BACKGROUND
The 2004 Australian Export Awards [AEA] recognise Australian businesses for excellence and achievement in exporting. The program rewards and profiles the “best of the best” enterprises in exporting around the nation.

From manufacturing to mining, agribusiness to the arts, tourism and education, businesses across all industries, regardless of size or location are being acknowledged.

Now in its 41st year, the AEA have earned the reputation throughout the Australian business community as one of the most prestigious and significant industry awards on the business calendar.

The national award program is supported by many of Australia’s leading corporations, export facilitators and industry groups. The program remains a high priority and top focus of the Federal Government.

PROGRAM OBJECTIVES
• Identify and reward Australia’s most successful and innovative exporters.
• Promote top exporters as corporate role models in order to stimulate greater involvement in exporting amongst Australian businesses.
• Promote Australia’s leading exporters to the same status and public recognition as sporting and entertainment heroes.
• Further develop community awareness of the importance of exporting to Australia’s economic future.

PRESENTERS
The Australian Trade Commission (Austrade) and the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) partner the presentation of this national program, which is historically one of the longest running business awards programs in Australia.

EVENT DIRECTION
The Charlton Group have been appointed for the seventh year to stage the 41st Australian Export Awards on behalf of Austrade and ACCI.

NATIONAL & STATE INVOLVEMEMENT
The Australian Export Awards is comprised of a series of eight State and Territory Export Awards recognising excellence and innovation in exporting in a range of industry sectors. The relevant state government department or industry body manages each State/ Territory Export Awards independently. Winners from each State are announced in October and automatically progress as national finalists to the Australian Export Awards. The annual Award program culminates in December with the highlight of the awards year – the Gala Awards Ceremony.

CATEGORIES FOR THE 2004 AUSTRALIAN EXPORT AWARDS
P&O Nedlloyd AGRIBUSINESS AWARD: For outstanding export achievement in the field of agricultural products, services or technology, including processed foods and beverages, and the forestry, fisheries and fibres industries.

Austrade ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT AWARD: For outstanding export achievement in the field of fine arts, performing arts, electronic and on-line entertainment, sports and recreation.

EDUCATION AWARD: For outstanding export achievement in the field of education services, facilities, expertise and curriculum.

AusIndustry EMERGING EXPORTER AWARD: For outstanding export achievement by an enterprise in any industry sector which has been exporting goods or services for three years or less.

INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATIONS TECHNOLOGY AWARD: For outstanding export achievement in the field of information and communications products, technology or services.

Australian Made LARGE ADVANCED MANUFACTURER AWARD: For outstanding export achievement by a manufacturer with total annual sales of more than $20 million.

Minerals Council of Australia MINERALS AND ENERGY AWARD: For outstanding export achievement in the production or primary processing of extractive and value-added minerals or energy products.

Export Finance and Insurance Corporation SERVICES AWARD: For outstanding export achievement in a recognised services industry, such as the consultancy, finance, insurance, legal, health, community, and in-bound tourism sectors.

Commonwealth Bank SMALL TO MEDIUM MANUFACTURER AWARD: For outstanding export achievement by a manufacturer with total annual sales not exceeding $20 million.

Australia Post REGIONAL EXPORTER OF THE YEAR AWARD: For outstanding export achievement by a business whose head office is based in a non-metropolitan location.

ACCOR Tourism AWARD: For outstanding export achievement in the inbound tourism sector, including accommodation, tour companies, attractions, airlines, cruise lines, and other transport operations.

DHL AUSTRALIAN EXPORTER OF THE YEAR AWARD: The overall Exporter of the Year will be selected from the winners of the categories shown above.

2004 AUSTRALIAN EXPORT AWARDS – SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

Thursday 6 May
NATIONAL LAUNCH BREAKFAST - MELBOURNE
VENUE – Hotel Sofitel
Guest of Honour: The Hon. Mark Vaile MP, Minister for Trade
-COMPLETED-

Thursday 10 June
TOP EXPORTER EVENT - Luncheon - PERTH
Venue: Novotel Langley Perth
Address: 21 Adelaide Terrace, Perth
Topic: “Winning Ways – Successful Exporting”
Format: Panel discussion
Speakers: STEVE BIRKBECK Managing Director, Mt Romance Australia Pty Ltd; NATHAN BUZZA Chief Executive Officer, Commtech Wireless; ROD MACDUFF Technical Director, Q-Mac Electronics Pty Ltd; PETER O’BYRNE Managing Director, Austrade; PHILIP NIXON CCIWA Board Member and Chair, CCIWA International Trade Committee.General Manager, United Farmers;
Keynote Address: Dr Fiona Wood Burns Specialist
Special Guest: The Hon. De-Anne Kelly, MP Parliamentary Secretary, Office of the Minister for Trade.
-COMPLETED-

Friday 25 June
TOP EXPORTER EVENT - Breakfast - DARWIN
Venue: MGM Grand, Darwin
Address: Gilruth Avenue, Mindil Beach, Darwin
Topic: "Winning Ways - Successful Exporting"
Format: Panel discussion
Panel Discussion Outline: • What makes an exporting company successful? • Product positioning – a vital factor in penetrating new overseas markets • Innovative export marketing techniques • Key advice for potential or growing exporters • Questions and Answers.
Panellists: MR JAMES TAYLOR - Managing Director, Aerosail Shade Structures Pty Ltd • MR GRANT BRINKLOW - Managing Director, Heytsbury Beef • MR DAVID TWINE – Regional Director, South Asia, SE Asia and the Pacific, Austrade • MR BRUCE FADELLI - the President of the Chamber of Commerce NT.
-COMPLETED-

Thursday 22 July
REGIONAL EVENT - Luncheon – WAGGA WAGGA
Venue: Country Comfort Wagga Wagga
Address: Morgan Street, Wagga Wagga
Topic: "Winning Ways - Successful Exporting"
Format: Panel discussion
Panel Discussion: Moderated by Geoff Bamberry, Associate Professor of Public Administration in the School of management at CSU, has completed a doctoral thesis on regional development and who has recently presented a seminar paper at Queensland University of Technology on Internationalisation and Regional Development.
Panel Discussion Outline: • What makes an exporting company successful? • Product positioning – a vital factor in penetrating new overseas markets • Innovative export marketing techniques • Key advice for potential or growing exporters • Questions and Answers.
Panellists: • Mr Daryl Day, Managing Director, Precision Parts • Ms Cheryl Preston, Chief Executive Office, Oberon Air • Mr Leith Doody, Victorian State Manager, Austrade
Welcome Address: Mrs Kay Hull, MP, Member for Riverina
Special Guest: The Hon. De-Anne Kelly, MP Parliamentary Secretary, Office of the Minister for Trade
Time: 12 noon for 12.30 – 2.30pm
Cost: $55.00 per person inc. gst or $500.00 for a table of ten
More information: Please contact Anne-Marie Flynn
Phone: 02 9981 2208
Fax: 02 9401 6717
Email: amflynn@charlton.com.au



or click here to download the registration form in PDF format (350k)

Thursday 4 Nov
NATIONAL FINALISTS’S BREAKFAST - CANBERRA
VENUE - Parliament House Canberra
Guest of Honour: The Hon. Mark Vaile MP, Minister for Trade

Thursday 9 Dec
GALA DINNER AND AWARDS PRESENTATION - GOLD COAST
VENUE - Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre, Gold Coast, QLD
Guest of Honour: The Hon. Mark Vaile MP, Minister for Trade