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4:01 AM Sun 12 Apr 2009 GMT
 | | 'Exporters who enter can add the AIMEX Awards to their marketing arsenal.'
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AIMEX, the peak organisation for Australian marine exporters, plans to host Awards to recognise the best and most innovative among its members, promoting the concept and the victors around the globe. CEO, Mary-Anne Edwards, outlines the purpose and promotional opportunities for entrants.
* Will the AIMEX Awards replace AMIF at least for some in the industry?
Not at all. We are simply running the Export category of the industry awards. Given we are the peak body for the marine Export Industry this makes sense. We like AMIF are awaiting the outcome of the awards review and should AMIF continue to run the Awards we would simply then present the export award within this event. We support an industry awards program as opposed to each organisation running a separate awards night.
We are presenting the Export Awards at our function during the Sydney Boat Show, however if there was an AMIF or other agreed industry run event night we would support this.
* Will you be promoting them overseas?
Yes, that of course is our key focus to ensure the Australian Marine Export Industry gets the profile it deserves globally. Our aim is to ensure the winners get increased recognition and branding internationally.
* Is there a marketing program planned? Where? What media?
Given we had a short time frame to pull this together we went out to the key business magazines that promote the industry. As a result the awards will be profiled significantly in Marine Business, Boating Business, Ultimate Boating & Lifestyle magazine and here in Victoria, Shipmate have offered to provide excellent profiling for the awards. Obviously we have a program of press releases that will go to all our national and international contacts an IBI magazine have agreed to provide coverage also. Austrade, AMIF and DIISR are also supporting these awards.
* What is the entry fee?
There is no entry fee. In the current climate and with the many issues on people's mind we really want to make the process as cost effective and simple as we can. To expect people to complete lengthy application forms, supply video footage etc means you reduce the number of companies that can enter as most do not have the extra staff or time to do this. We wish to encourage everyone to apply who feels their efforts internationally deserve recognition. I travel to international boat shows with some amazing Australian companies who have extremely innovative products with huge export potential - not all have the marketing personnel to complete applications for them.
* How can entrants use their participation in these Awards at a trade and consumer level?
Obviously winning or being a finalist in any credible awards program is a fantastic marketing tool companies can use to profile their business. It is another USP that they can include to make their products/services stand out from the competition. This is relevant both in the domestic market as well as globally. It is also a well known fact that companies who go through the process of completing applications such as this and have to really think about the business and generally have roundtables with staff etc find this alone is a valuable experience and a learning exercise. Often we are too busy working in the business not on the business and entering something like this makes us reflect on where we are at, what we are doing and how effective our strategies are.
Applications will be judged by a panel comprising of representatives from Austrade, Australian Marine Industries Federation (AMIF) and two senior marine industry identities. The awards presentation will take place at the AIMEX cocktail function on Thursday 30 July in Sydney, to coincide with the Sydney International Boat Show.
Applications will be mailed to Australian marine export companies the week beginning Monday 6 April and can also be downloaded from the AIMEX website www.aimex.asn.au
For information contact Mary Anne Edwards at medwards@aimex.asn.au
by Jeni Bone
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