Meet the Jury of Conventa Best Event Award 2024

Read our interviews with jury members of Conventa Best Event Award 2024

Conventa Best Event Award is among a handful of award competitions in the meetings industry where an expert jury ensures transparency, credibility and fair evaluation of all projects. We chatted with the international ensemble of industry professionals who will select the winners at this year’s Conventa Crossover festival between 9 and 10 September 2024.

We spoke to jury members who shared their thoughts on the most important event criteria, selecting winners and the role of event competitions.

Jens Oliver Mayer: “CBEA is a prestigious recognition with a European reach”

Ivo. J Franschitz: “CBEA creates public awareness of the LiveCom sector”

Patrick M. Delaney: “Event competitions provide a benchmark for the best”

Boris Kovaček: “CBEA’s mission is to push the limit in our industry”

Aleksandra Cichecka: “Unique events are characterised by flawless execution”

José G. Aguarod: “Event competitions are great tools to ignite talent”

Pigalle Tavakkoli: “Winners must wholly understand their target audience”

Kim Myhre: “Event competitions deliver value while inspiring others in the industry”

Jan-Jaap in der Maur: “If you don’t know why you’re organising, don’t do it”

Manuela Šola: “The best ideas are usually the smart and simple ones”

Angeles Moreno: “European event competitions foster a culture of excellence”

Maarten Schram: “CBEA showcases the best (pan)European works to the world”

Anja Garbajs: “It’s about recognising the pioneers who dared to dream bigger”

Inese Lukaševska: “Conventa Best Event Award can become an ambassador for creativity”

Jens Oliver Mayer: “CBEA is a prestigious recognition with a European reach”

Interview with Jens Oliver Mayer, jury member of the Conventa Best Event Award

Ahead of the Conventa Best Event Award 2024, the central and one of the oldest event competitions in Europe, we spoke to jury members who shared their thoughts on the most important event criteria, selecting winners and the role of event competitions.

Q1: What do you consider the most important criteria when evaluating projects?

When evaluating Conventa BEA, I prioritize three key criteria: creativity for unique and extraordinary ideas, measurable results demonstrating effectiveness, and a sustainable approach addressing the biggest and most important challenge of our industry.

Q2: How would you define the mission of the Conventa Best Event Award?

I define the Conventa BEA as a prestigious recognition with a European reach, blending the warmth of a family reunion with the charm of one of Europe’s most beautiful locations. Despite its intimate feel, it stands as one of the most significant awards in the events industry.

“WE CHOOSE THE MOST CREATIVE PROJECTS, ENSURING THEY USE INSIGHT AND INNOVATION, HAVE MEASURABLE RESULTS, AND HAVE A CLEAR STRATEGY FOR SUSTAINABILITY.”

Q3: What do you believe should be the key message when selecting the winners of the competition?

Our key message when selecting the winner is that we choose the most creative projects, ensuring they use insight and innovation, have measurable results, and have a clear strategy for sustainability.

Q4: What is the role of European event competitions?

The role of awards is to celebrate the most extraordinary work that is leading and inspiring the industry.

Q5: Which achievements and milestones are you most proud of in your career?

What I’m most proud of in my career is working with an incredible team at Jack on some of the most creative and innovative projects, continually learning and being inspired every day.

Learn more about Jack Morton here.

Ivo. J Franschitz: “CBEA creates public awareness of the LiveCom sector”

Interview with Ivo J. Franschitz, jury member of the Conventa Best Event Award competition

Ahead of the Conventa Best Event Award 2024, the central and one of the oldest event competitions in Europe, we spoke to jury members who shared their thoughts on the most important event criteria, selecting winners and the role of event competitions.

Q1: What do you consider the most important criteria when evaluating projects?

Delivering the best fitting solution and answer for the three key questions: The Why, the How and the What.

Q2: How would you define the mission of the Conventa Best Event Award?

The CBEA creates public awareness of the importance of our LiveCom sector and showcases the sector’s best practices in Europe.

“EVENT COMPETITIONS ARE A STRONG VOICE FOR OUR LIVECOM SECTOR.”

Q3: What do you believe should be the key message when selecting the winners of the competition?

Recognition and inspiration from and for our LiveCom sector.

Q4: What is the role of European event competitions?

Being a strong voice for our LiveCom sector.

Q5: Which achievements and milestones are you most proud of in your career?

