Yesterday evening during the Steel Dinner, the Made in Steel Awards ceremony took place. The Awards honoured exhibitors who stand out for the originality and commitment demonstrated in the design of their stands. The installations were evaluated by a jury composed of Giorgio Guidi, Artistic Director of Made in Steel; Marco Citterio, former Managing Director of Brixia Expo – Fiera di Brescia; and Federica Barletta, Director of the Ncontemporary art gallery.
Also for 2025, the competition categories were three: Best Communication Stand: for the stand that communicates its message clearly and effectively; Most Friendly Stand: for the most welcoming and inviting stand; Honourable Mention for Sustainability: the only category based on self-nomination, this award is dedicated to exhibitors who have made sustainability a central element of their stand design.
The awards for this edition, sponsored by BLM Group, are designed by artist Ruth Beraha and are inspired by the ouroboros, the ancient symbol of a snake swallowing its tail. An emblem of transformation and rebirth, the ouroboros represents the continuous cycle of matter—a concept perfectly embodied by steel, which is 100% recyclable.
The 2025 edition's winners:
Honorable Mention for Sustainability - winner GMH Gruppe.
The German group successfully combined modular construction technologies in its exhibition space—technologies that are reusable and easily adaptable to a variety of event formats. This approach significantly reduces waste and shortens setup times. In its application, GMH Gruppe submitted multiple certifications for the stand’s structural components, including ISO 38200:2018 and ISO 14025, and highlighted its commitment to the EDG principles of the UN 2030 Agenda in managing the events it attends.
Best Communication Stand - winner Marcegaglia.
The stand of the Mantua-based group impressed with its strong visual impact, achieved through a striking contrast between brightly coloured pop graphics in the upper section and a highly illuminated lower section—the first area that catches the visitor’s eye. This bold design made the stand instantly recognisable and visually distinctive. The project was led by architect Simone Micheli.
Most Friendly Stand - winner Trafilix Industries.
The stand stood out for its originality and creative appeal, thanks to its use of contemporary street art that fused art and industry. Trafilix collaborated with the True Quality cultural association, which promotes urban creativity, and involved six artists in painting themed panels showcased at the stand. The design successfully pushed creative boundaries, offering visitors a unique and engaging experience.
In addition to the three main awards, the jury also presented a Special Mention to Acciaierie Venete. The group impressed with the architectural composition of its stand, marked by a sophisticated interplay of materials—such as concrete and wood—and volumes, balancing empty and full spaces with great finesse. The result was a stand that exuded elegance and harmony, reflecting deep architectural knowledge and design expertise, which the jury commended.
