Imminent deadlines for the AIME 2003 catalogue – which lists all exhibiting companies at the event – have resulted in a…
Imminent deadlines for the AIME 2003 catalogue – which lists all exhibiting companies at the event – have resulted in a flurry of activity, with exhibitor numbers rising from an estimated 600 to a record breaking 650.
AIME 2003, the 11th AsiaPacific Incentives & Meetings Expo, at the Melbourne Exhibition Centre on 18 & 19 February, will be the largest ever. While the exhibition`s key focus is on the Asia Pacific region, it will also include companies from as far away as Russia and Iceland.
Sixty-five destinations are represented at AIME 2003, including first time exhibitors such as Moscow, Barcelona, Madrid, Iceland, Vietnam, Cambodia, China and the Sultanate of Oman, whilst Fiji, Tahiti, Bali, Sabah, Sarawak, Sydney and Melbourne are just a few of the exhibitors that have increased their space, said Rosemarie Sama, AIME Head of Sales.
Considering current global issues, exhibitor numbers have exceeded our expectations, demonstrating the importance of AIME as the premier business travel event of its kind in the region. Increased interest in AIME has primarily come from overseas exhibitors, signifying that AIME is proving an excellent medium for international as well as national companies to reach their target markets.
Ms Sama also confirmed Reed Travel Exhibition`s commitment to its Hosted Buyer Program that will continue to bring qualified national and international buyers to AIME.
AIME will have a strong contingent of buyers from Asia, USA, Europe, the UK, Canada, New Zealand and Australia, Ms Sama said. Hosted Buyer numbers for Asia are up by 78%, for North America and Canada they are up by 300% and corporate attendance from Australia is up by 97%. We are extremely grateful for the continued support Qantas has given to AIME for many years, and we are delighted to have Singapore Airlines as a new sponsor in 2003.
Stage One of the Hosted Buyer Program – the distribution of pre-scheduled appointments to exhibitors – began on 23 January, two weeks earlier than last year. Exhibitors have additional opportunities to accept new appointments requested by Hosted Buyers via the Online Diary from now until Thursday 14 February. 13% of all appointments made last year were made using the Online Diary. In addition, there is a further chance to arrange appointments at the Seller Meets Buyer session, the day prior to AIME 2003.
This year`s enhanced marketing program aims to increase trade visitors from Sydney and Melbourne and our special seminar program for association executives will provide professional development opportunities for these key buyers, Ms Sama said.
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
