Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre General Manager presented with Lifetime Achiever Award

Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre General Manager Bob O'Keeffe has this week been presented with the Lifetime Achiever Award at the 2013 Restaurant & Catering Queensland Awards for Excellence.

In front of 500 of Queensland's top restaurateurs, producers and suppliers, the business events industry leader received the ultimate accolade for championing the cause of quality and excellence in the catering industry and will now attend the National Lifetime Achiever Award Dinner at Parliament House in Canberra in December.

The Lifetime Achievers Award Program recognises individuals for outstanding achievements and dedication to the industry throughout their careers.

This is the second major industry award for Bob O'Keeffe who was presented with the Trevor Riddell President's Award by the Exhibition and Events Association of Australasia for his contribution to the industry and advocacy for the sector.

Queensland Premier Campbell Newman congratulated O'Keeffe on his Lifetime Achiever Award, stating "Bob has been a key reason behind the ongoing success of the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre. It is due in no small part to his efforts that BCEC is recognised as one of the leading venues in the southern hemisphere. BCEC is a key driver to the tourism sector in Brisbane and makes a tremendous contribution to the local economy.

"The world's eyes will be on BCEC next year as part of the G20 summit and I know that Bob and his team will work tirelessly to deliver an outstanding event."

The Centre under Bob O'Keeffe's guidance has redefined and elevated catering to the highest standards.

Bob O'Keeffe has been at the helm of the AEG Ogden managed Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre (BCEC) since its official opening in 1995. BCEC is recognised for its world class cuisine including being judged Australia's Best Function/Convention Centre Caterer on three occasions as well as Australia's Caterer of the year and voted World's Best Caterer in an international client survey.

AEG Ogden Chairman and Chief Executive Harvey Lister applauded Bob O'Keeffe and his award winning culinary team, stating "most people do not appreciate how challenging it is to continually produce world class restaurant quality catering, in a volume that can exceed 6,000 diners in one night.

"It is an uncompromising commitment to quality and a philosophy of using local seasonal produce from within 100 km of the Centre that remains a significant point of difference against all other function options open to clients.

"For 18 years the Centre has maintained excellence and innovation in its approach to its catering product. We are very proud of Bob and his team at the Centre who continue to drive this philosophy and vision. It is one of the reasons it remains the most awarded venue in Australia with 135 awards in total with 61 of those for catering achievements."

Focus and investment in its food and beverage product is a core priority for O'Keeffe who believes catering is at the very heart of the Centre's operational reputation, providing a showcase for industry excellence.

O'Keeffe said he was honoured to receive the prestigious industry award on behalf of the tight-knit BCEC team, concluding "it is recognition of the Centre's overall unwavering commitment to quality and service and it is further proof of Brisbane's credentials as a leading business destination offering world class infrastructure."