The ABPCO Excellence Awards recognise and celebrate industry best practice in association and not-for-profit conferences and events. They are an opportunity to showcase the incredible work that is being undertaken in this sector, and the positive impact that it has.
Our event took place in Blackpool on the 12th-13th December 2024, kindly supported by our headline sponsor the Royal Armouries. We had a really special time with networking, education and celebration. It really was a time for the best of our industry to come together and shout from the rooftops about what they do.
See our photo gallery, expertly photographed by Simon Callaghan here ABPCO Excellence Awards 2024
We had 15 categories of winners to announce at our awards ceremony at the Winter Gardens on the 13th from 12-3.30pm, in the following categories. The winner has been highlighted.
New for 2024...
Best International Conference - sponsored by Boardroom Magazine
- Conference Partners International for Transport Research Arena 2024
- ISHA Annual Scientific Meeting 2023
- SESAM Annual Meeting 2024 by Worldspan
Best Digital & Technology Provider - sponsored by Conference News
- First Sight Media for NHS Confed Expo 2024
- Crowdcomms for the UK Stroke Forum 2023
- Cvent with NASUWT – The Teachers’ Union
Best Member Engagement - sponsored by Memcom
- CITMA - The Chartered Institute of Trade Mark Attorneys
- MCI UK
Student of the Year - sponsored by ACC Liverpool
- Emelia Sharp
- Alba Betancort
- Arryann Duncan
- Abigail Courage
And all of our other awards.....
Best Event by an In-house PCO - sponsored by Barbican
- ISHA Annual Scientific Meeting 2023
- Alzheimer’s Society Annual Conference 2024
- CIPP Annual Conference and Exhibition
- The Leadership Awards 2023 by the Institute of leadership
- Royal College of Psychiatrists International Congress 2024
Best Event by an Agency PCO - sponsored by Full Circle
- RCGP ACE 2023 by Wonderly (part of Haymarket Media Group Ltd)
- Northern Ireland Investment Summit, delivered by Event-ful on behalf of DBT, Invest NI and Northern Ireland Office
- Fertility 2024 by Seren Events
Industry Supplier of the Year - sponsored by Soaring Worldwide
- Barbican Business Events
- Harrogate Convention Centre
- Whitespace XPO
- GES
Best Association Events Team - sponsored by Olympia
- RenewableUK
- AUGIS
- Alzheimer’s Research UK
- Mosaic Events
Rising Star - sponsored by Abstract Events
- Chloe Turner, ICC Wales
- Kaylie Hodges, NASUWT – The Teachers’ Union
Guiding Star - sponsored by ExCeL London
- Emma Robson, Alzheimer’s Research UK
- Danielle Bounds, ICC Wales
- Sue Etherington, Barbican Business Events
Best EDI at a Conference
- NASUWT – The Teachers’ Union
- Mosaic Events
Best Sustainable Conference - sponsored by P&J Live, Aberdeen
- The team behind the AOC Annual Conference – Association of Colleges, Carbon Consultancy and the ICC Birmingham
- Renewable UK – Global Offshore Wind 2024
Legacy and Impact Award - sponsored by Manchester Central
- ISHA Annual Scientific Meeting 2023
- The ongoing impact of the International Foundation for Integrated Care’s Conference, ICIC23 Conference, in Antwerp, Flanders
- British Hip Society Schools Engagement – why be a Surgeon? MICE Organiser Ltd
- Alzheimer’s Research UK Conference 2024: Leaving a Legacy in Liverpool
- A shared vision for the ESCRS IOL Calculator by MCI UK
Best Partnership - sponsored by International Confex
- NASUWT – The Teachers’ Union go GREEN with Greengage Solutions
- The RCPCH 2024 Conference – a bright new partnership with Wonderly
- ESPO (European Society of Paediatric Otorhinolaryngology) and Abbey Conferences
- EICC’s Exchange Initiative – Bridging the gap between academia and the meeting industry
Outstanding Contribution - sponsored by MICE Concierge Ltd was awarded on the day to Danielle Bounds, ICC Wales
The awards took place at lunchtime on Friday 13th December with a pre-lunch reception sponsored by Harrogate Convention Centre, and were preceded by an informal networking event on the previous night sponsored by Meet Blackpool. The awards took place at the Winter Gardens in Blackpool. The event tech is being sponsored by MICE Concierge and the Video Production Sponsor is First Sight Media
The cost for members is £75, non-members £125 and students £35. The visit to Chitty Chitty Bang Bang is an additional £10.
