Bob O’Keeffe,  general manager of Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre (BCEC), has been given a coveted industry award in recognition of ‘excellence and service’ over two decades.

O’Keeffe was presented with the Trevor Riddell President’s Award by the Exhibition and Events Association of Australasia (EEAA) at an Award for Excellence dinner in Sydney. This discretionary prize has only been presented seven times since it was established at the turn of the millennium.

Presenting the award, EEAA president Matt Pearce said O’Keeffe was a deserving winner for his generous contribution to the industry and his strong advocacy of the sector.

“Bob has championed the use of research for our industry as a base for future development and his centred, strong and dignified style of leadership has been widely acclaimed,” he said.

O’Keeffe has been at the helm of BCEC since it opened in 1995. He has held a number of positions on national and local industry boards and committees including EEAA and the Business Events Council of Australia and is currently overseeing the $150m expansion of the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre, scheduled to open early next year.

He said: “I believe this industry has a great future and through innovation, vision and hard work, I have every confidence that we can take further strides and accomplish much more.”