AIME 2020 wrap: New Cvent research, Saxton Speakers hits the stage, delegates go surfing, + MORE!
The 2020 Asia-Pacific Incentives and Meetings Event (AIME) is wrapping up today after hosting more than 330 exhibitors and 2,500 industry visitors.
Kicking off the three-day running of AIME 2020, the Knowledge Exchange connected delegates from all over the world for a day of education and community building.
Speakers at the awaited segment included Emergent chief executive Holly Ransom, who spoke of unpacking leadership skills for survival in a hyperconnected world; and The Mathem Group chief executive Christopher Kai, who explored the power of human connections in business events.
Here are just some of the things that have gone down so far at the annual industry gathering…
Cvent unveils new industry research
Following on, Cvent, a market-leading meetings, events, and hospitality technology provider, shared the results of its latest research into the Australian and New Zealand events industry.
The findings revealed that despite the evolution of technology and rising attendee expectations, the problems faced by event planners and marketers remain the same, with a low adoption of technology by event professionals.
According to the study, which surveyed more than 400 event and marketing professionals, only 29 per cent of respondents expected to see an increase in their event budget, while 62 per cent said it would remain the same. Cvent said this underpins a dependence on more cost-effective, yet inefficient and problematic, manual processes.
In addition, 61 per cent of event professionals are still handling most of their tasks using manual tools like Excel spreadsheets and email, processes Cvent said are not only inefficient and time-consuming but are not a secure way to collect attendee data.
Saxton Speakers hits the stage
Australia’s largest speakers bureau, Saxton Speakers, presented annual roadshow Saxton Live at AIME 2020, showcasing the valuable role played by speakers in the business events experience.
A line up of speakers from the Saxton stable each took to the stage for a 10-minute presentation, including 16-year old slam poet Holley Somerville-Knott, technology evangelist Chris Riddell, and Australian musician Kate Ceberano, among others.
“Saxton Live is a snapshot of the impact a speaker can have on an event – how a small window of time can have a lasting impression on motivation, inspiration and imagination,” Saxton CEO Anne Jamieson said.
AIME delegates surf waves at Australia’s first surf park
Early in the event’s three-day procession, Australia’s first surf park, URBNSURF Melbourne, hosted an intimate group of delegates as part of AIME’s Uncover Melbourne program.
Designed to challenge expectations and reveal a whole new perspective that appeals to the next generation of event buyers and planners, guests were greeted by the URBNSURF team before receiving an exclusive, behind the scenes tour of the $30 million surf park.
Melbourne rolls out the red carpet
Meanwhile, hosted buyers and media attending AIME 2020 experienced a sophisticated night full of glamour at the Uncover Melbourne Gala, hosted at the Ian Potter Queens Hall – one of the State Library Victoria’s unique heritage spaces.
Showcasing Melbourne to an international audience, Showtime Event Group partnered with the Melbourne Convention Bureau (MCB) for the third consecutive year as the exclusive caterer for the gala.
Entertainment by Solution Entertainment ensured guests were treated to the full red-carpet experience that kicked off upon arrival on the iconic steps of the State Library.
“Our gala partners once again delivered to an incredibly high standard and proved their vast knowledge of business events,” MCB chief executive Julia Wanson said.
“Their innovation, flexibility, creativity and professionalism were shown every step of the way.”
Showtime Event Group general manager Brad Dabbs added MCB has an incredible knack in showcasing Melbourne, “which contributes to ensuring the city remains one of the world’s leading business events destinations.”
CENTREPIECE comes to life
Scheduled for completion in late 2021, Melbourne & Olympic Parks’ CENTREPIECE at Melbourne Park venue was on display for delegates attending AIME, with a stand on the show floor embodying the venue’s surrounding native Australian landscape.
Guests were also offered the opportunity to book a visit to the precinct to see its location firsthand.
Currently in the third and final stage of its $972 million redevelopment, the new events centre will span three levels and offer indoor and outdoor function spaces that are suitable for any event.
On top of this, the venue has the flexibility to cater for 10 to 3,000 guests, with the main ballroom capable of being transformed into any configuration for events, seating up to 1,400 guests for a gala dinner and its maximum capacity for cocktail parties.
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
AIME 2020Latest News
Travel DAZE Exec Agenda REVEALED: top execs to speak on airline competition
As the industry reels from Bonza's implosion, it is more important than ever to ask the big questions.
Skroo says Rex will need deep pockets to fill lost Bonza slots
The door is open for Rex, and anyone else who wants to launch a regional Aussie airline...
Hilton Expands Presence in North Queensland with the signing of Hilton Garden Inn Townsville
Heading to a North Queensland Cowboys clash? Hilton Garden Inn Townsville is set to open, but not until 2026.
Amy Poehler joins Vivid Sydney event
Oh Joy! Hit comedian Amy Poehler will make an emotional appearance at the Sydney Opera House for Vivid.
Emirates unveils future plans with new hub at Al Maktoum International Airport
We've also been looking into our future. It involves plenty of famils, we hope.
Two thirds of Australians support introduction of tourism tax, survey reveals
Can you guess which generation was the most outraged at the news? Hint: It is exactly who you think!
