LEBANON WINS ‘BEST STAND DESIGN’ AND DUBAI TOURISM, ‘BEST STAND FOR DOING BUSINESS’, AT ATM

There was success for both Lebanon and Dubai at ATM 2018’s ‘Best Stands’ awards. Launched in 2015, the awards were introduced to recognize the design creativity and business-friendly appeal of exhibiting companies’ physical presence at the ATM. This year’s judging panel comprised top industry and design professionals: Leo Fewtrell, managing partner, Gulf Reps; Nicholas Hall, CEO & founder, SE1 Media; Pippa Jacks, group editor, TTG Media Ltd; and Matt Gibson, travel blogger, writer and photographer. Dubai Tourism won the ‘Best Stand for Doing Business’ at the awards. Commenting on Dubai Tourism’s winning stand, Gibson said, “It was an exceptionally good business stand with an effective and efficient set-up. One of the few stands to boast a tripledecker layout, Dubai Tourism attracted huge numbers of visitors throughout the event.” When it came to ‘Best Stand Design’, the judging criteria focused on identifying an eye-catching stand with a creative design that made the best use of available space and attracted a high level of visitor traffic. Lebanon’s stand ticked all the boxes. Jacks said, “I was very impressed, the stand really stood out and presented a welcoming and homely feature. The stand featured a huge front door, with a staircase which led to a well-laid-out meeting space. It was a subtle, yet intelligent, way to showcase the country.” Nada Sardouk, director general of the Ministry of Tourism (MOT) in Lebanon said that despite its modest financial and economic conditions, the MOT was able to obtain this award, thanks to the guidance of Avedis Guidanian, minister of tourism. She added, “The Lebanese private sector, through the ICE International Events team that designed this stand, was able to offer a lot of creativity, despite the small size of the pavilion compared to other participating stands.” The Czech Republic was recognized as Highly Commended in the ‘Best Stand Design’ category. The award for ‘Best Stand Personnel’ went to Saudi Arabia. “The staff for SAUDIA were excellent,” said Fewtrell. The ‘Best Stand Feature’ accolade was awarded to Turkey.