"It reinforced the mindset that, with the right team and vision, anything is possible." - Clarion Events

How did winning an AEO Excellence Award influence stakeholder confidence - internally and externally?

Winning both ‘Best International Tradeshow’ and ‘Best Organiser Team’ was a huge moment for the entire team behind World Gaming Week 2025, incorporating ICE and iGB Affiliate Barcelona and for wider Clarion.

Internally, it was incredible validation of the scale of work, collaboration, innovation and immense commitment required to successfully deliver and execute two major large-scale international event relocations. We’ve had a few “almost” moments over the years, so to win not just one but both awards was a truly special moment for the teams involved. It strengthened the belief in the strategy we’ve been building for several years and reinforced the mindset that, with the right team and vision, anything is possible.

Externally, it was a real honour to share this recognition with the global gaming industry we serve. The role the international community played in the success of the events was instrumental, and the shared pride in what we collectively achieved has further strengthened our industry relationships and our business and event credentials. We wear our awards with pride, and they set a new benchmark for the 2026 to be even better.

Above all else, on a personal level, to have the team recognised as ‘Best Organiser’ after all they went through, was a hugely proud moment.

What long-term impact, if any, did the award have on your wider event strategy?

These Excellence Awards, particularly the Best International Tradeshow accolade, have genuinely influenced the global perception of our events.

Receiving that level of industry recognition opens doors and has helped position World Gaming Week as one of the leading technology gatherings in the world. That third party endorsement supports our wider ambition to establish the event series as global leaders, not only within gaming but also as a benchmark for in person B2B experiences.

It also strengthens conversations with international partners and brands looking to engage with the sector at scale. Major technology companies entering the event in 2026, including Microsoft, have certainly taken note of the recognition and the momentum behind the our brands.

What advice would you give to organisers considering entering the AEO Excellence Awards?

Entering awards nominations is a serious commitment if it is done properly, but it is wholeheartedly worth every ounce of effort. If you have a strong story to tell then that is the best place to start.

Use your team. Have a leader take ownership of the submission and bring together the right balance of data, statistics and strong KPIs, all supported by genuine customer sentiment and stories of team heroics. In my opinion, the most compelling entries combine measurable results with the human effort behind the success.

Our entry was unique in the sense that it marked the end of a huge period of work, with the culmination being success across almost every metric. Seeing the team come together to drive the submission and then being together on the night to celebrate it, was incredibly special. Despite almost falling off the stage when collecting the awards, it was a moment and a night I will never forget.

Why is an AEO Excellence Award 'the one to win'?

The AEO Excellence Awards are special. In my 20 year career in events they have always represented the pinnacle of the industry calendar. They bring together the biggest organisers alongside ambitious start ups, creating a moment where the entire exhibitions industry comes together to celebrate excellence.

That is what makes them so meaningful. They recognise not just scale, but innovation, teamwork and the impact events have on the industries they serve.

Having attended for many years without winning, it made the moment even more special to finally take home two awards. To be recognised in front of so many industry peers responsible for delivering world class exhibitions that continue to drive and evolve the sectors they serve, was an incredible highlight for the entire team. It was well worth the wait…