AIME 2008 enjoys Record Numbers

Statistics just out show AIME 2008, a leading event for the business events industry held in Melbourne last week, achieved a record attendance.

Hosted buyer numbers have grown significantly to a record 496, up from 370 last year, a 33.8% increase on the previous year. Final unaudited figures at the end of AIME 2008 were 3,268, almost 24% higher than for AIME 2007.

The event itself has also grown, covering a total of 13,500 square meters this year. There was also a wider diversity of exhibitors, 243 new exhibitors and a total of 850 exhibitors from more than 40 countries.

Dubai is one such region which continues to grow its presence at AIME. Jemima Hoile, manager of promotions for the Government of Dubai's Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing said its presence has grown from 50 sqm four years ago to 180 sqm in 2008.

She attributes its success at AIME to the diversity of the attendees and the well organised appointment schedule, which puts it in front of a large number of invaluable contacts.

AIME is organised by Reed Travel Exhibitions and owned by Melbourne Convention + Visitors Bureau. AIME 2009 will be held on 17-18 February.

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