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23rd Asia-Pacific Incentives & Meetings Expo
Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre • 24 - 25 February, 2015
PREVIEW
Inspiring change The Asia-Pacific Incentives & Meetings Expo (AIME) is set to reinvent the traditional framework of exhibitions in 2015, bringing new ideas, new ways to do business, new ways to network and new ways to find inspiration. Listening to its clients and working off their feedback, AIME 2015 is set to transform from a two-day event into an interactive community that continues long after the doors shut on the show floor. Jacqui Timmins, Exhibition Director at AIME and CIBTM, says that the new format is a response to the changing environment in which we operate and do business today. “People want to do business differently,” she says. “We still see AIME as the centrepiece of what our business is but we really are looking at how we are expanding that offering to all of our attendees. “We have been industry leaders for 23 years and it is absolutely critical that we make sure that we are listening to our customers, keeping an eye on what’s going on out there in the industry and how people communicate differently.” AIME 2015 is about creating a new
experience for Exhibitors, Hosted Buyers and Visitors. The show floor is set to be transformed this year, with an interactive networking centre – the Community Hub – at its heart. The Community Hub will include four key areas over 600sqm – Business, Knowledge, Inspiration and Networking. The entire show floor has also been redesigned with specific sections including geographic regions, hotels, venues, and products and services allocated to different zones so that all attendees are able to easily and quickly find what they are looking for. “We wanted more networking opportunities so our Visitors can come in, connect with Exhibitors and go and sit in the networking area and have discussions,” says Timmins. “Equally if Exhibitors want to come off their stands and sit with customers in another environment there is the opportunity to do that.” A new networking event to be held in the Community Hub on Tuesday, Movers and Shakers, follows Saxton Speakers Bureau’s 50th anniversary Australia Speaks showcase, with the inaugural AIME Gala Dinner on
Wednesday set to cap off the show. “The Gala Dinner will be the final opportunity for our Exhibitors and Hosted Buyers to get together to network and to celebrate the success of the two-day show.” says Timmins. AIME 2015 is also looking to keep attendees inspired with enhanced interactive content available throughout the year, both online and through further opportunities for face-toface meetings. “How we provide business, knowledge and networking opportunities is not just going to be around those two days in Melbourne,” says Timmins. Karen Bolinger, Chief Executive Officer of Melbourne Convention Bureau, says visitors to AIME will see a very different show this year. “It’s about the evolution of AIME and making sure we retain our relevance,” she adds. “We want to be a show that takes note of its community and listens to their needs. “The new AIME experience will create better value to drive business because it is a 365-day-a-year conversation rather than just a two-day event.”
AIME • MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA
Business Events Week builds on As the industry gathers in Melbourne for this month’s AIME, Business Events Week (BEW) is set to return for its third year, after the inaugural event was first launched by Melbourne Convention Bureau (MCB) in 2013. With this year’s week long celebration of the business events industry event due to kick off on Monday, 23 February, Karen Bolinger, Chief Executive Officer of MCB, believes that Business Events Week will continue to highlight the enormous impact business events have on the nation’s economy, tourism, knowledge capital and trade. “In leveraging Business Events Week as a profiling opportunity, it is important that MCB continues to build on the success of each year, showcasing the various ways that business events are key contributors and effective drivers of economic development,” said Bolinger. “By 2020, the value of business events to the Australian economy will rise to $31 billion.
High yielding international business events are integral to achieving Australia’s tourism 2020 target. “We want to actively push this message out to a wider audience across academia, industry and the broader community, and our engagement strategy is driven by this.” Key to 2014 was demonstrating the legacies delivered by conferences, in particular to the scientific, medical and health communities. Australia’s Chief Scientist, Professor Ian Chubb, was extremely successful in his role as an ambassador spokesperson for Business Events Week, connecting business events to the research and knowledge sectors. The significance of business events was visibly demonstrated with Melbourne hosting the World Cardiology Congress, the 20th International Worlds AIDS Conference and the World Cancer Congress all in 2014. With a combined delegate attendance of nearly 30,000 delegates, these events delivered an
estimated economic contribution to Victoria of more than $174 million. As well as key announcements including the Melbourne Declaration and AIDS 2014 Legacy Statement, the conferences brought business and biotech expertise to Melbourne and Australia, creating a platform for real change and action. Add in job creation, and research funding and investment opportunities from all business events delivered in Australia and the contribution of the industry to the nation’s economic development becomes evident. The focus of Business Events Week 2015 will align with the industry’s recent efforts to increase engagement with all levels of government and secure increased support for the meetings, conference, exhibitions and incentives sectors. Central to this will be the Business Events Week media conference on Monday, 23 February, where the Business Events Council of Australia (BECA) will launch its first major
Top things to do at AIME Community Hub
Networking Hour
When: Tuesday, 24 February, and Wednesday, 25 February
When: 3.30 – 4.30pm, Wednesday, 25 February
Where: Show floor
Where: Various stands, show floor
Visit the new Community Hub, located at the heart of this year’s show. Divided into four key areas – Business, Knowledge, Inspiration and Networking – the interactive hub will help you better connect with the AIME community.
