Winners of 20 categories were announced at the 3rd Middle East Event Awards that was held at Madinat Jumeirah on 26th May 2010. The Middle East Event Awards are the most prestigious recognition of innovation, achievements and excellence in the events industry for this region.

“Nearly 200 nominations were received for the awards, which has been the highest number so far and represents the desire of all professionals involved in the industry to excel in delivering successful events”, said Dana Haubold, Project Manager of the Awards.

The nominations were assessed by a panel of 10 judges, comprising renowned industry names, including William (Bill) John O'Toole from Australia, Zanine Adams – President ISES UK, Hans-Juergen "Lauti" Lautenfeld – Production Specialist from Germany, Charlotte DeWitt – President International Events USA and Steven Wood Schmader - President & CEO of the International Festivals & Events Association (IFEA).

More than 600 guests, representing over 150 organisations from across MENA as well as Europe, gathered at the Awards for an evening of celebrations, networking and dazzling entertainment.

The winners included:

1. BEST MEETING OR CONFERENCE: Meeting Minds for IDA World Congress
2. BEST INCENTIVE EVENT: Vibe for Coca-Cola Company Annual ConferenceBEST TRADE EXHIBITION: Dubai World Trade Centre for Gulf Food
3. BEST MEETINGS OR EVENTS FACILITIES WITHIN A HOTEL: Madinat Jumeirah
4. BEST PURPOSE-BUILT EVENTS VENUE: Dubai World Trade Centre
5. BEST MUSIC EVENT: Flash Entertainment for Beats on the Beach / Yasalam
6. BEST ARTS AND CULTURAL EVENT: npa events for Rembrandt in Oman
7. BEST MARKETING CAMPAIGN FOR AN EVENT: Flash Entertainment for Yasalam
8. BEST INNOVATIVE ENTERTAINMENT: Global Village for Global Village Cultural & Arts Festival
9. BEST EXHIBITION STAND DESIGN: Extra Cake for Barbican Turbo Exhibition Stand
10. BEST CREATIVE USE OF EVENT LIGHTING: InHouse Productions for Grand Prix Signature Dinner
11. BEST EVENT SOUND PRODUCTION: InHouse Productions for Grand Prix Signature Dinner
12. BEST AV / VIDEO SOLUTION FOR AN EVENT: mamemo productions for World’s First Holo Room & World’s First Digital Model
13. BEST EVENT DESIGN: HQ Creative LLC on behalf of TDIC for Abu Dhabi Art - VIP Majlis & Design Studio "Beyond”
14. OUTSTANDING EVENT USING A TEMPORARY VENUE/STRUCTURE OR SPACE: Arena Lea International, Farnborough International Limited and Harlequin Arena for Bahrain International
15. Airshow 2010
16. BEST CORPORATE PRODUCT OR SERVICE LAUNCH: mamemo productions for Launch of the Surface Transport Master Plan (STMP) 2030
17. OUTSTANDING PRODUCTION ACHIEVEMENT: Filmmaster Events for KAUST Inauguration Ceremony
18. GREEN AWARD: ADNEC and dmg events
19. YOUNG ACHIEVER OF THE YEAR: Murad Shisha from mamemo productions
20. OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTION TO THE MIDDLE EAST EVENT INDUSTRY: Richard Coram from The Talent Brokers

The Awards also featured the launch of the first “Middle East Event Show”, scheduled from 18 – 19 May 2011. The show is positioned as the perfect platform for MICE, Events and Entertainment suppliers and buyers to connect in the wider Middle East region with the most comprehensive display of services, products and performances. Featuring a host of seminars and workshops as well as the 4th Middle East Event Awards, the Middle East Event Show aims at attracting active participation from companies that recognise the importance of this region as a growing market.

The Middle East Event Awards 2010 were presented by sourceme and key sponsors included Al Laith, Gemini, Prince, Jumeirah and Precise. The event was organised by IIR Middle East, the name behind major international exhibitions, conferences and trainings in the region, including Arab Health, Cityscape, Middle East Electricity, PALME and Leaders in Dubai.