Still being curious about and feeling energized by our LiveCom sector, after more than 25 years.

Find out more about ENITED business events here.

Patrick M. Delaney: “Event competitions provide a benchmark for the best”

Ahead of the Conventa Best Event Award 2024, the central and one of the oldest event competitions in Europe, we spoke to jury members who shared their thoughts on the most important event criteria, selecting winners and the role of event competitions.

Q1: What do you consider the most important criteria when evaluating projects?

The complete alignment of the proposed solution with the goal of the project. It does not matter how creative, cost-effective and brilliantly executed the solution is if it does not answer the challenge.

Q2: How would you define the mission of the Conventa Best Event Award?

Recognise, celebrate and share examples of the BEST EVENTS (B2B, B2C, B2E, Crossover) in Europe.

“EVENT COMPETITIONS MOTIVATE THE REST OF THE INDUSTRY AND OTHER PRACTITIONERS.”

Q3: What do you believe should be the key message when selecting the winners of the competition?

You are the best in Europe in your category; let’s celebrate your brilliance.

Q4: What is the role of European event competitions?

To celebrate brilliance, benchmark against the best, share the results, motivate your team and the rest of the industry and motivate other practitioners.

Q5: Which achievements and milestones are you most proud of in your career?

Having 50% of our business come from repeat customers and being judged the best place to work three years in a row.

Find out more about SoolNua here.

Pigalle Tavakkoli: “Winners must wholly understand their target audience”

Interview with Pigalle Tavakkoli, jury member of the Conventa Best Event Award competition

Ahead of the Conventa Best Event Award 2024, the central and one of the oldest event competitions in Europe, we spoke to jury members who shared their thoughts on the most important event criteria, selecting winners and the role of event competitions.

Q1: What do you consider the most important criteria when evaluating projects?

– How well has the team understood the target audience and their deeper needs and motivations?
– Which methods were used in the final design (innovative/sustainable/imaginative) to connect with the target audience’s needs and motivations?
– What will the impact and lasting influence of the design be with the audience?

Q2: How would you define the mission of the Conventa Best Event Award?

Conventa Best Event Award is an annual event and marketing competition which highlights the best practices, showcases innovative approaches, and presents inspiring case studies which are leading the way across Europe.

EVENT COMPETITIONS SHOULD INSPIRE THE REST OF THE GLOBAL INDUSTRY WITH THE BEST IN CLASS PRACTICES AND INNOVATIVE APPROACHES.”

Q3: What do you believe should be the key message when selecting the winners of the competition?

Winners demonstrate a deep understanding of their target audience, to develop projects and campaigns which connect meaningfully for long-lasting impact.

Q4: What is the role of European event competitions?

To lead by example and inspire the rest of the global industry with the best in class practices and innovative approaches.

“We designed and produced an immersive takeover of the National Portrait Gallery, London, which broke previous attendance records of 2,000 visitors by attracting 5,000 visitors.”

Q5: Which achievements and milestones are you most proud of in your career?

– Designed and produced a charity fundraiser for the Chelsea Arts Club, which included artist contributions such as Peter Blake, Allen Jones, and Sarah Lucas, and broke previous funding records of £10,000 by raising £100,000.
– Designed and produced an immersive takeover of the National Portrait Gallery, London, which broke previous attendance records of 2,000 visitors by attracting 5,000 visitors, and press coverage by the BBC, The Evening Standard, Sunday Times Style magazine, and Jazz FM amongst others.
– Securing funding from the UK Space Agency to design and produce a theatrical show based on space science and vacations to the galaxy, which sold out tickets and reached 87,500 digital audiences.
– Voted ‘Best Speaker’ at Conventa Crossover last year (very proud of this!)
– Awarded ‘Empowering Learning Journey Hero’ this year for the impactful methods I use in teaching by Educators for Impact, a European consortium of academies, businesses and networks.

Find out more about the School of Experience Design here.

Boris Kovaček: “CBEA’s mission is to push the limit in our industry”

Interview with Boris Kovaček, jury member of the Conventa Best Event Award competition

Ahead of the Conventa Best Event Award 2024, the central and one of the oldest event competitions in Europe, we spoke to jury members who shared their thoughts on the most important event criteria, selecting winners and the role of event competitions.

Q1: What do you consider the most important criteria when evaluating projects?