The price includes:
- The newcomer drinks (for our first time attendess)
- Transport from the Holiday Inn to Showtown for a short reception
- Transport to the Winter Gardens for the evening reception and supper
- The education sessions on the 13th
- The pre-lunch reception
- The sit-down awards lunch.
Accommodation is available at a special rate - please see the schedule tab or location tab for details.
If you are looking for sponsorship opportunities - please download our pack
Thank you to our Industry Partners
Thursday 12th December
13:00 - 15:00 Optional theatre trip - Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (£10 supplement)
14:00 - 16:00 ABPCO Executive meeting at the Holiday Inn Blackpool
14:00 - 15:00 Optional trip to the top of Blackpool Tower and to see the Ballroom
17:00 - 17:30 First-timers welcome reception at the Holiday Inn Blackpool
17:30 - 18:00 Transport for all delegates from the Holiday Inn to Showtown, with a sneak peek at the illuminations - sponsored by Meet Blackpool
18:00 - 19:00 Networking Reception at Showtown
19:00 - 19:15 Bus back to the Spanish Hall at the Winter Gardens
19:15 - 22:00 An informal networking supper and some seaside fun and games. Sponsored by Meet Blackpool.
We have a special rate at the Holiday Inn Blackpool of £110 per person B&B - please see the location page for details
Friday 13th December
07:45 for 08:00 Join us for a friendly "chatty pace" run in Blackpool. Meeting point 7:45 for an 8am depart at Holiday Inn. Please register here
09:30 - 10:00 Tour of the Winter Gardens - please meet at the front entrance
10:30 - 11:30 Our education sessions - please choose when booking!
Expert Panel and Interactive Discussion: CSR Trends, Opportunities, and Challenges - join us for an in-depth exploration of current trends and emerging opportunities in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). Our expert panel chaired by Judith Dix of Conference Care Ltd will dive into key themes such as sustainability and green initiatives, the growing focus on neurodiversity, and sustainable transportation. This interactive session will not only highlight these pressing topics but also encourage open dialogue, allowing participants to share insights, ask questions, and collaborate on actionable strategies. Don't miss this opportunity to engage with thought leaders and peers as we navigate the evolving landscape of CSR together. With thanks to our panel: Garth Halliday of RenewableUK, Elaine Miller of the EICC, Jo Austin of Lime Venue Portfolio, Jane Cole, Blackpool Transport and Kirstin Aram of Worldspan.
Conquer Challenges Together: The Power of Collaboration - ABPCO is calling for your challenges! In the face of complex challenges, many heads are better than one. The key to unlocking innovative solutions lies in the collective experience within the room. By pooling knowledge, experience and ideas, we can overcome obstacles more effectively. Let's harness our shared strength and collaborate to find solutions. Let us know your challenge, and we will try and incorporate it into the programme - please email by Friday 15th November
11:30 - 12:15 - A pre-lunch networking and drinks reception sponsored by Harrogate Convention Centre. Join us as the excitement mounts for the awards ceremony.
12:15 - 15:30 - The 2024 ABPCO Excellence Awards and lunch kindly sponsored by Royal Armouries. Join us to celebrate the best in our industry. Come together to honour the outstanding professionals and groundbreaking innovations that are pushing the boundaries in our industry. The ABPCO Excellence Awards celebrate those who have gone above and beyond, setting new standards in our industry. Winning isn't just about recognition; it's a testament to the hard work, creativity, and passion that drives us all.
Directions for the Winter Gardens are here
The adress is Winter Gardens, 97 Church Street, Blackpool, Lancashire, FY1 1HL
The recommended car park is Alfred Street car park (blackpool.gov.uk)
We have a special rate at the Holiday Inn, 85 Talbot Road, Blackpool, FY1 1LL
£110 B&B - to book please use this link.
