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Positive reports from the 18th Asia-Pacific Incentives & Meetings Expo (AIME) are flowing in from exhibitors and buyers with promising expectations for business in 2010.
Strong written business, requests for quotes and the quality of buyers are just some of the positive outcomes reported with many saying that 2010’s event has been their best ever.
Final figures will be released in early April once the event is audited by the Circulations Audit Bureau although it can be reported that AIME 2010 attracted 513 hosted buyers from 33 countries at the two-day event last week, up on 467 hosted buyers last year from 25 countries, representing an increase of seven percent.
“Last year, many companies were advising that events had been reduced or cut and there was a lot more ‘information gathering’. This year - everyone seemed to be reinstating events and there were several pieces that we have been asked to quote on,” says Sue Gaddes from Staging Connections. “The calibre of buyers - especially from the corporate sector were very good and it was encouraging to see the show supported by many of the well established PCOs and event agencies, as well as some of the newer ones from all the states and New Zealand,” said Gaddes.
Nanette Moulton from Saxton Speakers Bureau says: “AIME is more than an expo it is a place where real business happens – a diverse range of exhibitors, a large number of quality buyers; and systems and a management team that allows those involved to make ‘real time’ transactions. Our biggest regret was that we had not provided for more seating to accommodate the continuous flow of ‘real buyer’ traffic. We had not been part of AIME for some time and I have to say that I was really impressed by the way that it has developed into a world class event.”
“AIME 2010 proved to be a success for Solution RED with 11 quotes requested from genuine buyers during the two-day event. We are happy with the results and consider AIME a ‘must do’ event!” says Rhona Walker from Solution RED.
Andrew Whitaker from Cypress Lakes Resort says: “We found the tradeshow to be very beneficial and a good indicator of improving market sentiment.”
“I am confident that as a result of exhibiting at AIME this year we will secure business for Palace Resorts (Mexico) within the next 12 months,” says Brett Jowett from WOW Australia.
Anne Last from the Perth Convention Bureau says: “AIME is a ‘must do’ show for us and the increased number of Western Australian exhibitors is testimony to the improved quality and number of hosted buyers participating at AIME.”
Robert King, hosted buyer from American Academy of Advertising (USA) says: “AIME 2010 was really a great experience - eager representatives from so many attractive destinations, especially in the Asia-Pacific region. The only problem was so many people I wanted to meet with, but so little time. Definitely worth the long flight to Australia!”
“There are always a great variety of exhibitors, and a few that are new - since my company covers a variety of clients with different needs, we do look at most of the exhibitors,” says Wilna van Eyssen hosted buyer from EventSmart Ltd (NZ).
Brenda Sanderson, hosted buyer from Icograda (USA) says: “AIME is an effective forum for planners to meet with industry suppliers from across the Asia Pacific region, establish new contacts and renew existing relationships. Well organised and well worth the time.”
Reed Travel Exhibitions also reports that the AIME pre-scheduled appointment system had been well utilized this year with 19 per cent more buyers going online to book meetings compared to 2009.
A total of 195 new exhibitors were represented at this year’s event, presenting buyers with a greater diversity of companies, products and services. New exhibitors this year included Lufthansa German Airlines, Delta Airlines, Seoul Tourism Organisation, Visit London, and The Leading Hotels of the World just to name a few.
AIME, Asia-Pacific Incentives & Meetings Expo, is the premier event in the region and the largest exhibition in Australia for the business travel, incentives and meetings industries held at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre.
AIME 2011 will be held from 14-15 February at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre.
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