Research shows AIME 2005 meets business objectives of 98.3% of visitors

Independent research released by Reed Travel Exhibitions this week found that 98.3% of visitors to AIME 2005 were satisfied that the event helped them to meet their business objectives.

Visitor, Hosted Buyer and exhibitor surveys were conducted by independent research company, Micromex Marketing Services.

Visitors also thought it was beneficial to attend AIME on a yearly basis (93%) and 91% said they were likely or very likely to recommend AIME to colleagues.

95% of Hosted Buyers agreed it was beneficial to attend AIME on a yearly basis and 95% of exhibitors said it was beneficial to their business to exhibit at AIME.

“The results show that overall satisfaction for AIME 2005 was extremely high,” said AIME Event Director, Rosemarie Sama. “Even more importantly, the results show that satisfaction levels are even higher than for AIME 2004.”

The average estimated value of business placed at AIME or to be placed following AIME by trade visitors was up by 50% on 2004 to US$209,684.

“Buyers and visitors are spending more money at AIME which is good news for the industry. This year’s total estimated value of business placed, or to be placed as a result of AIME 2005, by visitors and Hosted Buyers is valued at more than US$590 million, a 52% increase on estimate for AIME 2004,” Ms Sama said.

“The research results are an endorsement of the AIME business and marketing plans that have helped us better target key market segments and expand the event to become more international. These strategies continue to strengthen AIME’s position in the global meetings and incentive industry.

“The quality of Hosted Buyers and trade visitors has improved and the result of this can be seen in the increase in business being done at the event,” Ms Sama said.

Exhibitor numbers at AIME 2005 rose by 9% to 827 and Hosted Buyer numbers by 13% to 425. There were 178 new exhibitors and 128 exhibitors from Europe, the Americas and Africa. Exhibitors from Australia, Asia, New Zealand and the Pacific accounted for 84% of exhibitors.

AIME 2005 Research Results

How beneficial is it to attend AIME on a yearly basis?

95% of Hosted Buyers said it was beneficial to attend AIME on a yearly basis
93% of trade visitors said it was beneficial to attend AIME on a yearly basis

Exhibitor Research Results

Exhibitor opinions on AIME 2005

95% said that it was beneficial to exhibit at AIME 2005
93% agreed that AIME has the right visitors for them
93% said they are likely to exhibit at AIME 2006
93% agreed that AIME has the right visitors for them
90% said that AIME was a ‘must exhibit’ event
89% said that AIME was very important to their business
89% indicated they would recommend exhibiting at AIME to associates

Exhibitor Objectives

95% To promote company/products
94% To generate new sales leads
89% To maintain status as key player in the industry
79% To strengthen relationship with current customers
73% To keep up with the competition

Business Leads Generated by Exhibitors

79% 1 – 20 leads
13% 21 – 40 leads
4% 41 – 60 leads
3% 61 – 100 leads
2% 100 + leads

Categories of buyers exhibitors prefer to meet

86% Corporate
79% PCOs / Meeting Planners
68% Incentive Houses/Agencies
66% Event Management Company
62% Association
47% Government/Education
32% Exhibition Organiser
30% Outbound Travel Agency
19% PR/Marketing/Advertising Agency
14% Inbound travel Agency
10% Sales Promotion Agency

Industry sectors exhibitors wish to meet:

87% Pharmaceutical/Medical/Chemical
78% Electronics/Communication/IT
78% Financial/Insurance/Property
69% Automotive
54% Manufacturing/Industrial
53% Government Administration
51% Cosmetic
49% Management

Exhibitors want to see Australasian buyers from:

79% New South Wales
78% Victoria
64% Australian Capital Territory
63% Queensland
60% New Zealand
58% South Australia
54% Western Australia
42% Northern Territory
39% Tasmania
34% Pacific region

Exhibitors want to see International buyers from:

38% Asia
35% Europe
31% North America
12% Southern Africa
11% South/Central America
10% Middle East

Hosted Buyer Research Results

Hosted Buyer Opinions on AIME 2005

95% of Hosted Buyers agreed that ‘AIME is a must attend event’
89% of Hosted Buyers said visiting AIME offers a significant competitive advantage relative to other exhibitions
94% were ‘satisfied’ to ‘very satisfied’ with AIME in terms of meeting their objectives.
95% of respondents found it beneficial to attend AIME on a yearly basis

Exhibitors most interested in

72% Melbourne/Victoria
71% Asia
67% Sydney/NSW
56% Brisbane/Gold Coast
55% New Zealand
48% Perth/WA
26% UK / Europe
24% North America

Main benefits of the Hosted Buyer Programme

98% Meet new suppliers
94% Identify new products
87% Network with colleagues
82% Learn about industry trends
74% Meet existing suppliers

Trade Visitor Research Results

Trade Visitor Opinions on AIME 2005

99% of trade visitors were satisfied their attendance at AIME 2005 helped them to meet their business objectives
93% of trade visitors said it was beneficial or very beneficial to attend AIME annually
91% of trade visitors said they were likely or very likely to recommend AIME 2006 to colleagues

Trade Visitors’ Main Reasons for Attending AIME

72% To meet new suppliers
58% To identify new products
46% To meet existing suppliers
41% To network with colleagues
37% To learn about industry trends

Exhibitors most interested in seeing

63% Australia
40% Asia
35% New Zealand
32% Pacific
13% UK/Europe
10% North America

Business Results for AIME 2005

Hosted Buyers placed or intend to place, business valued on average at US $378,436.00
Trade visitors placed or intend to place, business valued on average at US $209,684.00

Total estimated value of business placed, or to be placed as a result of AIME 2005 is valued at more than US$590 million.

AIME 2006 will take place from 6-7 June 2006 at the Melbourne Exhibition Centre in Australia.

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