Global events marketing specialist Ian Wainwright has stepped up to take the reins at Aime 2016. He tells how exhibitors can benefit from participating in the show in Melbourne, February 23-24.
Q: How can exhibitors maximise their ROI?
One of the benefits of exhibiting is the opportunity to purchase an appointment diary, which provides access to meet with our exclusive group of over 500 pre-qualified hosted buyers. At Aime 2015, the hosted-buyer programme was responsible for over 11,000 pre-scheduled appointments between exhibitors and buyers, before the show even opened. It’s this combination of access to buyers, industry leaders and media together in one place that ensures our exhibitors get the maximum return from their two days on the show floor.
Q: Where are exhibitors coming from and who will be there?
In 2015 over 37 countries were represented at Aime and in 2016 the multicultural flair on the show floor will be evident again. International exhibitors are coming from across the Asia-Pacific region and include the Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute, Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau, Korea Tourism Organisation, Japan Tourism Organisation, Sabah Tourism, New Zealand, San Francisco Travel Association and the Turkish Ministry of Culture & Tourism.
Q: How else can vendors benefit?
The social events are a highlight of the programme year after year and as an exhibitor, you get access to all of the networking events. In 2016 there will be a new-look welcome function hosted by the Melbourne Convention Bureau and a networking hour on the exhibition floor that’s been designed specifically for exhibitors to show off their stands in a social environment. Plus you’ll learn something new from the ibtm Knowledge Program at Aime, which will be underpinned by seven key themes including inspiration from outside, leading lights from leading events and tools for meetings productivity.
