showcasing the amazing achievements within the industry over the past 12 months. 

Every year, the illustrious event recognises and celebrates organisers’ achievements, standards of excellence from venues and service quality by suppliers and contractors throughout the industry.

Fusion is the ‘Official Registration Partner of Choice’ for all of the Association of Event Organisers (AEO) events throughout 2024.  We are delighted to play such a valuable role in addition to building on our long-standing relationship.

But why are the Excellence Awards so important? Firstly, consider the crucial role exhibitions play in showcasing Britain’s finest assets both domestically and internationally. To understand the magnitude of the events market, it’s beneficial to review the report produced by the Events Industry Alliance (EIA). 

Key data from this report revealed that in 2022, approximately 969 exhibitions were held at the UK's major exhibition venues, attracting an estimated 6.11 million visitors and 122,500 exhibitors. The direct impact of these exhibitions in the UK that year was:

• £9.4 (€11.0) billion of output (business sales)
• 99,000 jobs
• £4.6 (€5.4) billion of GDP (representing a contribution to UK GDP)

That’s a lot of events, a vast number of people and a significant amount of money.  Making all of this possible demands’ considerable skill, experience, planning, support, and technology. The AEO Awards acknowledge all the elements that contribute to the sector's success. They celebrate not only the frontline individuals but also the operational and marketing personnel who are often the unsung heroes.

The Excellence Awards offer an ideal occasion for everyone to unite in celebrating excellence and enjoying themselves while recognising the remarkable achievements of this sector. However, the primary benefit is the opportunity to build genuine connections with fellow industry professionals and partners.

This year’s celebration of excellence promises to be incredible experience, with a record-breaking 23.5% increase in entries compared to 2023! The shortlist for the Excellence Awards 2024 is out, and Fusion is immensely proud to be part of the event.  We’re thrilled to see so many of our esteemed partners, including CloserStill Media, Nineteen Group, and Clarion Events, make the shortlist.