The region’s largest and longest running business events exhibition, Asia-Pacific Incentives and Meetings Expo (AIME), confirms unprecedented participation from international bureaux and organisations, as delegate registrations open today inviting industry professionals to attend the Melbourne expo, 20-21 February 2018.
Attracting leading event brands and destination bureaux from around the globe, AIME 2018 will showcase the best products, services and solutions the events industry has to offer. Confirmed international destinations include, Tourism Fiji, Japan, Abu Dhabi, Korea, Los Angeles and Tourism New Zealand.
Conventions & Incentives New Zealand (CINZ) and Tourism New Zealand will present a formidable collective on the 100% Pure New Zealand stand including, for the first time in three years, Queenstown Convention Bureau, along with New Zealand International Convention Centre, Auckland Convention Bureau, Christchurch Convention Centre, Real Journeys and the International Antarctic Centre.
Sharon Auld, Australia Manager, Conventions & Incentives New Zealand, CINZ, said AIME is a vital event for the New Zealand business events industry and is excited to immerse 100% Pure New Zealand in Manaakitanga, the traditional Māori value of welcoming guests with hospitality, kindness and generosity.
“CINZ is thrilled to showcase some of New Zealand’s greatest business event destinations at AIME 2018. Not only do we have Queenstown returning for the first time in years, but we also have some of our great hotels and destinations, making the 100% Pure New Zealand stand really focused on offering event professionals the best in New Zealand hospitality. We look forward to greeting delegates from all over the world with our unique Kiwi traditions at AIME 2018,” said Ms Auld.
Early data from the Hosted Buyers acquisition scheme reveals an expansive interest from international buyers including representatives from New Zealand, United States, Singapore, Malaysia, Japan, Ireland, Indonesia, China and Finland.
Angela Sciacca, Project Manager, AIME, commented on what the international interest means for exhibitors at AIME.
“The focus of AIME is to connect the business events industry with partners that inspire creativity and innovation. We are thrilled to confirm a great mix of international and local Hosted Buyers for 2018, bringing fresh eyes and unique propositions. With major international buyers from the likes of Daimler Greater China, Orbit World Travel, Retina World Congress, International Conference Services, Modern Language Association and so many more, we are confident that the relationships developed at AIME will provide real business value to the meetings and events sector.
“AIME’s show floor will showcase a diverse range of local and international suppliers, and destinations set to inspire buyers when planning their world-class events,” said Ms Sciacca.
A wide range of local Australian suppliers exhibit, including new comers QuizzaMe, an online quiz company set to transform interactive entertainment. All major Australian bureaux will return to the show floor for the third year in a row, along with Voyages Indigenous Tourism Australia, Northern Territory and Destination New South Wales.
AIME will be held at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, 20-21 February 2018.