Peter Jones AM is the new co-chair of the judging panel for Australia’s annual awards program recognising the full scope of the country’s events industry.
Jones, a much-awarded veteran of Melbourne’s events industry, steps up to the co-chair position after being lead judge for the corporate and business events categories of the awards for the last five years.
“The Event Awards are a true reflection of how our industry recognises the amazing work so many individuals and organisations are doing every day for their clients,” said Jones.
“They represent the best of the best.”
“Looking back over the past five years, one of the most striking things is how far we’ve come in what we’re able to create and deliver in such a short time.
“Even after many years in the industry, I’m still constantly learning from the new and innovative ways events are being created and delivered today.”
Jones founded Peter Jones Special Events – now PJSE Consulting – and is a trustee of the Victorian Convention and Event Trust, which oversees both Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre and the soon-to-open Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre.
He is also Emeritus Professor of Event Management at William Angliss Institute and was previously a director of the Victorian Tourism Industry Council, alongside chairing the Victorian Events Industry Council.
Jones joins Peter Rix AM, the Australian Event Awards’ other co-chair, who has been at the helm of the panel since 2019. Rix is the former chair of experiential agency George P Johnson Australia and is the founder of the ARIA Awards.
“I am delighted to welcome Peter Jones to the co-chair role at the Australian Event Awards,” said Rix.
“A Melbourne icon, connected, industrious and generous in his mentorship and encouragement of future generations of event professionals,” he said of Jones.
“Peter’s knowledge, compassion and industry leadership will provide a significant contribution to the continued success of these awards.
“I look forward to collaborating with him and continuing to recognise all that is creative, innovative and ground-breaking. A privilege to have him on board.”
Both Jones and Rix have been recognised as Members of the Order of Australia (AM), with their contributions to the events industry noted.
Both co-chairs have also received Lifetime Achievement Awards from the Australian Event Awards for their considerable contributions to the industry.
Brenda LaPorte was the previous co-chair of the judging panel alongside Rix, stepping down after the conclusion of the 2024 awards.
Entries for the 2026 Australian Event Awards will open next week on March 25.