Please note if you are looking to amend the stay dates, please select ‘Change Search’ and enter the date range which applies for your booking. Should the system ask for your group code, please enter – AEA
Reservations for the above Event, will need to be made via the booking link above. Should you need any support in making a reservation please contact Shaun Wignall (groups & Events) via Groups@hiblackpool.com or 01253 208040.
Prices
Please find a list of tickets for this event below.
Ticket |
Price |
Academic Student Member with the theatre
|
£45.00 |
Academic Student Member without the theatre
|
£35.00 |
Member with the theatre
|
£85.00 |
Member without the theatre
|
£75.00 |
Non-member with the theatre
|
£135.00 |
Non-member without the theatre
|
£125.00 |
Attendees
The following delegates are already attending this event.
Ms Kirstin Aram
Worldspan Ltd
Mrs Tracey Astles
Royal Armouries
Mr Adam Baggs
Soaring Worldwide
Ms Pauline Beattie
Conference Care Ltd
Mr Rich Belcher
First Sight Media
Ms Alba Betancort
Nottingham Venues
Ms Emily Bexley
Manchester Central Convention Centre
Mrs Hannah Beynon
DoubleTree by Hilton Brighton Metropole
Mr Mark Blair
InEvexco Ltd
Ms Katie Bolton
RNIB
Mr Andrew Bowers
MICE Concierge Ltd
Mr Benjamin Campbell
Royal Armouries
Ms Liz Conboy
RenewableUK
Mrs Sammy Connell
NASUWT - The Teachers' Union
Ms Jo Cooper
MICE Concierge Ltd
Miss Abigail Courage
Leeds Beckett
Ms Alison D'Allessandro
ACC Liverpool
Mr Steven Daun
ASM Global
Mr Jake Dennett
Cvent
Ms Jemima Dewhurst
Manchester Central
Mrs Sarah Dietrich
Warwick Conferences
Ms Therese Dolan
Therese Dolan Ltd
Mrs Emma Duffy
The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health
Miss Arryann Duncan
P&J Live
Mr Raymond Elferink
Kubify
Mrs Gaynor England
Abstract Events
Mrs Sue Etherington
Barbican
Mr Laird Faichney-Smith
Abbey Conference & Events
Ms Olivia Garvey
Manchester Central
Ms Rosalind Godfrey
Telford International Centre
Mr Garth Halliday
RenewableUK
Ms Louise Harrison
Royal Armouries
Mrs Anna Hellawell
MICE Concierge Ltd
Mrs Fiona Hims
NAHT
Ms Kaylie Hodges
NASUWT - The Teachers’ Union
Ms Anne Jamison
The Event-ful Consultancy
Miss Sarah Jones
The Chartered Institute of Payroll Professionals
Mr Ian Kidson
Harrogate Convention Centre
Ms Bethany Kilmartin
RenewableUK
Mr Steve Knight
Birmingham and West Mildands Convention
Ms Dawn Lauder
Scottish Event Campus
Ms Jessica Letters
Royal College of Psychiatrists
Mrs Heather Lishman
ABPCO
Ms Caroline Mackenzie
ISHA - The Hip Preservation Society
Ms Madalina Marincas
Opening Doors and Venues Ltd
Mrs Rebecca Martin
The Institute of Leadership
Mr Johnny Martinez
Crowdcomms
Ms Ella Mayo
Manchester Central Convention Centre
Ms Elaine Miller
EICC
Ms Sarah Millington
The Belfry Hotel & Resort
Mr Jai Mistry
MICE Organiser Ltd
Ms Rachael Molyneux
ACC Liverpool
Miss Rachel Mumford
VisitAberdeenshire
Mrs Charlotte O'Sullivan
Royal Armouries
Ms Ashleigh Parker
First Sight Media
Ms Nicola Pearce
University of Aberdeen
Ms Leanne Planche
ACC Liverpool
Mrs Marion Rankin
James Hallam Limited
Mrs Emma Robson
Alzheimer's Research UK
Mrs Gemma Savage
ICC Wales
Ms Chrissy Schroeder
Abbey Conference & Events
Ms Jade Simmons
Leonardo Hotels
Mr Charlie Smith
Barbican Centre
Mr Elliott Smith
MICE Concierge Ltd
Ms Melissa Sobo
Nottingham Venues
Ms Malwina Soltys
Alzheimer's Research UK
Ms Shelley Spencer
Fitwise
Mr Paul Swain
Visit Flanders
Mr Kane Thomas
