Buyers got clout, spearheads changes at AIME
The 23rd annual Asia-Pacific Incentive & Meetings expo (AIME) kicked off today with refreshed branding and a re-engineered programme, mostly led by buyer feedback.
The new logo and tagline, “Where inspiration begins”, is part of the show’s new direction for 2015, which includes a shake-up of social networking events as well as show floor space design, and according to Melbourne Convention Bureau chief executive officer, Karen Bolinger has caused a “stir” in the industry.
“Along with a new visualised identity it’s about the depth, and of course many other exciting changes to AIME this year,” Bolinger said.
“We’ve completely reengineered the programme and shaken things up, and I believed we’ve caused a bit of a stir in the industry.”
“This show is in fact about the buyers and the visitors, not necessarily about the exhibitors, although but it’s wonderful to have the exhibitors own the show so much, but its the buyers who are the ones we talk and communicate to,” Bolinger said.
“We’ve wanted listen to them and evolve AIME and focus on enhancing the business opportunities, networking and selling occasions within the occasions themselves.”
Amongst the changes, one of the biggest was the decision to scrap the free-to-attend welcome cocktail reception, in exchange for a ticketed Gala Dinner hosted by MCB on Wednesday to be held at Central Pier.
“This is designed to be an exclusive event to bring the exhibitors and buyers together and consolidating those connections from those two days. If you (buyers) don’t find them (exhibitors) on the show floor on the two days you can find them and sit with them at dinner,” Bolinger said.
The programme revamp is underpinned by the decision to evolve the show from a two-day event into a year-round engagement with the AIME community, according to organisers.
“It is about our brand remaining relevant,” Bolinger said.
“The value of face to face networking is consistently reinforced by business and industry professionals and the desire to meet is human nature. However, due to technological innovations and new digital media the way we now conduct business has shifted to a hybrid of face to face and digital touch-points to connect and converse.”
A new Community Hub has been introduced in the centre of the show floor, resulting in a revamp of the entire exhibitor floor map.
“The central Hub includes roundtable coaching sessions to inspire, ‘silent seminars’ where attendees can listen to influential speakers and, a networking area to provide a unique meeting space to connect in a relaxed, informal setting,” AIME exhibition director, Jacqui Timmins said.
“The entire show floor has also been redesigned for ease of access and an enhanced attendee experience. Specific sections including geographic regions, hotels, venues, and products and services have been allocated to different ‘zones’ so that all attendees are able to easily and quickly find the suppliers they wish to connect with.”
Covering an expansive 600sqm, the Hub will be broken into four key areas of – Business, Knowledge, Inspiration and Networking.
Some 700-hosted buyers, 40% attending for the first time, are expected to attend 11,000 meetings over the next two days.
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
aime Events Exhibition Karen BolingerLatest News
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.
Virgin Australia posts $236m profit, but the outgoing CEO warns of turbulence ahead
Hrdlicka warns of tough times ahead, just after announcing she's leaving. We wonder if there could be a connection!
Ascott opens new 255 room property in Central Sydney
Bored of your bedroom and want 255 new ones to try? The new Ascott property is here to solve this very specific problem!
Work and play at the Radisson RED, Auckland
We aren't going to tell you what order to work and play in, just that you should be looking to do both at Radisson Red.
Swiftonomics 101: Just how much did fans spend travelling to see Taylor Swift?
Thought you'd heard the last of Swift, huh? Not in your Wildest Dreams could Swiftomania go out of Style!
Rex posts a $13.3m turnaround for 1H24, but still at a loss
Rex is slowly making its way back to pre-pandemic form. Much like us with our sporadic attempts at exercise.