“The consumer really just wanted more classic reward availability” – customers underwhelmed by Qantas FF shakeup
All this consumer wants is to sit behind someone that doesn't push their seat back to near-horizontal levels.
Aussie travellers warned of ‘significant’ visa shifts in destinations including Chile, US and Vietnam
To be honest are biggest advice for having a layover in the US, is just don't.
Profile: Delta CEO Ed Bastian
Bastian says the airline business isn't for the faint hearted. We're sure Alan Joyce would agree!
Final Call: Travel DAZE Exec early birds are about to expire
Much like the auctioneer at the hottest sale of the year, we're giving you one more chance to jump at this deal!
Forget the weekend! Experience Gold Coast launches mid-week travel campaign
Your boss might be a bit bothered if you jet off mid-week, but you'll be the envy of all of your Instagram followers.
Victorian Tourism Industry Council warns of losing tourism dollars to NSW & QLD
Trendy cafe's hidden in CBD laneways can only get so many tourism dollars, clearly!
AIME 2024 rustles up $330m for APAC economy
This figure is a 65 per cent increase on 2023, much alike The Nibbler staff's alcohol consumption.
Amex GBT to purchase CWT for $871m
It's big deals like this that get a firm handshake - hence the sore hands over at the CWT and Amex GBT offices.
Boeing cleanout: CEO, chair to go as safety crisis plagues the manufacturer
CEOs are falling thick and fast these days. We should have started up a bingo game with their headshots in the office.
Star boss resigns, admits retaining NSW casino licence unlikely under his leadership
The CEO resigned after 18 months in the role. 'Another one bites the dust' rumoured to be heard playing in Pyrmont.
Corporate Traveller swings amateur golfers around the globe for World Golf Competition
How're your golf skills? Consider yourself a Tiger Woods or often get quadruple bogeys? We take after the latter.
Corporate travellers to spend big on Melbourne F1 despite financial pressures
Part of the attraction is sick days after the event as corporate travellers suffer creaked necks and blown eardrums.
Bonza officially kicks off Gold Coast-Darwin route
The Flying Purple Thumb is back at it with another route. We swear, we're going to make this nickname stick!
South West Sydney Tourism launches Western Sydney Tourism Awards
Penrith's 3 consecutive NRL premierships wasn't enough? The people of Western Sydney could fill the trophy cabinet more!
Hotels vs. Airbnb: Industry leaders at odds over who should pay accommodation levy
There's not as much gore in the Hotels vs. Airbnb saga as there is in Alien vs. Predator, but it's just as thrilling!
Singapore Airlines revamps premium economy with new menu, amenity kit
Felt Singapore Airlines was lacking "the sauce" (as the kids say). Bolster belief in the carrier's je na sais quoi here.
Business Events Adelaide set for 20th Destination SA event
Destination SA turns 20! Hopefully it's not celebrated with vodka cruisers and vapes like most 20th birthdays.
Boeing’s woes delay massive Virgin Australia order
This delay means Virgin staffers will be without that new plane smell, inspiring us to sell it in a can.
All the winners from the 2023 Qantas Australian Tourism Awards
Somehow missed this news recently? Good thing you're subscribed to our fabulous newsletter!
Corporate international travel from Brisbane up 30% YOY: Flight Centre
Queenslanders seem keen to go somewhere that actually serves good beer! Sorry, we actually like Great Northern.
Amora Brisbane undergoes $30m remodelling, geared up for MICE offerings
When $30m goes into an amazing hotel to get it geared up for MICE offerings, that's amore!
Corporate Travel Management’s CEO Laura Ruffles steps down
CTM confirmed that Ruffles will be stepping down due to a personal health issue, effective immediately.
Qatar Airways crowned World’s Best MICE Airline at World MICE Awards
You could say Qatar Airways really 'nabbed the cheese' with this one! Alright, we'll see ourselves out...
Qantas, Jetstar & Virgin hike airfares as supplier costs inflate
Supplier increases means you'll pay more. It's like pass the parcel, but instead of getting a present, you owe money.
NSW Central Coast wins global sustainability award for promoting ecotourism at ITB
NSW Central Coast jumped the gun on St. Patricks Day and got the green celebrations going early!
PHOTOS: RuPaul’s Drag Race stars hit Kings Canyon for Priscilla’s 30th anniversary
The stars have renamed the iconic spot 'Queens Canyon'. No name change to the adjacent 'Priscilla's Crack', however.
Air NZ to suspend Auckland-Chicago route amid aircraft troubles
Sorry Kiwis, your craving for authentic deep dish pizza will go unsatiated (or you could just fly with another airline).
Tasmanian Premier promises to build the world’s largest chocolate fountain if re-elected
If only sticky 6-year-old children could vote. Then the Tassie Premier would be guaranteed a victory!
The staggering amount invested in 2022/23 Australian tourism projects revealed!
Any guesses on how much it was? We'll give you a hint: It's between $1 and $9 trillion (hope this helps).
Marriott’s Bonvoy Lounge makes it a 5-peat at Formula 1 in Melbourne
If Formula 1 is so good, then why isn't there a Formula 2? Oh there is one... Never mind.