Full Circle Events & Exhibitions
Ms Phillipa Thompson
Worldspan Ltd
Ms Rebecca Towell
Full Circle Events & Exhibitions
Ms Tamsin Treasure-Jones
Kubify
Ms Chloe Turner
ICC Wales
Mrs Karen Usmani
The Institute of Leadership
Miss Sarah Vaughan
The Chartered Institute of Trade Mark Attorneys
Ms Corinne Weatherup
The Event-Ful Consultancy
Ms Heledd Williams
MeetInWales | Event Wales | Welsh Government
Ms Caroline Windsor
TFI Lodestar
Ms Kerry Wright
Lime Venue Portfolio
Mrs Sarvjit Wunsch
AUGIS
Mrs Jenni Yau
ICC Belfast
Ms Kerstyn Zeslawski
NEC Group
Name |
Organisation |
Mrs Liz Agostini |
Conference News |
Miss Lynsey Aspinall |
Manchester Central |
Mr Simon Callaghan |
Simon Callaghan Photography |
Ms Judith Dix |
Conference Care |
Ms Sandra Eyre |
Meetings Industry Association |
Mr Tom Forshaw |
Manchester Central |
Ms Christie Gaskin |
Hilton Birmingham Metropole |
Mrs Charlotte Gough |
MCI UK |
Mr Nick Graham |
Olympia Events |
Mr Laurance Hancock |
The Boathouse Youth |
Mr Ciaran Hodgers |
Association of Colleges |
Ms Jill Houlahan |
ICC Belfast |
Mrs Hayley Kay |
ABPCO |
Ms Rebecca Kilby |
GES |
Miss Eileen Law |
MCI UK |
Mr Howard Lawton |
Connex Promotions |
Miss Hayley Love |
ABPCO |
Mr Jack Mabbett |
De Vere |
Ms Jessica Mason-Rawle |
The NEC Group |
Miss Rachael Masson |
P&J Live |
Mrs Sarah McGovern |
Seren Events |
Mr Conor Meany |
Conference Partners International |
mr Ged Mills |
winter gardens |
Mr Lee Morgan-Jones |
James Hallam |
Mr Richard Morris |
Active Media Events Ltd |
Mrs Catherine Newhall-Caiger |
Bramcote International |
Ms Debra Nightingale |
All Bright Communications Ltd |
Mr Jonathan Pagden |
The Voiceologist |
Mr David Parker |
The Royal College of Physicians |
Miss Sigita Pjampite |
Switch Hospitality Management Ltd |
Ms Leonie Postma |
Conference Partners International |
Ms Alison Roddam |
Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists |
Miss Vanessa Russell |
ICC Wales |
Miss Emelia Sharp |
N/A |
Mr Steven Slesser |
Crowdcomms |
Miss Kayleigh Smith |
The Boathouse Youth |
Mr Iain Stirling |
International Confex |
Miss Sophie Tanner |
Shooting Star Children's Hospices |
Ms Rebecca Thompson |
Winter Gardens Blackpool |
Mr Nick Tinker |
Cvent |
Mrs Julie Vincent |
BECL/Meet Blackpool |
Miss Helen Wormall |
Mosaic Events |
Ms Emilly Wright |
Harrogate Convention Centre |
Miss Kiya Wright |
Telford International Centre |
Mrs Aziza Yessi |
Mercure Manchester Piccadilly Hotel |
Ms Lauren Zaremba |
GES |
Delegate Terms and Conditions
All payments to be made in advance. Substitutions can be made up until the 1st December.
Cancellations received in writing before the 29th November can be refunded. No refunds will be made for cancellations less than two weeks prior to event or for non-attendance.
ABPCO are committed to and actively encourage diversity and promote inclusion and accessibility at our events.
We value the participation of each individual and want everybody to have an enjoyable and fulfilling experience. All communication and behaviour should therefore be appropriate for a professional audience.
By attending an ABPCO event, you’re agreeing to respect and be kind to everybody, regardless of their gender, race, religion, age, sexual orientation, disability, or any other aspect of what they look like, where they come from or who they are.
For further information and our full code of conduct please visit our website here.