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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Interview with Manuela Šola, 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?
I believe it is the whole package, you know. When evaluating projects, the uniqueness of the idea and the creativity in execution will occupy my attention. When you put it in the context of relevance for the brand goal and effectiveness you can recognize if you have a good story. Of course, while presenting it to judges it must be a “straight to the head” type of storytelling that keeps you interested. A good story has one important rule – it must not be poorly told, otherwise it is just another story.
Q2:How would you define the mission of the Conventa Best Event Award?
The mission of the Conventa Best Event Award is to showcase best practices, to inspire, to celebrate improvement and innovation in the industry. This is how to show our appreciation for the excellence in the event industry by highlighting innovative and impactful events that set new standards in creativity, execution, and effectiveness.
“THE MISSION OF THE CONVENTA BEST EVENT AWARD IS TO SHOWCASE BEST PRACTICES, TO INSPIRE, TO CELEBRATE IMPROVEMENT AND INNOVATION IN THE INDUSTRY.”
Q3: What do you believe should be the key message when selecting the winners of the competition?
Stay simple but aim high to create unforgettable experiences. Best ideas are usually the smart, simple and playful ones. They set a benchmark for the industry, demonstrating what is possible when vision and expertise come together.
Q4: What is the role of European event competitions?
The role of European event competitions is to establish benchmarks and share best practices that others in the industry can aspire to. It is a good platform to recognize talents from all over Europe, foster innovation, and encourage high standards and continuous improvement within the event industry on various levels.
“CBEA is a good platform to recognize talents from all over Europe, foster innovation, and encourage high standards and continuous improvement .”
Q5: Which achievements and milestones are you most proud of in your career?
This year we celebrate our 20th anniversary of working in public relations. I am proud of every success my team and I shared. From the latest bronze award won at Cannes Lions with our partner agency Bruketa&Žinić&Grey, Grand Prix in PR section on Young Lions Croatia powered by Elan in 2023, best event agency award we got right here on Conventa Event Awards and many others from industry experts. We celebrated our hard work on the projects that were meaningful both for the community and clients.
On the other hand, we are mentoring and developing young professionals who became successful in their jobs and actively participate in industry forums, contributing with our PR experts through professional articles, and speaking at conferences and faculties, to share knowledge and promote best practices.
I am proud of how as an agency we embraced every mistake learnt through this journey because I learned a lot and it helped us to become one of the most recognizable Croatian agencies, known for its creativity, reliability, and client satisfaction.
Find out more about Komunikacijski laboratorij here.
Interview with Angeles Moreno, 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?
When evaluating projects, the most important criteria for me include:
1. Innovation and Creativity: How original and inventive is the project? Does it introduce new ideas or approaches? 2. Impact and Effectiveness: What tangible outcomes and results has the project achieved? How has it made a difference for its target audience? 3. Execution and Delivery: The quality of implementation, including attention to detail, smooth execution, and overcoming challenges. 4. Audience Engagement: How well did the project engage and resonate with its intended audience? Was the audience interaction meaningful and impactful? 5. Transformation of Human Behavior: How effectively does the event design focus on enhancing knowledge, developing skills, facilitating meaningful connections, and fostering a change in attitude? 6. Triple Positive Impact: How does the event contribute to environmental sustainability, social responsibility, and economic growth?
Q2:How would you define the mission of the Conventa Best Event Award?
The mission of the Conventa Best Event Award is to recognize and celebrate excellence in event management and execution. It aims to highlight innovative and impactful events that set new standards in the industry, inspire others through creativity and effectiveness, and showcase best practices in engaging and meaningful event experiences. Moreover, it emphasizes the role of events in transforming human behaviour by enhancing knowledge, developing skills, promoting networking, and encouraging positive attitude changes. The award also seeks to acknowledge events that create a triple positive impact: environmental sustainability, social responsibility, and economic growth.
“THE SELECTED WINNERS SHOULD ALSO HIGHLIGHT HOW THEIR EVENTS CONTRIBUTE TO TRANSFORMING HUMAN BEHAVIOUR.”
Q3: What do you believe should be the key message when selecting the winners of the competition?
The key message when selecting the winners should be that excellence in event management is multifaceted, encompassing creativity, impact, flawless execution, and audience engagement. Winners should exemplify the highest standards in these areas, demonstrating how events can drive significant positive change, inspire innovation, and create memorable experiences. Importantly, the selected winners should also highlight how their events contribute to transforming human behaviour by improving knowledge, skills, connections, and attitudes while also achieving a triple positive impact on the environment, society, and economy.
Q4: What is the role of European event competitions?
The role of European event competitions is to foster a culture of excellence and innovation within the event industry. They provide a platform for recognizing and rewarding outstanding achievements and facilitating the exchange of ideas and best practices across borders. These competitions also help to elevate industry standards, encourage professional development, and enhance the visibility of exceptional work. Crucially, they emphasize the importance of designing events that not only entertain but also educate, develop skills, facilitate meaningful connections, and inspire positive changes in attitudes and behaviours. Additionally, they promote events that achieve a triple positive impact, benefiting the environment, society, and the economy.
“By focusing on enhancing knowledge, developing skills, facilitating meaningful connections, and fostering a positive change in attitudes, my work has contributed to creating lasting impact.”
