AIME Audited Figures Confirm Record Numbers

AIME 2009 held in Melbourne in February, has confirmed its record breaking numbers through an audit by the Circulations Audit Board (CAB).

Against a backdrop of economic uncertainty in the global meetings and incentive industry, AIME 2009 increased its total attendance by 10% on the previous year. A total of 3,581 visitors including 467 Hosted Buyers and 71 media representatives visited the two-day event. AIME’s trade visitor numbers rose by 12.5%, from 2,768 in 2008 to 3,114. The audit also showed that 832 people visited AIME more than once in the two day period.

Exhibitor numbers set a new record with 854 exhibiting companies from 50 countries participating, an increase of 3.8% on last year. Australian exhibitor numbers increased from 354 in 2008 to 396 at AIME 2009. The number of exhibitors from Asia also increased from 261 in 2008 to 296 this year. The remaining 162 exhibitors came from New Zealand, the Pacific or from other international destinations.

AIME continued to attract new and different exhibitors with first time exhibitors rising by 22% from 244 to 298.

“These results prove both the resilience of the meetings and incentive industry and the industry’s recognition of AIME as an important event at which to conduct business, meet new buyers and achieve objectives,” said Paul Kennedy MBE, Group Exhibition Director, Meetings & Incentive Events, Reed Travel Exhibitions. “AIME is a testament to the fact that events that bring buyers and sellers face to face are even more important in challenging economic conditions.”

Melbourne Convention + Visitors Bureau CEO Sandra Chipchase said, “The networking opportunities for Hosted Buyers, trade visitors and exhibitors such as our Welcome Reception for more than 2,300 visitors, Melbourne’s Dine Around Program and the AIME networking hours provided a perfect platform for business discussions.

“Much of the resulting business will occur in the region within the next two years, stimulating the business tourism industry in many countries and bringing real economic results to those regions. The benefits to Melbourne and Australia are also enormous.”

AIME 2010 will be held on 2 & 3 March at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, Australia.

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