Organisers of IMEX, the worldwide exhibition for incentive travel, meetings and events, are sending out a call for nominations for the show's three increasingly popular industry awards.

The IMEX Industry Awards have gained in momentum and prestige since they was launched in 2003. Each category was specifically designed to reflect the current 'hot' issues and changing ambitions of the MICE industry across the world.

The scheme also underpins and reflects the values of the show's 'New Vision' programme. 'New Vision' is dedicated to enhancing personal and professional knowledge whilst also encouraging commitment to grassroots change and widespread co-operation at all levels within the industry.

The IMEX Wild Card Award not only puts new, undiscovered destinations in the spotlight, but also provides them with invaluable marketing support throughout the whole year. Last year judges were thrilled to be able to nominate a winner from each of the four continents.

Previous winners have already seen their reputations and profiles jump dramatically as a result of their free exhibition place at MEX. To qualify, destinations must never before have exhibited at a major meetings or incentive travel event.

The award is open to any destination including towns, cities and entire regions and the judging panel comprises industry representatives from several different market sectors and different countries. The closing deadline for entries is December 1st this year.

The Programmes of Purpose Award, sponsored by Louise Hall Reider (USA), is open to any company running a corporate social responsibility programme or who runs an element of social responsibility within a meetings or incentive travel programme. Applicants must demonstrate achievements under three categories: suitability, creativity and sustainability.

Criteria for the POP award also include 'The Power of One' a chance to express how one small idea, one person or one community made a difference to the overall success of the programme. Deadline for final entry is January 31st 2005.

The award that often attracts the greatest entries is the IMEX Environmentally Responsible Meetings Award. Says IMEX Marketing and Operations Director, Carina Bloom, "The standard and number of entries has become higher and higher over the last two years, which is enormously satisfying because it shows that the industry is really waking up to sustainability and green issues."

Co-sponsored by the International Hotels Environmental Initiative and the Green Meetings Industry Council, this award recognises environmental excellence and innovation within the meetings industry. It is open to any meeting supplier or planner who has used a specific meeting to deliver measurable and positive environmental impacts, either through the design, planning, implementation or evaluation. Measures such as the re-use of materials, changes in purchasing procedures, improved air and water quality, energy efficiency and waste minimisation have all impressed judges in the past.