Fitness Expo and Entech Connect acclaimed at EEAA Awards for Excellence

Two leisure industry trade shows have been acclaimed at the 2012 Exhibition and Events Association of Australasia (EEAA) Awards for Excellence.

The Australian Fitness and Health Expo, the largest event of its kind in the southern hemisphere, flexed its muscles by taking out the award for Best Trade Show over 10,000 metres2 at the EEAA annual awards.

Meanwhile entertainment technology conference Entech Connect was named Best New Show.

The EEAA annual awards recognise outstanding merit and leadership within the industry and provide an opportunity for members to showcase their innovations, performance and success.

Held in April this year, and returning again in 2013 at the Sydney Convention & Exhibition Centre, the Australian Fitness and Health Expo has positioned itself as a leading trade and consumer show and attracted a record 29,000 visitors and 287 exhibitors across 20,000 metres2 in 2012.

The Australian Fitness & Health Expo featured new additions in 2012, including a Strength and Conditioning Zone and PCYC amateur boxing competition and will this year unveil new features including a Strongman Zone and a Healthy Living Stage.

Building on the success of the 2012 expo, Diversified Exhibitions will also launch The Fitness Show for consumers and fitness professionals in Perth in October 2013.

Exhibition Director Jon Perry commended his team for creating and growing such a successful model, stating "the fitness industry is ever-changing, and so we have faced this head on and ensured that, as an Expo, we too continually evolve.

"We listen to the feedback our exhibitors and attendees provide and have made direct improvements and modifications to the Expo as a result of their input. The results speak for themselves through this award and through the huge increase in our visitor numbers.

"The fitness industry is a passionate one, so we also have fantastic support from enthusiastic exhibitors who want to see the best health and fitness products and services available to Australians."

Held in Melbourne, Entech Connect is a showcase for the pro-audio, audio-visual, integration and lighting industries that aims to provide an informal, inexpensive and comfortable environment that offers the very latest in industry technology.

The Melbourne show also featured an exemplary seminar program, with industry leaders from Australia and overseas presenting on key industry and technology developments, as well as allowing up-close 'meet the experts' opportunities.

Commenting on Entech Connect's submission for the award, the EEAA judges stated "This exhibition demonstrated true innovation and provided both relevance and education for the pro audio, lighting, vision and integration industry."

Stephen Dallimore, Event Manager for Entech Connect organiser Exhibitions & Trade Fairs welcomed the award, stating "for Entech Connect to win an award in its very first year is a fantastic achievement and the team at ETF look forward to building on this success. It was important for the show to offer the industry in Melbourne a place to showcase, network and learn in a comprehensive local environment."

In 2013, the Australian Fitness & Health Expo will be held at the Sydney Convention & Exhibition Centre from 19th to21st April.

In 2013, Entech will be held in Sydney.

5th December 2012 - AUSTRALIAN FITNESS & HEALTH EXPO RETURNS IN 2013