Extra tables and chairs had to be supplied as the turn-out for the inaugural Asians in the Bay Awards exceeded expectations at the Hawke's Bay Opera House in Hastings on Saturday.
The venue's Shakespeare Room managed to host the 90 guests who came to support the finalists, prompting organiser Leigh Burling and her committee to think about possible improvements to next year's event.
"I am writing some suggestions now and talking with people involved in the event to see if we can make the awards an annual event."
There were about 30 nominations across three categories which included the professional, entrepreneur and community sections.
"We'll look at the number of nominations we got this year, the criteria for judges and the selection process for finalists."