Awards of Excellence

17th May 2024 – Plaza Ballroom Melbourne

The DIAA Awards of Excellence Gala Dinner is the night the DIAA rolls out the red carpet to celebrate the best in Australian dairy products, with 40 awards bestowed from over 1100 entries.

Join us at the dairy awards event of the year and immerse yourself among the movers and shakers of the dairy manufacturing industry. 2023 saw almost 400 guests enjoy our best event to date.

About The Event

The 2024 event has undergone a refresh, signalled by our new event logo, together with a number of other changes aimed at not only improving the evening itself but also creating additional value for award recipients and event sponsors once the event has concluded.

Attending the Event

Tickets are available to book individually or in tables of ten and go on sale in early February each year. The event is all-inclusive with drinks and canapés on arrival and includes a lavish 3-course meal ending with barista coffee and petit fours, all supported by a fully inclusive premium drinks package.

2024 sees some important changes as we introduce the products of our shortlisted winners into the menu, offering a true insight into all things great in Australian dairy.

New For 2024

New- Each trophy will have a shortlist of three, with the winner announced on the night.

New – The night will incorporate awards beyond product tastings and include company awards, including best Marketing Campaign and Dairy Sustainability and Environmental Leadership Award (further categories and process for submissions to be announced shortly)

New – Photographic area with improved backdrops

New – Menus including incorporation of nominees’ products in the food offering

New – PR Company to drive media coverage in digital, print, TV and radio

New – Artwork for trophies winners to use in addition to their medal artwork

New – Media and VIP Invites to drive awareness

New – Significant investment in post-event media spend promoting winners

New Winners Artwork

New Photography Area

About The Venue

The jewel in the crown, the Plaza Ballroom boasts a unique yet classic style and provides a stunning backdrop for our event.

The sense of occasion you feel as you enter the venue is unlike any other in Melbourne. Descend the grand staircase into the foyer, simulating a Spanish piazza where pre-dinner drinks are served. On entering the Plaza Ballroom, marvel at the intricate architecture, stunning original chandeliers, emblazoned high ceiling, decorative stage and versatile open floor plan.

Its location at the Regent Theatre on Collins Street is in the heart of the Melbourne CBD and makes it a very convenient choice for our guests. The Plaza Ballroom is one of Melbourne’s most spectacular venues, with a large open floor plan to cater for our guests to mingle and meet friends old and new.

We look forward to catching up with all our wonderful producers and sponsors in 2024.

The evening also celebrates the winners of the DIAA medals for service to the DIAA and the dairy industry, as well as the presentation of other DIAA meritorious awards

For more information about the Awards of Excellence, contact Katherine Ella.