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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. 

Exhibition registration table with tablets

Fusion helps major UK events provider launch debut London exhibition

12 Aug, 2024
The client: CloserStill Media The background: CloserStill Media is an award-winning UK business with a global reputation for delivering large-scale events. The company runs over 100 market-leading B2B exhibitions, events and gatherings. Focusing on business technologies, future transport and infrastructure, and healthcare, CloserStill Media has over 600 employees and operates in six countries worldwide. However, despite its large team, delivering multiple events – often simultaneously – requires additional outsourced support. With a longstanding history of assisting CloserStill Media on key activities such as event registration, badge mailing and database management, Fusion was appointed to support the healthcare division in delivering its annual Care Show Birmingham and launching the inaugural Care Show London in April 2024.

Fusion Shines Playing a pivotal role at the AEO Excellence Award

12 Aug, 2024
Fusion had the honour of attending The Association of Event Organisers (AEO) Excellence Awards this year, honouring the top achievers in the events industry. The remarkable venue provided the perfect backdrop for a spectacular day filled with celebrations, entertainment, card tricks, backflips, dancing, and so much more. Joined by 1,000 guests representing the pinnacle of the events industry, we celebrated their extraordinary achievements of the past year, and with a 23% increase in entries, it was no surprise that the competition was intense. As Official Registration Partner of Choice for all of the Association of Event Organisers (AEO) events throughout 2024, and headline sponsor for this event, the Fusion team were out in full force ensuring guests received a warm welcome and enjoyed a seamless registration process. The event also provided an excellent opportunity for our team to connect with fellow industry professionals and partners . Rich Mullens, Product Director, Fusion shared his thoughts on the event: " We thoroughly enjoyed spending time with and celebrating both our Fusion clients, and team for creating and delivering outstanding global events at the (Ibiza themed) AEO excellence awards. Huge congratulations to all the winners - we look forward to bringing even more 'magic' to future events where innovation meets excellence ." The winners Dara Ó Briain, celebrity comedian had the pleasure of revealing the 28 winners on the day ranging from organisers’ achievements, standards of excellence from venues, marketing campaigns and contractors throughout the industry. One of the highlights was Carina Bauer, CEO, IMEX Group who won Outstanding Contribution to the Industry Award recognising her exceptional leadership and commitment to values-driven business practices. Chris Skeith OBE, chief executive of AEO, said, "The AEO Excellence Awards celebrate the outstanding achievements and dedication of professionals across our industry. These winners showcase the innovation, leadership, and commitment to excellence that drive our sector forward. Fusion sponsors Fusion was delighted to sponsor firstly the Best UK Tradeshow – 2001-4000sqm category. Mark Turtle, was thrilled to present the trophy to this year’s winner - Recruitment Events Co who were acknowledged for innovative design, emotional connection, and data-driven approaches at RecFest UK 2023 . Mark shared his thoughts on the day: “It was an honour to attend this event with the team as headline sponsor and to celebrate the incredible and inspiring industry we are fortunate to be part of. To be a winner at this event is truly a sign that you are excelling in what you do.” The London Vet Show by CloserStill Media took home the accolade for Best UK Tradeshow 4,001SQM - 8,000sqm who were recognised for their remarkable achievement in marketing, rebook rate, commercial success, and continuous innovation. Harry Ewins presented this award and said: “ It was brilliant to present the award to our valued customer CloserStill and see some familiar faces on stage. The AEO awards are always a great day, catching up with clients and friends in the industry as well as spending time with my fantastic colleagues outside of an exhibition venue for a change” We look forward to bringing you more news on AEO events throughout the year, and in the meantime, you can see the full list of winners at aeoawards.org

Celebrating over a decade of success

21 May, 2024
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.
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