The Outdoor Media Association (OMA) said a record 96 nominations were received for this year's Industry Awards, which take place on 2 May at the Pearl Ballroom, Crown Sydney.

The event recognises the achievements of industry professionals in Out of Home (OOH) advertising. This year sees two new award categories introduced: 'Excellence in Design and Construction' and 'Excellence in Field Work and Work Health and Safety'.

The awards received a record 96 nominations, which OMA said indicated its expanding membership base, which represents nearly 100 per cent of OOH companies in Australia. The judging panel included Independent Chairman Charles Parry-Okeden, Steve O’Connor from JCDecaux, Adam Cadwallader from Motio, Laura Hall from Helio, Sara Lappage from QMS, and Dee Madigan from Campaign Edge.

The OMA Industry Awards categories include 'Emerging Leader', 'Excellence in Innovation', 'Outstanding Service', 'Rising Star', 'Excellence in Design and Construction', and 'Excellence in Field Work and Work Health and Safety'.

"The OMA Conference and OMA Industry Awards offer an outstanding opportunity to highlight the collaborative endeavours of the OMA and its members. Since stepping into my role, I am continually impressed by the industry's cohesion and dedication to propelling the OOH channel forward as a unified entity," OMA CEO, Elizabeth McIntyre, said.

"The OMA Industry Awards not only acknowledge diligence and originality but also mirror the ingenuity and liveliness of this ever-evolving sector. Congratulations to all the finalists, and I eagerly look forward to witnessing the ongoing progression of Out of Home under their guidance."

The finalists lists are:

Emerging Leader 1. Adrian Venditti, QMS 2. Alex Hobbs, oOh!media 3. Matt Carroll, oOh!media

Excellence in Innovation 1. Brett Delaney, Big Screen Video 2. Lauren Mullane, Scentre Group BrandSpace 3. Brad Palmer, JCDecaux 4. Arafat Hossain, QMS

Outstanding Service – NSW 1. Yvette Elizondo, oOh!media 2. David Pullinger, QMS 3. Nick Errey, QMS

QLD 1. Caleb Harriott, GoTransit Media Group 2. Melissa Maggs, goa billboards 3. David Lovatt, oOh!media

SA 1. Maddy Shopov, oOh!media

VIC 1. Tennille Burt, QMS 2. Danielle Cameron, VMO 3. Andrew Hines, JCDecaux

WA 1. Megan Camp, VMO

Rising Star - NSW 1. Amanda Cooper, VMO 2. Andrew O’Malley-Jones, Scentre Group BrandSpace 3. Jade Sargeant, JCDecaux

QLD 1. Harriet Marshall, Scentre Group BrandSpace 2. Jimmy Biddulph, QMS 3. Annika Schultz, oOh!media

SA 1. Maddison Caputo, oOh!media 2. Rachel Girdler, oOh!media

VIC 1. Tayla Harrison, VMO 2. Eliza Meyer, QMS 3. Addie Reardon, oOh!media

WA 1. Caitlin Montgomery, oOh!media

Excellence in Design and Construction 1. Sydney Trains, JCDecaux 2. Lion XXXX Gold, JCDecaux 3. City of Sydney Project Delivery Team, QMS

Excellence in Field Work and Work Health and Safety 1. Corrina Murtagh, JCDecaux 2. Kylie Maughan, TorchMedia Pty Ltd 3. Tim Sheringham, Hanlon Industries