AIME sets the agenda for 2016

AIME sets the agenda for 2016
By Hannah Edensor


The Asia-Pacific Incentives and Meetings Expo (AIME) has gathered a host of the industry’s top dogs to form the AIME Advisory Board.

To be held in Melbourne on February 23 – 24 2016, the Board will be made up of some of the most experienced buyers, sellers and influencers, with the newly appointed Board tasked with collaborating and shaping the vision for AIME in its 24th year.

The board represents a commitment from the Melbourne Convention Bureau, owners of AIME, and Reed Travel Exhibitions, organisers of AIME, to enliven the event and deliver an engaging year-round community for the business events industry.

Meeting on June 1 2015, the inaugural Advisory Board includes 16 members from across the Asia-Pacific region including corporate event buyers, association event buyers, senior representatives from venues and hotels and a range of event suppliers.

Melbourne Convention Bureau’s ceo Karen Bolinger said she wanted to continue to build AIME’s leadership status across the Asia-Pacific region, and taking a collaborative approach with industry partners will propel that vision forward.

“The Advisory Board will play a vital role in ensuring we evolve AIME for the benefit of the whole business events industry, and continue to create an innovative and engaging program each year in Melbourne that delivers true value to our diverse customer groups,” Bolinger said.

ibtm events’ portfolio director Sallie Coventry said it’s about understanding that AIME is powered by the contribution of the events community.

“The Advisory Board engaged in lively debate, provided honest feedback and shared invaluable insights. We thank them for their active and enthusiastic participation,” she said.

Gold Coast Tourism’s business events director Anna Case was another invitee to the Advisory Board.

“I congratulate Reed Travel Exhibitions and the Melbourne Convention Bureau for their initiative to create the AIME Advisory Board and for recognising that collaboration is the key to delivering a successful AIME into the future,” she said.

“It is critical that AIME continues to be the most prominent business events trade show within the Asia-Pacific region, and by injecting fresh ideas and energy into the event, we can ensure its position as the must-attend event for buyers and suppliers.

“I am encouraged that, as part of the Advisory Board, we developed a list of strategic milestones to take us into 2016 and beyond and I am proud to be a part of this process.”

The AIME Advisory Board will meet twice yearly to continue to develop original ideas and inspiring strategies to ensure an enhanced experience for all participants year-on-year.

AIME Advisory Board members include:

  • Alanna Khodeir, Organisational Coach, Business Coaching Systems
  • Anine Leakey, Senior Event Manager, BT Financial Group
  • Anna Case, Director – Business Events, Gold Coast Tourism
  • Anne Jamieson, Director of Sales, Marketing and Club Melbourne, Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre
  • Elizabeth Georgopoulos, Director of Business Travel Sales – Australia, Accor
  • Jan Shaw, Events Manager, Urological Society of Australia & New Zealand
  • Karen Bolinger, Chief Executive Officer, Melbourne Convention Bureau
  • Kate Smith, Managing Director, Waldron Smith
  • Lauren Hall, Chief Executive Officer, iVvy
  • Linzi Cavender, Senior Event Manager, American Express
  • Nicolena Oborn, Group Director of Sales, Crown Hotels and Restaurants
  • Patrick Scheiber, National Conference & Events Manager, Rydges Hotels & Resorts
  • Peter Jack, Founder/Director, EMG Event Management Group
  • Sallie Coventry, ibtm events Portfolio Director, Reed Travel Exhibitions
  • Shahnaz Bakhshay, Director of Sales – Travel Partnerships, TFE Hotels
  • Sharon Lam, Area Director, Singapore Tourism Board

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