AIME 2003 on Target for More Hosted Buyers

5 August 2002

A record number of industry professionals have been quick to apply for Hosted Buyer status at AIME 2003, the AsiaPacific Incentives and Meetings Expo, 18-19 February at the Melbourne Exhibition and Convention Centre (MECC). Compared with the same time last year, Hosted Buyer applications are up, with significantly more applications from the US and Europe.

AIME is the southern hemisphere’s most significant event for the incentive and meetings industry, drawing approximately 600 exhibitors from 51 destinations throughout the Asia Pacific region, the Middle East, South Africa, Europe and the USA and Canada, and attracting 2,500 visitors from 37 countries.

Close to 300 buyers from Australia, Europe, North America, South East Asia and the Asia Pacific were hosted to AIME 2002, and Reed Travel Exhibitions (RTE) with the support of airlines, plans to increase this figure in 2003.

Exhibitor response the AIME has also been extremely positive, with exhibitors describing AIME 2002 as “very worthwhile” and as “the region’s leading showcase”. Bookings for AIME 2003 are strong, and are expected to increase on this year’s numbers.

"The Singapore Tourism Board was very pleased with AIME 2002. It has always been a very worthwhile show not just for the Board but also our Singapore industry co-exhibitors, and we were all particularly pleased with the quality of appointments this year. Some of our co-exhibitors that were participating in AIME for the first time have also indicated that they would like to come back next year. Without a doubt, we will definitely be back in 2003," said Michelle Alice Thoo, Singapore Tourism Board, Sydney. 

“The feedback we had from all participants on our stand at AIME this year was extremely positive and most if not all have committed to come back next year. Gauteng Tourism Board described AIME 2002 as one of the best shows they have ever attended and the Sandton Convention Centre was overwhelmed with the positive response they received,” said Wayne Hamilton, Marketing Manager, South African Tourism.

The Hong Kong Tourism Board has participated in AIME since its inception and Sylvia Wade, Manager, Convention & Corporate Events, believes the event has developed into one of the region’s leading showcases.

“The quality of buyers, logistics and on-site ambience of AIME 2002 clearly demonstrated that the event has developed into one of the region's leading showcases for our industry. Given the record space and co-partner representation by the Hong Kong Tourism Board at AIME 2002, it was rewarding to experience the buyer interest generated on our stand. All partners reported good opportunities for on-going sales as a catalyst for their marketing objectives throughout the year,” she said.

Exhibitors at AIME 2002 were also impressed with the number and quality of buyers at AIME, and with the RTE innovations such as the Online Diary System and Seller Meets Buyer sessions. For 2003, RTE will enhance these systems even further. 

“We are planning to have the Online Diary system open for longer and to keep it open as close to the event as we can,” said AIME Exhibition Manager, David Crooke.

“Following feedback from buyers on the Pre Scheduled Appointment system at AIME last year we have moved to reduce the number of Pre Scheduled Appointments from 12 to 9 per day, or from 24 to 18 over the two days, to give buyers more flexibility at AIME.

“Hosted delegates rated the Pre Scheduled Appointment system very highly last year. Their only request was a little more flexibility. By reducing the number of Pre Scheduled Appointments in 2003, we’ve ensured hosted delegates will have more time to see additional exhibitors,” Mr Crooke said.

Another new initiative for AIME 2003 is a new format for the AIME Seminar Program. Three seminars will be held each day at a special Seminar Theatre, built within the exhibition. Each of the leading associations – MIAA, IMA and EEAA – will run seminars on industry issues, which will be open to Hosted Buyers, trade visitors and exhibitors.

In addition, each day a major industry forum will be held at 8.30am prior to the exhibition opening. The Forums will also be open to all exhibitors and visitors to AIME.

AIME 2003 is held on 18 & 19 February at the Melbourne Exhibition Centre.