Different projects have different goals, so the criteria is to achieve set goals. Sometimes it is the profit or promotion, and other times something else. We must set up a goal for the project and evaluate it according to this.

Q2: How would you define the mission of the Conventa Best Event Award?

The mission is to promote the industry and to push the limit. I will always support this.

“EVENT COMPETITIONS ALLOW US TO SEE WHAT OUR NEIGHBOURS ARE DOING…”

Q3: What do you believe should be the key message when selecting the winners of the competition?

For me, it is pushing the boundaries.

Q4: What is the role of European event competitions?

To promote our industry and see what our neighbours are doing…

Q5: Which achievements and milestones are you most proud of in your career?

Starting new projects and festivals such as the Weekend Media Festival or Sunset Sport Festival and winning the tender for the Asian Beach Games Opening and Closing Ceremony 2010.

Learn more about Perpermint agency here.

Aleksandra Cichecka: “Unique events are characterised by flawless execution”

Interview with Aleksandra Cichecka, jury member of the Conventa Best Event Award competition

Ahead of the Conventa Best Event Award 2024, the central and one of the oldest event competitions in Europe, we spoke to jury members who shared their thoughts on the most important event criteria, selecting winners and the role of event competitions.

Q1: What do you consider the most important criteria when evaluating projects?

Apart from the objectives and results of the project, I look for the uniqueness of the concept, which means creativity to me. It is about the idea behind the event and how consistently it is presented throughout.

The idea should engage the attendees and ensure everything fits together seamlessly, like a jigsaw puzzle where all the pieces come together to create one picture. Unique events are characterized by flawless execution, from the smallest details to high-quality production. In short, we are looking for event gems.

Q2: How would you define the mission of the Conventa Best Event Award?

The Conventa Best Event Award allows event organisers to showcase their work to the public. Projects deemed the best by both the jury and the public can serve as inspiration for others in the industry and set examples for best practices and trends. Additionally, it helps gather opinions from other professionals in the event business.

Events like the Conventa Best Event Awards bring the business community together around one topic: “How to create a great event.” They provide an opportunity to share knowledge and insights while maintaining healthy competition.

“EVENT AGENCIES SHOULD CREATE FRESH, OUTSTANDING EVENTS THAT MAKE A DIFFERENCE AND CAPTIVATE ATTENDEES.”

Q3: What do you believe should be the key message when selecting the winners of the competition?

Maintain a high level of quality at each stage of your project, not only during the event but also during the pre-and post-preparation phases. Stick to your vision while keeping best practices in mind (e.g., cooperation with suppliers, participant safety, impeccable quality). Create fresh, outstanding events that make a difference and captivate attendees. Produce projects that leave everyone amazed.

Q4: What is the role of European event competitions?

Where there is competition, there is growth and a desire to improve. Competitions play a crucial role in setting records, comparing results, and establishing standards.

“A milestone for me was organising my first event with very little knowledge.”

Q5: Which achievements and milestones are you most proud of in your career?

A milestone for me was organising my first event with very little knowledge. After that event, I knew I was in the right place. Now, with over twelve years of experience in the event industry, I can manage any event, whether it is a large and complex sports event or an elegant company anniversary.

Learn more about MP Power Awards here.

Kim Myhre: “Event competitions deliver value while inspiring others in the industry”

Interview with Kim Myhre, jury member of the Conventa Best Event Award competition

Ahead of the Conventa Best Event Award 2024, the central and one of the oldest event competitions in Europe, we spoke to jury members who shared their thoughts on the most important event criteria, selecting winners and the role of event competitions.

Q1: What do you consider the most important criteria when evaluating projects?

The most important criterion is that the experience demonstrated a deep understanding of its audience.

Q2: How would you define the mission of the Conventa Best Event Award?

The mission of the Conventa Best Event Award is to recognise events that have delivered innovative, engaging experiences, creating transformative audience value and inspiring others to do the same.

“THE ROLE IS TO RECOGNIZE AND CELEBRATE EVENTS THAT ARE EMBRACING CHANGE, CREATING INNOVATION, AND DELIVERING VALUE WHILE INSPIRING OTHERS IN THE INDUSTRY.”

Q3: What do you believe should be the key message when selecting the winners of the competition?

The key message when selecting the competition winners should be that they have demonstrated audience insight, applied innovative, creative thinking and engaging storytelling, and delivered memorable and inspiring experiences that have had a real, measurable impact.

