MICE CENTRAL & EASTERN EUROPE

Asia Pacific Incentives and Meetings Event (AIME), the leading trade convention for the meetings and events industry in the Asia Pacific (APAC) region, has today released new insights on the success of the show, recently held in Melbourne (21–23 March), and online (28 March–1 April).

New industry research has revealed that buyers placed/expect to place $120M in business as a result of their attendance at AIME 2022. This is a 20 per cent increase on 2020 (pre-Covid).

95 per cent of exhibitors cited AIME 2022 as an important event for their business, with over 94 per cent stating they were impressed with their return on investment. Furthermore, 95 per cent of delegates agree AIME is the place to make important business connections, namely due to its great atmosphere (83%) and strong reputation (81%).

Endorsing the success of the 2022 event, AIME Event Director, Silke Calder said, “This year AIME defied all expectations. We’ve received incredible feedback from exhibitors and buyers from all over the world, many of whom have revived their business activities as a result of attending AIME.

“It was most rewarding to see the industry back in its natural element – networking and building relationships face-to-face – these are the things that build success and enrich us on a personal level.”

Right from the minute the first international delegates stepped through the arrivals gate, AIME owners the Melbourne Convention Bureau (MCB) were sure to greet them with a ‘Very Melbourne Welcome’. MCB CEO Julia Swanson said: “It’s been two years since we’ve hosted an event of AIME’s calibre in the city, and with the support of the Victorian State Government, this event was the first real opportunity to show the world that Melbourne is back in action and ready for business.”

Across the three-day event, the energy on the show floor maintained high spirits, with new relationships forged and old friendships reignited. With over 1,660 visitor buyers and suppliers in attendance, the show also included over 230 exhibitors, and a further 320 hosted buyers present.

Looking to drive business for the year ahead by meeting with both international and domestic buyers, Destination Gold Coast was out in force at AIME 2022, bringing delegates up to speed on the latest innovations and offerings from the coastal city. Destination Gold Coast’s CEO, Patricia O’Callaghan, said: “This year, our presence at AIME was larger than ever before as the Gold Coast cements itself as The Imagination Capital of Australia for business events. AIME 2022 gave us the opportunity to come together as an industry to make meaningful connections – and you can’t put a price on connections.”

Reflecting on his time at AIME 2022, CEO at Aonia Group, Daniel Chua, a long-standing AIME hosted buyer said: “With its Asia Pacific focus, AIME is undoubtedly an event like no other. This year’s event saw AIME’s organisers showcase the best our region has to offer. Everyone I met brought an incredible amount of knowledge and expertise in their offering.

“For the majority of the industry, AIME 2022 was the first event that required international travel, and it was definitely worthwhile. I was extremely grateful to be at AIME and return to Melbourne – Australia’s events capital. Melbourne is where the magic happens!”

Excitement is already building for AIME 2023, 98 per cent of exhibitors who showcased at this year’s event have expressed interest to attend AIME 2023; a testament to the industry’s commitment to returning to face-to-face events and the unparalleled opportunities on offer at AIME.

Celebrating 30 years, AIME 2023 will be held at Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre on 13–15 February 2023. For expressions of interest or for more information, please visit aime.com.au