AIME expanding focus on Business travel

The Asia-Pacific Incentives and Meetings Expo (AIME) was officially opened on February 25, 2013 at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) in Australia.

More than 500 buyers from 30 countries were present during the event where they participated in a city showcase, business sessions with Australian industry and networking dinner events. Three days of educational visits gave buyers and media an opportunity to experience the business events facilities, capabilities and attractions on offer in regional Victoria.

Speaking at the inaugural press conference, Reed Travel Exhibition’s Director for AIME, Sally de Swart said that AIME is a fitting place to debate the challenges and opportunities faced by the industry. Karen Bollinger, Chief Executive Officer of the Melbourne Convention Bureau (MCB) emphasised The AIME program incorporated business travel and featured exhibitors from this part of the industry as wells as a dedicated business travel seminar, developed in partnership with the Association of Corporate Travel Executives (ACTE). AIME 2013 introduced new mobile app to access vital information about the show instantly and easily. It also provided access to social media conversations across Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn, offering additional networking opportunities online. that AIME is a key to the growth of the business events industry in Australia.

During the event, seven exciting new initiatives were announced which were developed in response to attendee feedback and industry trends, intended to help visitors get maximum value out of time spent at the annual event. They were: the Future Events Experience, a dedicated technology space on the show floor; a new mobile app; a mobile concierge; an expanded education program - AIME Knowledge; a dedicated area for niche event suppliers from the A-LIST Guide to exhibit; Visitors Appointment Diaries; and a careers stand created with in Place Recruitment.