The results of this year’s 2023 ESSA Awards were announced last night, celebrating more of the sector’s finest talent than ever before.

This year marks the sixth edition of ESSA’s coveted awards, the biggest and best to date with an outstanding 14 categories – almost double that of 2022 – and the most submissions ever received in recognition of the broad spectrum of excellence across multiple disciplines, the sum of each making the events industry the success it is today.

Introduced to honour outstanding achievements by companies, individuals and organisations in the sector, these awards have become an industry reference as they shine a light on those who consistently go above and beyond, not only in terms of their devotion to the industry, but also with regards to setting new standards through innovation, exceptional work and best-in-class service.

Congratulations to Managing Director of Beechwood Event Flooring, Martin Cairns, who scooped this year’s ESSA Outstanding Contribution to the Industry Award. With a career spanning more than three decades, Martin was described by ESSA Director Andrew Harrison as, “a driving force at the forefront of the supply and services chain who has left an indelible mark on our sector having worked tirelessly to shape an industry that genuinely benefits everyone who works in it. In an industry that has undergone significant transformations, he is always ready to lead the charge when we embark on new endeavours and has been one of the most supportive individuals I've had the pleasure of working with.”

ESSA Awards 2023 winners list in full:

ESSA Outstanding Contribution to the Industry Award, Sponsored by BeMatrix UK

Martin Cairns - Managing Director, Beechwood Event Flooring

ESSA Young Person Award, Sponsored by Insite Graphics

Winner: Holly Pritchard - Solutions2 UK Ltd

Silver: Callum O'Neill - ONCO SES Ltd

ESSA Member Company Award, Sponsored by Beechwood Event Flooring

Winner: beMatrix

Silver: Expocast

ESSA Unsung Hero, Sponsored by InEvexco

Winner: Craig Cattell - Silent Noize Events Ltd

Silver: Ellie Benjamin - Immersive AV

Best Organiser, Sponsored by Immersive AV

Winner: Diversified Media

Best Venue, Sponsored by GES

Winner: ExCeL London

Sustainability, Sponsored by Abraxys Sustainable

Winner: Icon Exhibitions & Displays Ltd

Silver: Bray Leino Events

Print, Sponsored by AEO & AEV

Winner: Priority Graphics

AV & Production, Sponsored by Press Red Rentals

Winner: PSP Exhibitions  

Logistics, Sponsored by Green Circle Solutions

Winner: DSV Fairs & Events

Silver: Exhibit 3Sixty

Full-Service Contractor, Sponsored by Production Concepts

Winner: Exhibit 3Sixty

Best Stand Build under 10 sqm, Sponsored by Manchester Central

Winner: ESM - Greensea

Best Stand Build under 30 sqm, Sponsored by PSP Exhibitions

Winner: Rocket Exhibition Services – CenterParcs

Best Stand Build over 30 sqm, Sponsored by Happy Projects

Winner: Evolve Creative Solutions - Novomatic

Silver: Solutions2 UK Ltd - Grand Designs Live

ESSA director Andrew Harrison said: “After exceptionally challenging times in recent years, this event holds even more value. These awards seek to serve as a tribute to all those professionals and businesses that gave everything to make the recovery of the industry a reality. By they didn’t stop there. Every single nominee is a fine example of their commitment to our thriving industry and through continuous innovation and constantly evolving and flexible solutions, they have made it a better one for all of us in the process. Heartfelt congratulations to you all.

“With a record number of individuals and companies who submitted nominations, this year’s winners should be particularly proud of their outstanding achievement.”

The winners received their honours at the annual ESSA Dinner & Awards hosted at the Warwick Conferences, University of Warwick, Coventry on Thursday 30 November 2023 in conjunction with headline sponsors beMatrix and Abraxys Global