Q4: What is the role of European event competitions?

The role of European event competitions is to recognize and celebrate those events that are embracing change, creating innovation, and delivering value while inspiring others in the industry.

“The mission of the Conventa Best Event Award is to recognise events that have delivered innovative, engaging experiences.”

Q5: Which achievements and milestones are you most proud of in your career?

I’m most proud of my experience in marketing leadership, inspiring new, diverse talent, embracing change, and driving innovation. These principles have guided my career, and I’ve had the opportunity to work with amazing teams to design and deliver breakthrough strategic and creative experience marketing solutions for major global brands worldwide.

Find out more about Experience Designed here.

Jan-Jaap in der Maur: “If you don’t know why you’re organising, don’t do it”

Interview with Jan-Jaap in der Maur, jury member of the Conventa Best Event Award competition

Ahead of the Conventa Best Event Award 2024, the central and one of the oldest event competitions in Europe, we spoke to jury members who shared their thoughts on the most important event criteria, selecting winners and the role of event competitions.

Q1: What do you consider the most important criteria when evaluating projects?

ROI, ROI, ROI … and did I already mention ROI? And I don’t mean ROI in the sense of ‘the client was very happy’, or ‘we scored an 8,5 with the participants’. I mean tangible, measurable results that prove that something changed or got better; proof that participants changed their behaviour. I’m not impressed by big budgets, complicated organisational challenges, and large numbers of staff & tech. I’m impressed by brilliant ideas, executed to perfection.

Q2: How would you define the mission of the Conventa Best Event Award?

Better meetings & events. So with better ROI/effectiveness.

“THE EFFECT OF THE MEETING SHOULD BRING MORE TO THE WORLD, THAN THE FOOTPRINT INVESTED IN IT.”

Q3: What do you believe should be the key message when selecting the winners of the competition?

If you don’t know why you are organising, don’t do it. Too many meetings and events are purposeless and therefore useless. Side thought: the most sustainable event is the event that isn’t organised. Unless you can prove to me that a large footprint can bring world peace or solve hunger: then it’s worth the investment and for that reason sustainable. So sustainability means: the effect of the meeting should bring more to the world, than the footprint invested in it.

Q4: What is the role of European event competitions?

Setting the bar.

“I’m not impressed by big budgets, complicated organisational challenges, and large numbers of staff & tech. I’m impressed by brilliant ideas, executed to perfection.”

Q5: Which achievements and milestones are you most proud of in your career?

Bringing people together and helping them do great things. Making a difference in the lives of moderators, helping them take the next step. And taking the profession of moderation/MCing to the next level.

Find out more about Masters in Moderation here.

José G. Aguarod: “Event competitions are great tools to ignite talent”

Interview with José G. Aguarod, jury member of the Conventa Best Event Award competition

Ahead of the Conventa Best Event Award 2024, the central and one of the oldest event competitions in Europe, we spoke to jury members who shared their thoughts on the most important event criteria, selecting winners and the role of event competitions.

Q1: What do you consider the most important criteria when evaluating projects?

To me, the most important criterion when evaluating is the level of achievement of the goals set at the start of the event planning process. This is a go/no-go point. If it is then done with creativity, simplicity, elegance, wit or smartness, then we start touching excellence!

Q2: How would you define the mission of the Conventa Best Event Award?

I believe very much in the role of quality Awards as Conventa, which are organised with the aim of recognising excellence in our industry. They are great tools to ignite talent and make it public.

“EVENT COMPETITIONS ENCOURAGE PARTICIPANTS TO HAVE A PAN-EUROPEAN VISION.”

Q3: What do you believe should be the key message when selecting the winners of the competition?

I believe events are useful; in fact, companies and institutions have come to the conclusion that they need events in their marketing and communication strategies. A key message is, consequently, to highlight this very strong power of the events.

Q4: What is the role of European event competitions?

It is an interesting experience that helps spread best practices among different markets and also encourages participants to have a pan-European vision (which is still very absent, though).

Q5: Which achievements and milestones are you most proud of in your career?

I am happy to say that, together with my partners, with the founding and development of Grupo Eventoplus and its spinoffs, we have helped a bit in the conformation and growth of the events, MICE and Sports Travel industries in Spain, Europe and the Americas.

Learn more about Eventoplus Group here.