Catch up with old and new friends at AIME’s networking drinks at one of the many exhibitor events held on the show floor.
AIME Knowledge education program When: Various session times, Tuesday, 24 February, and Wednesday, 25 February Where: Auditorium and Clarendon Room D&E AIME Knowledge, AIME’s
2 AIMEPreview 2015
Australia Speaks – Celebrating 50 years with Saxtons When: 5.15pm, Tuesday, 24 February Where: Plenary 3
education program, is back for 2015. Speakers include creative leader Craig Davis, motivational expert James Adonis and digital strategist Chris Riddell. Individual tickets are $55 or book a visitor all access pass for $175. Visit www.aime.com.au to register as a visitor and book your tickets today.
Don’t miss the chance to see 22 of Australia’s leading presenters and entertainers at the everpopular Saxtons Speakers Bureau event, including Mark Bouris, executive chairman of Yellow Brick Road; media personality Ita Buttrose; and surfer Layne Beachley. Tickets are $89 and include entry to the AIME Movers and Shakers networking
its success study of the sector undertaken since 2005. Matt Hingerty, Chairman of BECA, says he has “seen real change in the movement of business events being recognised for its economic development, trade and export and inward investment contribution”. “Our task is to position our sector not just as a peripheral player in trade deals and domestic economic growth but as central to them,” he said. “To do this we need fundamental data.”
Download the AIME 2015 app now
Apple devices
Android devices
Make the most of your time at AIME by downloading the free AIME 2015 mobile app, featuring the full AIME event schedule, personalised appointment diaries, a full list of Exhibitors and Hosted Buyers, an interactive floorplan, transport information and more. New features in 2015 include the ability to access the AIME social media channels from within the app and the ability to rate the speakers live during the AIME Knowledge program. The new app is available for download by searching “IBTM Events” in each mobile device’s app store or use the QR codes above.
Along with AIME and the CEO Summit, the Business Events Week line up will include the MCB International Market Update, CIM Women in Leadership forum, Australia Speaks – Celebrating 50 years of Saxtons, and Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre’s Open Space event, showcasing innovative design and technology applications for events. To keep up to date on Business Events Week 2015 visit melbournecb.com.au.
after-party in the Community Hub. Visit www.aime.com.au to register.
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A LIST Open House
AIME Gala Dinner When: 7pm, Wednesday, 25 February Where: Secret location (to be revealed, 20 February) Dress: Dress to impress – Cocktail Celebrate the end of another successful AIME at the inaugural Gala Dinner, which wraps up the show on Wednesday night. The new style of event will be a more intimate and relaxed setting for buyers and sellers to network and socialise. Tickets are $165. Visit www.aime.com.au to ensure you don’t miss out!
When: Tuesday, 24 February, and Wednesday, 25 February Where: Show floor
Globe restaurants
Back for a third year, A LIST Open House is a dedicated area where Visitors and Hosted Buyers can meet with new event suppliers and boutique venues to gain inspiration.
When: Tuesday, 24 February, and Wednesday, 25 February
Innovation Zone
Where: Show floor Take your taste buds on a journey of discovery at this year’s exclusive restaurants, Malaysian Delights, sponsored by the Malaysia Convention and Exhibition Bureau, or the night-market inspired Globe Two, featuring burgers and bites, hawker-style street food and freshly made salads.
When: Tuesday, 24 February, and Wednesday, 25 February Where: Show floor Returning to AIME in 2015, the Innovation Zone is the place to check out the latest event technologies and innovations, get hands-on with emerging products set to revolutionise the industry and access key experts.
Crown Spa Pamper Zone When: Tuesday, 24 February, and Wednesday, 25 February Where: Hospitality Suite 2 Hosted Buyers are invited to take a break and enjoy a
complimentary 15 minute neck, shoulder or hand massage performed by Crown Spa’s therapists. Book by emailing pamperzone@crownmelbourne. com.au before 5pm, 13 February.
AIMEPreview 2015 3
AIME • MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA
Learning from the best AIME’s popular AIME Knowledge education program is back again in 2015, with a fantastic line up of speakers sharing their thoughts on topics including innovation, technology, industry trends, marketing and creativity, and providing attendees with skills they can use in their personal and professional lives.
Speakers include advertising guru Craig Davis; James Adonis, one of Australia’s most well-known employee engagement and team leadership educators; and branding expert Carolyn Miller.
Professional Conference Organisers Association, Associations Forum and the Professional Convention Management Association to deliver targeted insightful sessions into day-to-day issues.
