Honoring Excellence in the Events Industry at the Middle East Event Awards
The Middle East Event Awards gathers the who’s who of the MICE and live events industry to honour outstanding individuals, teams, and companies that have conceptualised and delivered the best event experiences across the region.
16
Years Legacy
600+
Awards Submissions
900+
Attendees
32
Award Categories
30+
Expert Judges
The shortlist is out, and it's nothing short of exceptional.
We’re thrilled to announce the finalists for the Middle East Event Awards 2025! These standout individuals, teams, and organisations are redefining excellence across the region’s event industry. See who made the list! Shortlisted entrants now advance to round two, featuring live presentations and a Q&A with our expert judging panel. Visit the Judging Process page for more details.
Join us for the big night! Celebrate 16 years of industry brilliance at the Awards Ceremony on 19 June 2025, hosted at Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai. It’s the ultimate night of recognition, celebration, and connection with the region’s top talent. Book your table or seat now to secure the best spots for the most anticipated night in the events calendar.
For bookings and enquiries, contact us at awards@me-eventshow.com.
Unnati Shahani
Awards Project Manager, Informa Connect
Important Dates
Monday, 14 April 2025
Entry Deadline (Closed)
Thursday, 8 May 2025
Shortlist Announcement
Thursday, 19 June 2025
Awards Ceremony
MEET THE JUDGES
Ajay Bhojwani
Regional Managing Director,
MCI Group
Anam Ahmed
Founder & Chief Creative Officer,
The Hanging House
Andy Reardon
Managing Director,
Creative Technology Middle East
Antony Parham
Executive Creative Director,
LINKVIVA
Benoit Honnart
CEO,
Electra Exhibitions LLC
Bruno Marx
CEO,
EventKnowHow
Catherine Broad
Director,
Venue Matchmaker
David Balfour
Co-Founder,
LIGHTBLUE
Dawn Dennis
Executive Director,
Pico International
Donna Hyland
General Manager,
GES Middle East
Dr.Ray Tinston
Managing Director,
Identity Global
Dr.Yianni Spanos
Vice President- Sustainability,
Expo City Dubai
Emma Pope
Corporate Director of Lifestyle Events,
Emaar Hospitality Group
Flyn Roberts
Chief Operating Officer,
Messe Frankfurt Middle East
Gemma Lennard
Head of Marketing,
Staffwise
Joseph Lewis
Founder & CEO,
JLC Productions Middle East
John Jossifakis
Head of Events & Ceremonies,
AFC Asian Cup 2027 Local Organizing Committee
Kevin Brown
Event Planning & Reporting Director, GSO
Lucy Magee
Founder & CEO,
West End Worldwide LLC
Manal Al Kiyumi
Director of Marketing & Communications,
Oman Convention & Exhibition Centre - OCEC
Mariam Ahmed
Co-Founder,
The Collective
Mark Jan Kar
General Manager,
ASM Global (MENA)
Michail Panagiotakis
Executive Director Events,
Viola Communications
Nadine Farrag
General Manager,
Weddingsonline
Naomi Warmington
Senior Sustainability Manager,
Informa Global
Olla Abbas
Head of Mindvalley MENA,
Mindvalley
Rhiannon Downie Hurst
Founder,
Bride Club ME
Samantha Breslin
Head of Production,
People
Sankalp Sharma
Co-Founder & CEO,
Rayqube
Shenin Hamid
Founder & CEO,
Inspire Events & Activations FZ LLC
Sujoy Cherian
CEO & Creative Technologist,
Option 1 Events
Tammy Urwin
Director,
Urban Events
Tom Ralston
Regional Director,
Encore Middle East
Valentina Ruffoni
Founder & CEO,
The Pie Network (People in Events)
Yvonne Hoffzimmer
Chief Operating Officer,
DesignLab Experience
Ziad Ghaloul
CEO & Founder,
Build Up
Why participate at the Middle East Event Awards 2025?
Showcase your brand as an industry leader
Recognise & motivate your employees & teams
Celebrate your hard work and successes in style
Sponsor the Middle East Event Awards
Put your business in the spotlight with a Sponsorship at the Middle East Event Awards.
Position your brand as a thought leader and expert in the industry, and showcase your products and services to the most influential event professionals in the region.