The Asia-Pacific Incentives & Meetings Expo (Aime) is targeting event planners and buyers with a new community strategy designed to provide those attending event to access to a multitude of business development tools throughout the year.
The new strategy seeks to create an engaged, interactive online and offline community, by providing a central hub for those in the industry to stay connected and inspired all year round. The community will also have access to the latest, most relevant information regarding the meetings, incentive travel and events industry in the lead up to the annual exhibition in Melbourne.
Aime, now in its 23rd year, will take place on February 24 and 25, 2015 at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre. Growing year on year, the annual trade show is expected to host over 700 exhibitors from more than 50 countries.
The new strategy reflects demand and the need for constant innovation and access to information in the meetings and incentives industry. In a rapidly evolving business environment such as the MICE industry with growing pressures and demands, the need for constant support in terms of education, additional networking opportunities and business continues to grow.
Our ever growing community of professionals want access to our knowledge, advice and our tools – not just during an exhibition, but year round.
The new initiatives in development will provide the Aime Community, consisting of meetings and events professionals, with access to up to date, relevant information and content both within Australia and across the world before, during and after the event.
These new initiatives will include access to pop-up networking and education events throughout the year, regular focus groups and the introduction of the new Aime brand look and feel, which will be unveiled at the 2015 show.
New onsite experiences include a central community hub area on the show floor and a wide range of business development coaching workshops. Coupled with existing favorites such as Aime Knowledge and Aime Innovation, Aime 2015 will deliver the best MICE industry business opportunities for all exhibitors and hosted buyers with the potential for all to make valuable industry connections and place business with Australian and international suppliers.
While increasing the opportunities available with Aime beyond the event is important, the exhibition itself still plays a critical and pivotal role in providing a place for suppliers and buyers to connect, do business and learn. Some 98 per cent of last year’s hosted buyers believe the event is important to their business, 93 per cent of exhibitors also agreed that Aime offered a good return on investment and 94 per cent of trade visitors classified Aime as a must attend event.
Exhibitors and hosted buyers are encouraged to apply now to reserve their place to avoid disappointment.
Exhibitors can register here
Jacqui Timmins is exhibition director at Aime and CIBTM
