Melbourne. When summer comes, the heat will be on for Asia-Pacific Incentives and Meetings Expo (AIME). For at the end of the Australian summer – 17/18 February 2009 – the 17th trade fair for the Asian Pacific region will open its two gates: “We have modified the floor plan to ensure better traffic flow by having two entries/exits to the event. This will increase visitor traffic to the Asian and International sections of the exhibition and allow for better visitor movement around the show,” explains Event Director Elisabeth Sarian replacing Rosemarie Sama, who is on maternity leave.
Many visitors and exhibitors are interested, and so the exhibition hall of Melbourne Exhibition Centre is gradually filling up. In 2008 it saw 850 exhibitors (including 243 newcomers) from 40 countries on 13,500 sqm and 3,268 visitors including 496 hosted buyers. In 2009 some convention bureaux, including Business Events Sydney, formerly SCVB, and Tasmania, Brisbane Marketing, the Sunshine Coast, Cairns and Perth, will book more stand space. New faces at the stand of Melbourne Convention + Visitors Bureau (MCVB) will include the fair’s co-organiser the new Melbourne Convention Centre, plus the new Hilton South Wharf and new Southern Star Observation Wheel.
Outside of the exhibition hall the industry will be able to take master classes during AIME on time and budget management, “green” initiatives, incentive trends and reward programmes, sponsorship, equipment, human resources, risk management and event insurance, sales and attendee promotion. The efficient trade fair is rounded off by a varied and enlarged pre- and post-tour programme: “We have created an extensive program that provides a wonderful range of experiences in Melbourne and in some of the most picturesque regions of Victoria,” says Sandra Chipchase, CEO of the MCVB. “It’s a programme you won’t want to miss. Whether you are an Australian or an international buyer, you will find pre-touring an invaluable source of great ideas for your next conference or incentive.” www.aime.com.au
New to 09:
+ exhibition layout
+ master class series
+ exhibiting companies
+ hosted buyers
+ networking hours
+ welcome reception venue
Stays in 09:
+ AIME Club Night
+ Networking Functions
+ Globe Restaurant & Bar
+ Enhanced Two-way Online Diary
+ AIME Green Initiatives
+ Pamper Zone
