22 February, 2017

AIME’s 25th anniversary wraps up

The 25th annual Asia-Pacific Incentives & Meetings Expo (AIME) kicked off on Tuesday this week, and saw event professionals from over 20 countries hit the ground running on the exhibition show floor.

To celebrate its 25th birthday, AIME launched two awards this year recognising exceptional achievement by industry members.

The winner of the Rising Star award, which recognises upcoming business event talent, was Jessica Abbey, from Leverage Marketing and Events, while the Lifetime Achievement award was given to Sue Calwell, who as an industry stalwart is celebrated for her dedication and commitment to the business events industry over several years.

Karen Bolinger, CEO, Melbourne Convention Bureau said that this year’s AIME reflected the diversity and creativity of the business events industry.

“We wowed delegates at the AIME Welcome Event last night in the stunning Carousel by food&desire which showcased Melbourne’s iconic Albert Park Lake. The event dazzled attendees with a creative blend of classical and contemporary entertainment and food,” she said.

Meanwhile, Ian Wainwright, event director of AIME, Reed Travel Exhibitions, was stoked with the outcome of the event.

“The high calibre of exhibitors and attendees is indicative of the industry’s excitement and commitment to AIME. The show floor is awash with colour and movement, with many exhibitors sharing new offerings and products to the delegates,” he said.

“We are thrilled with how everything has come together and the energy on the show floor, all the exhibitors have produced outstanding stands inspiring business connections.”

Nerissa Worwood, business development manager at Pan Pacific Hotels Group who exhibited on the Perth Convention Bureau stand, said that the quality and opportunities to connect with hosted buyers and delegates has been fantastic.

“We have received a good number of real business leads with good quality events. It has definitely been worthwhile for us to be here at AIME this year,” said Worwood.

The AIME Knowledge Program by Saxton Speakers Bureau provided insights into the future of the industry with high calibre speakers such as Ita Buttrose, Marita Cheng, Chris Riddell, Kirk Pengilly, Michael Carr-Gregg, Cosentino, Holly Ransom, Brad Seymour and Andre Eikmeier.

During the event, a whole number of announcements and exhibitions were on show, including the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB), who launched a new campaign titled, “MICE Magnificent Themes” to promote Thailand as a unique destination for incentive travel for the fast-growing Oceania market.

This campaign highlights Thailand’s diverse smorgasbord of rich experiences for business travellers of all kinds ensuring that a trip to Thailand goes far beyond mere gatherings and become experiences to treasure for a lifetime.

“The campaign highlights the diversity of Thailand’s myriad attractions for international MICE travellers, and offers event planners a dazzling array of destinations, promoting the highlights of the country’s key MICE cities,” said TCEB’s president, Nopparat Maythaveekulchai.

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