The ABIA (ANZ Beauty Industry Awards) were launched in 2011 to provide the Australian and NZ Beauty and Make Up Industry a much needed and often requested benchmark of excellence in business and creative ability on a state by state basis. With categories including the ABIA AUS/NZ Salon/Spa/Clinic Business of the Year large and small and the Aus/NZ Make Up Artist of the Year, these awards culminate in an annual gala event in August following the Sydney Beauty Expo. The awards were launched due to industry demand and are judged by an independent panel of judges, media, PR and business specialists.