Q5: Which achievements and milestones are you most proud of in your career?
In my career as a CEO in the events and tourism industries, I am most proud of:
1. Business Growth and Management: Demonstrating exceptional business management skills, leading all businesses I have managed in the events and tourism sectors to significant growth and success. Implementing strategies that have increased profitability, market share, and operational efficiency.
2. Innovation and Strategic Thinking: Introducing innovative concepts and forward-thinking strategies that have set new trends in the events and tourism industries, positioning my businesses as leaders in these competitive fields.
3. Leadership and Team Development: Building and mentoring high-performing teams within the events and tourism sectors, fostering a culture of collaboration, creativity, and continuous improvement. Empowering team members to achieve their full potential and drive the business forward.
4. Sustainability and Social Responsibility: Committing to sustainability and social responsibility, ensuring that our business practices in the events and tourism industries benefit the environment, society, and economy. Implementing initiatives that promote environmental sustainability and social good within these industries.
5. Global Impact and Market Expansion: Successfully expanding business operations into new international markets, increasing global presence and influence in the events and tourism sectors. Navigating diverse market challenges and leveraging opportunities for growth and innovation.
Additionally, I am proud of my commitment to designing events that transform human behaviour. By focusing on enhancing knowledge, developing skills, facilitating meaningful connections, and fostering a positive change in attitudes, my work has contributed to creating lasting impacts that go beyond the events themselves.
Interview with Maarten Schram, 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?
It’s all about the profound combination of creativity, craftsmanship and effectiveness.
Q2:How would you define the mission of the Conventa Best Event Award?
Bringing the best of experiential from New Europe to the world during a high quality and intimate event where industry friends and professionals meet live.
“THE WINNERS MUST SHOWCASE THE UNIQUE CRAFTSMANSHIP OF CREATING EFFECTIVE LIVE EXPERIENCES AND CONNECTING PEOPLE LIVE.”
Q3: What do you believe should be the key message when selecting the winners of the competition?
It is very much connected to the first answer: showcasing the unique craftsmanship of creating effective live experiences and connecting people live (possibly combined with other campaign items/channels, among digital).
Q4: What is the role of European event competitions?
Showcasing best (pan)European work to the world. Europe is such a unique continent, with so much creativity and, at the same time, so many different styles and accents colouring those events.
“It’s such an honour to be part of international award juries for over ten years now.”
Q5: Which achievements and milestones are you most proud of in your career?
From this perspective, it’s such an honour to be part of international award juries for over ten years now. And – of course – a milestone is the LiveCom Alliance, European Institute for Livecommunication, established eight years ago. We have been connecting the European industry association and conducting our yearly study since then.
Interview with Anja Garbajs, 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?
For me, the absolute game-changer in evaluating event projects is objective alignment. It’s not just about ticking boxes; it’s about ensuring every event detail aligns perfectly with our client’s strategic goals. When the objectives are crystal clear from the get-go, it sets the stage for seamless execution, effective resource management, and outcomes that truly matter. Sure, things like understanding our audience, managing budgets, and creating memorable experiences are vital too, but they all orbit around that core alignment. It’s the secret sauce that makes everything else fall into place beautifully.
Q2:How would you define the mission of the Conventa Best Event Award?
The Conventa Best Event Award is all about celebrating those electrifying moments in event planning where creativity, impact, and sustainability collide. It’s a spotlight on eGRAvents that not only wow us with their innovation but also leave a lasting impression on everyone involved. From setting new standards to pioneering eco-friendly practices, it’s about inspiring our industry to constantly raise the bar and evolve.
“IT’S ABOUT CELEBRATING EVENTS THAT NOT ONLY BREAK THE MOULD WITH THEIR CREATIVITY BUT ALSO MAKE A TANGIBLE DIFFERENCE IN THE WORLD.”
Q3: What do you believe should be the key message when selecting the winners of the competition?
When we pick winners at the Conventa Best Event Award, it’s about recognising the pioneers who dared to dream bigger. It’s about celebrating events that not only break the mould with their creativity but also make a tangible difference in the world—events that don’t just shine for a night but set a benchmark for what’s possible in our industry’s future. Excellence in innovation, impact, and sustainability—those are the hallmarks we’re looking for.
Q4: What is the role of European event competitions?
European event competitions are the heartbeat of our industry’s growth. They’re a stage where brilliance meets recognition, where ideas are shared, and where professionals come together to push boundaries. These competitions not only celebrate excellence but also propel us forward by fostering collaboration, setting standards, and showcasing the economic and cultural impact of events. They’re a catalyst for innovation and a testament to our industry’s vibrant spirit.
“I’ve always aimed to leave a mark—making each project a testament to the dedication, creativity, and joy of bringing visions to life.”
Q5: Which achievements and milestones are you most proud of in your career?
I may not have a laundry list of trophies to show, but what I do have is a passion for crafting experiences that matter. I’ve poured my heart into every event I’ve touched, striving to exceed expectations and deliver moments that resonate long after the lights go down. Whether it is orchestrating seamless logistics or sparking connections that defy geography, I’ve always aimed to leave a mark—making each project a testament to the dedication, creativity, and joy of bringing visions to life.
