Exhibition stands have been singled out as bigger, brighter and more interactive than ever before according to a panel of industry experts unveiling the Best Stand Awards at World Travel Market, the premier global event for the travel industry.

The judges for the WTM Best Stand Awards were : Bill Richards, Senior Partner at Tram Research; Paddy Power, Group Sales & Marketing Director, Early Action Group, Jim Curry, Marketing Communications Manager for the Association of Event Organisers and Bianca Williams, Professional Development Co-ordinator at ABTA.

The panel praised exhibitors for the innovative approach taken to stand design and use of space stating that the job of picking the winners had been tougher than ever before because of the high standard from participating companies and organisations.

Despite the stiff competition judges managed to agree on six overall winners under the following categories:
Most Innovative Stand Within the Technology & Online Travel Region – evolution, TT140. Judges described the stand as a good mix of demonstration areas and meeting space and praised it for its effective use of space. The panel also said the stand was eye-catching with strong, colourful branding and employing a good range of devices including plasma and LCD flat-screens as well as laptops.

Best Stand for Interacting with travel agents  - Maldives Tourism Promotion Board, AS340. The stand was praised for its layout including areas to drop by and pick up brochures as well as an upstairs breakout area for more serious meetings. The knowledgeable and helpful team was also singled out and overall the stand was described as ‘approachable and easy to interact with’.

Best Stand Personnel – Sixt Rent A Car, GV355. The Sixt team was recognised for its friendliness, interacting with visitors as they walked up the aisles. The brightly-coloured dress was also highlighted for creating cohesion between the brand and the team without putting them in more formal uniform.

Best Stand Feature - Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority’s Saadiyat Island, ME100. Judges were impressed with the 3D model of the project combined with an interactive touchscreen device providing images and additional information on each individual element. The panel also praised the staff on-hand to guide visitors through the technology.

Best Stand for Doing Business – Turismo de Portugal, EM900. The destination’s use of individual pods was highlighted for being well-designed, with high quality imagery and easy to navigate in terms of getting down and doing business. The design also allowed for privacy while remaining accessible.

Best Stand Design – Switzerland Tourism, EM600. Switzerland was praised for effectively combining good individual booth design, presentation of brochures and the recognisable elements representing Switzerland, all framed against a contemporary backdrop. Judges particularly drew attention to the attractiveness of the giant snowglobe.
World Travel Market Chairman Fiona Jeffery said: “We’re delighted to see such high quality exhibition stands this year. Travel companies and tourism organisations have once again raised their game to create bright, attractive and more importantly, interactive, environments to draw people in and conduct some serious business.”