The MEA award, in the category of ‘meeting venues – more than 500 delegates,’ was announced at a function held at the Centre and the winning submission outlined the venue’s financial success and significant economic return to the state.

The Variety International Corporate Award for 2008, presented in May at the Variety International Convention in Auckland, acknowledged the Centre’s role in hosting the annual Variety Kids Christmas Party which caters for 5,000 special needs children and approximately 2,000 carers and volunteers. The party is the Centre’s largest event, using five exhibition halls, which are donated by the Centre for two days, along with space for bus parking.

Commenting on the award, Centre Chief Executive Ton van Amerongen said the venue was honoured to receive recognition from such an outstanding community organisation.

“We have been hosting the Variety Kids Christmas Party for twelve years now and are very proud to be able to play a part in bringing happiness to very special children, and their carers and volunteers, every year,” he said.