Photos Now Available and Award Winners Announced – 2016 Industry Gala Dinner
On Wednesday 23rd November, the radio communications industry came together for the ARCIA Industry Gala Dinner – a night of celebration, networking, and recognition. The event has been described as ARCIA’s “best event yet” and it was officially ARCIA’s biggest event with over 520 guests.
The Gala Dinner was held at Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) best known for its farm to fork philosophy and house-made treats. Executive Chef, Peter Haycroft, took the time to share with the guests where their food came from.
Brian Nankeris known for his ABC hit, Rockwiz entertained the crowd all night. He even had guests up and dancing on the stage! In a man versus women game, guests had to guess the name of the song. They won extra points if they got up and danced to the tune. We had one lady dancing to Tina Turner’s Nutbush and a guy mimicking Mick Jagger! It was a close game but the men won by two points.
Guests had the opportunity to rest and recharge with massages, manicures, pedicures, hair, and makeup at PURAChica’s pamper stations. It was the perfect way to finish off a long successful day at Comms Connect.
The Industry Excellence Awards were presented on the night. This year the winners of these prestigious awards were:
- Professional Sales Award – Jane Perton of MCS Digital
- Customer Service Award – Steve Hunt of RF Industries
- Technical Excellence Award – Aldo Antolini of Motorola Solutions
- Peter Wallace Industry Professional of the Year – Tony Biddiscombe from Victoria
- Engineering Elegance Award – Scott Andrew of Simoco Australasia
- New Talent Award – Jason Shaw of Icom Australia
- Apprentice / Trainee Award – Harley Gibson of AA Radio Services
- Community Service Award – Mark Carter of Simoco Australasia
- Jonathan Livingston Award – Martin McLeod
The Jonathan Livingston Award recognises someone who has risen above the flock and who has taken the knowledge back to the community in order to help others to better themselves. This year it was awarded to Martin McLeod. “Martin is a worthy recipient of the Jonathan Livingston Award. He developed a passion for electronics and radio communications in the early 70s at the Westlakes Amateur Radio Club in NSW and today he runs Gencom – one of NSW’s largest radio communications companies. He has held the role of ARCIA Vice President for six years since 2009 and is driven by a genuine desire to contribute to the future development of Australia’s communications industry. He is very committed to local employment and is an active lobbyist for both local business as well as the radio communications industry in NSW.” said Chris Kelly.
Congratulations to all our award winners!
Congratulations are also due to all who were nominated for awards.
Next year will be 10 years since ARCIA’s inception and we are set to host a birthday celebration in conjunction with the Industry Gala Dinner. Stay tuned for details.
Photographs from the evening, by Ari Adar Photography, are available here.