Frequently Asked Questions

What are the Management Excellence Awards?
The Management Excellence Awards (often referred to as M.E.A’s) are considered Australia’s most prestigious awards for the individual manager.

The Australian Institute of Management Qld & NT runs the Awards as part of their commitment to growing better managers and leaders for a better society – they see the recognition of excellence as an important part of this higher level purpose.

The Awards campaign spans over a nine month window every year.

How do the Awards work?
The Awards originate in each major city in Queensland, from Cairns down the Gold Coast, and into Toowoomba. Finalists are judged by a panel of business leaders in each region, and the winners are announced at a ceremony hosted by AIM.

These winners are flown from across the state to compete for the title of Manager of the Year across four categories. The Awards culminate in a spectacular Gala Dinner where the State winners are announced.

What are the different Awards categories?

• Professional Manager of the Year - for senior managers, executives and leaders of businesses across all industries.
  
• Owner Manager of the Year - for individual business owners who manage and lead a business in any industry sector.
  
• Rural/Remote Manager of the Year - for managers who live and work 75 kilometres or more outside of their nearest AIM network or provincial city.
  
• Young Manager of the Year – for up and coming managers aged 18 to 30 who have demonstrated the ability to manage complex tasks, people and processes.
  
• Not for Profit Manager of the Year (Brisbane region only) – for senior managers, executives and leaders in the Not for Profit sector.
  

How long have the Awards been running?
These prestigious Awards have been run in Queensland and the Northern Territory for nearly 20 years to acknowledge and celebrate the achievements of managers and leaders.

Can I nominate a business in the Awards?
No. These Awards are designed to recognise the contributions and achievements of individuals, as opposed to organisations or community groups.

Do I work in the right industry to qualify?
The MEAs are cross sectoral and connect with practising managers from all industries, in all corners of Queensland.

Any manager who is a current Australian citizen living and working in Queensland or the Northern Territory is eligible to be nominated in the Awards. Nominees must also meet the category criteria to be considered for application in the program. View the Awards category criteria here.

Staff or representatives of the Australian Institute of Management are not eligible to enter the Awards.

How are managers nominated in the Awards?
Each year AIM puts out a call for nominations, which is open to the public. Outstanding managers are generally nominated by their peers, employees or business associates, but are also welcome to nominate themselves. (To nominate yourself, or to nominate another, complete a nomination form or nominate online. )

What happens after I’m nominated?
Should you choose to take part, you will proceed to the Application stage. You will be required to submit a succinct written report telling us a little about yourself, what you do and your managerial milestones.

How long does it take to complete an application?
The online application should take no more than 3 - 4 hours to complete, unless you already have a current resume in which case it should be less. Should you require assistance, the dedicated Awards Coach is available to answer any questions you may have.

Can I nominate/be nominated in the Awards more than once?
From time to time an individual manager may be nominated in the Awards program on more than one occasion and in different years. If the nominee has previously applied in the Awards and been shortlisted they are not eligible to re-enter the Awards for a period of no less than three years since their original entry. This allows us to seek out fresh, up and coming managers at all levels.

Why should I take part in the MEAs?
The Awards give individuals the opportunity to be recognised in the business community as leaders who stand out from the crowd. Past participants always tell us of the self discovery and personal growth they enjoyed through the Awards process, no matter how senior or new to management they are. By taking part in the awards, you will meet some great people and increase your business profile.

Are there any costs involved?
No! Unlike other award programs there are no costs associated with participation in the Management Excellence Awards, thanks to the generous support of our Award Sponsors. If you are a regional winner, AIM will arrange and pay for travel and accommodation for you and your guest, as our special guests, to attend the Queensland Management Excellence State Final in Brisbane.

Are there prizes?
Yes. Winners in regional cities receive flights, one night’s accommodation and tickets to the State Final & Gala Dinner Extravaganza. Entertainment, fine food, Queensland’s who’s who of business and the contenders for Professional, Young, Owner and Rural/Remote Manager of the Year – the State Final & Gala Dinner Extravaganza has it all.

Do you need to be a member of the Australian Institute of Management in order to be part of the Awards?
No. Membership is not a pre-selection criteria...only management excellence is.

Many participants choose to become members of their own accord after going through the career enriching Awards process.

If you have any other questions regarding the Management Excellence Awards that are not listed above, please email the State Coordinator or call 0438 131 649.