Standing out at ATM

Judged by an independent panel of industry experts, the ATM Best Stand Awards recognise creative design, people skills and the business-friendly appeal of the exhibition stands. With over 2,000 exhibitors pulling out all the stops to showcase their creative and business flair during the event’s 30th edition, it was no easy task for the judges to decide who would take top honours.

The categories this year included Best Stand Design over 150 square metres, Best Stand Design under 150 square metres, Best Stand for Doing Business, Best Stand Feature, Best Stand at ATM Travel Tech and a brand-new category – Most Sustainable Stand.

The new category was introduced to encourage exhibitors to think green, in line with ATM’s pledge to work towards net zero. Entries were based on their supplier choice, material usage, operational efficiency and what happens to the stand once the show concludes.

And the winners are...

MOST SUSTAINABLE STAND

Hilton was presented with the inaugural Sustainable Stand Award. The hospitality brand was praised by the panel of judges for its decision to engage a local supplier in the creation of its stand as well as its commitment to repurposing as many materials as possible over the coming three years.

To support its ecologically responsible approach to its stand design, Hilton is measuring its environmental footprint with a carbon calculator and has taken steps to mitigate the impact of its catering activities throughout the show, in line with the company’s long-term sustainability goals.

The judges commended a number of other exhibitors for their sustainable efforts, including The Royal Commission of AlUla for paying close attention to the sustainable materials used in its stand’s design, and Switzerland Tourism for its sustainability wall and the reusable modular system that it adopted.

BEST STAND DESIGN (over 150m2)

Saudia was selected by the judges for the second year running. The kingdom’s flag carrier received praise for its impactful use of digital screens and reflective flooring, which the panel said created a genuine ‘wow factor’.

BEST STAND DESIGN (under 150m2)

Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc., whose showcase was inspired by the home of global superstar, Rihanna, took home the honour. The ATM judges commented on the design’s success in representing the feel of Barbados, as well as the innovative integration of digital screens. Cinnamon Hotels and Resorts was highly commended by the panel in this category for its layout and use of recycled materials.

BEST STAND FOR DOING BUSINESS

Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) won in this category, thanks to its impressive threestorey exhibition space. The stand’s comfortable seating, spacious layout and high-quality hospitality combined to create an inviting environment for visitors, according to the panel. Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority was highly commended in this category for its use of space and its success in reflecting the emirate with an eye-catching powerboat centrepiece.

BEST STAND AT ATM TRAVEL TECH

The award was won by WebBeds, thanks to its welcoming, functional and eye-catching design, as well as its spacious upstairs meeting area. The judges also commended RateGain’s stand, whose use of wood distinguished it from many of its other Travel Tech counterparts.

BEST STAND FEATURE

Visit Maldives wowed the judges with its digital floor area. The striking display depicted a marine environment complete with whale sharks and manta rays, capturing the essence of the Indian Ocean destination effectively and memorably.