The Asia-Pacific Incentives & Meetings Expo (AIME) is introducing a new community strategy designed to give attendees access to key business development tools 365 days a year, cementing its role as the leading business events industry exhibition in the southern hemisphere.
The new strategy seeks to create an interactive online and offline community, where those in the industry can stay connected and inspired all year round as well as access the latest, most relevant information regarding the MICE industry in the lead up to the annual and much anticipated exhibition in Melbourne.
AIME, which is now in its 23rd year, will take place at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) on 24 and 25 February in 2015. Growing year on year, the annual trade show is expected to host over 700 Exhibitors from more than 50 countries.
According to Jacqui Timmins, Exhibition Director at AIME and CIBTM, the new strategy is reflective of demand and need for constant innovation and access to information in the meetings and incentives industry. “In a rapidly evolving business environment such as the MICE industry with growing pressures and demands, the need for constant support in terms of education, additional networking opportunities and business continues to grow. Our ever growing community of professionals want access to our knowledge, advice and our tools 365 days a year – not just during an exhibition,” she said.
The new initiatives in development will provide the AIME Community of meetings and events professionals with access to up to date, relevant information both within Australia and across the world before during and after the event. There include pop-up networking and education events and regular focus groups throughout the year. New onsite experiences include a central community hub area and a wide range of business development coaching workshops.
While increasing the opportunities available with AIME beyond the event is important, the exhibition itself still plays a critical and pivotal role in providing a place for suppliers and buyers to connect, do business and learn. A huge 98 per cent of last year’s Hosted Buyers believe the event is incredibly important to their business, 93 per cent of Exhibitors also agreed that AIME offered a good return on investment, and 94 per cent of Trade Visitors classified AIME as a ‘must attend’ event.
Hosted Buyers Program Now Open
AIME invites buyers from Australia and around the world to be hosted each year at AIME. The programme is designed to offer a streamlined, pre-planned experience, offering participants a personalised diary of pre-scheduled appointments to meet with their preferred exhibitors to maximise their time at the exhibition.
The event will also provide opportunities for those working within the MICE space to connect with key Australian and international industry contacts through an interactive show floor and a variety of innovative networking events such as the new business development coaching workshops and the new AIME Community Hub.
Successful applicants to the highly sought Hosted Buyer Program will also receive complimentary return flights, 4- to 5-star accommodation in Melbourne, post-touring opportunities through Victoria and complimentary tickets to all social functions.
To be considered for the Hosted Buyer Program, applicants should be responsible for planning, organising or influencing decisions around corporate meetings and events, business and incentive travel, conferences, exhibitions or association meetings.
Exhibitors and Hosted Buyers are encouraged to apply now to reserve their place to avoid disappointment.
Exhibitors can register here
Hosted Buyers can submit their application here
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