Timmins, Exhibition Director at
AIME has also once again partnered with key industry associations including the
“We’ve heavily invested in AIME to deliver the best Knowledge program yet,” says Jacqui
day-to-day operations, as well as
AIME and CIBTM. “The AIME Knowledge program will provide attendees of any industry or skill level with practical skills to improve their tools to enhance their personal and professional lives.”
5 minutes with... Chris Riddell Chris Riddell is an expert in customer experience, innovation and technology. Here he shares his ideas on emerging business trends, driving growth and the importance of being innovative. SESSION: Trends and innovations: what are some of the big trends around the corner, and what are the big innovation stories of today
Q: Crystal-ball gazing, what are the big trends that will affect how we do business in 2015? A: Business today is all about being agile, responsive to customer demands and needs, and also about putting the customer at the very heart of everything you do. There are some really exciting trends that will be on the very front of 2015. Some of these are: • Internet of everything: to put it simply, everything from your car to your washing machine are connecting to the internet and this is changing how we behave dramatically. • Data, data, data: we are swamped with data, yet most businesses have had little success in really harnessing the power of
this data. 2015 is the year where we are going to see some pretty incredible stories of analytics and predictive modelling. • Customer experience: with consumers being more informed than ever, the customer is now front and centre. Businesses must learn that good is no longer good enough. To win loyalty, you’re going to have to create some pretty incredible experiences. Q: What emerging trend are you most excited about? A: Business leaders need to have real-time information to make real-time decisions. Printed reports are so “last season”; it’s now about real-time dashboards, bringing traditional and non traditional data sources together in one clean visualisation.
WHERE:
Auditorium
WHEN:
2.45-3.45pm, Wednesday, 25 February
Another part of this is around predictive analytics and getting the data to pose questions and possibilities. I’m really excited to see who is going to lead this area in 2015.
the front by example. If you are a business leader, hold up the mirror to yourself and ask “Do I foster and support a culture where anyone can bring ideas to the table?”.
Q: How can you plug into trends to drive growth?
Q: How important is it to be innovative?
A: Being informed is the first step and connecting with businesses and people. You’ve got to look outside of your business as well as inside, to see what you can take from others. Make 2015 the year you think and do things differently and you’ll find some pretty amazing things start to happen.
A: I frequently see businesses missing huge opportunities on a daily basis. Every industry is being disrupted today, without exception. The bigger your business the larger the risk is for you of being disrupted and caught off guard. The ability for you to innovate and have the mindset of a start-up will greatly affect your chances of success. Innovation isn't a once in a month thing; it must underpin everything you do.
Q: How do you define innovation? A: Innovation is a culture and a mindset. It's about being open minded and also leading from
WANT TO BUY TICKETS? Individual tickets are $55 or book a visitor all access pass for $175. Book online at www.aime.com.au. 4 AIMEPreview 2015
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Open Space set to open minds
MCEC springboards off record breaking year The Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) came off the back off its most successful year in its history in 2014 with many highlights along the way. MCEC hosted over 1000 events, attracting over 683,000 delegates and welcoming 1.5 million visitors through its doors in 2014. “Our booking calendar was incredibly diverse hosting everything from smaller meetings, worldtouring concerts and tradeshows to exhibitions, conferences, gala dinners, speech nights and AGMs,” says Peter King, MCEC’s chief executive. “We also hosted six of the largest health and medical conferences in the world, including the International AIDS Conference which attracted almost 14,000 delegates. “This year is set to be even bigger and we’re looking forward to another full booking calendar ahead.” This year MCEC’s Plenary will host its first ballet performance with St Petersburg Ballet’s
Swan Lake. The Centre will also host one of the world’s biggest gaming expos for the second time, PAX (Penny Arcade Expo), and stage the World Congress of the International Geothermal Association. “We’re looking forward to hosting the annual Good Friday Appeal for the second time and our signature event Open Space event for the third year running, held during AIME and Business Events Week,” he adds. Another major coup last year was the long awaited government approval of MCEC’s proposed expansion.
Highlighting the creative use of MCEC’s spaces, world-renowned speakers Rachel Botsman and Chris Riddell, both known for their remarkable ability to change the way people think and connect, will headline Open Space’s Plenary session. This will be followed by a complimentary taste of MCEC’s award-winning food in a unique pop-up café designed to inspire attendees to think outside the box for their next event. Join in the social media conversation via #OpenSpace15. Open Space will be held from 11.45am to 1.30pm, Thursday, 26 February. Register for your free ticket at openspace.mcec.com.au.
“We are working with the Victorian Government, Plenary Group and other partners to negotiate and finalise the MCEC expansion master plan,” says King. “Our expansion will ensure we can host larger international conferences and provide greater flexibility to strengthen our position as Australia’s number one business events destination.”
Food goes Global at AIME 2015 Once again Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre’s (MCEC) AIME food offering has plenty to delight your tastebuds.
Convention and Exhibition Bureau, will be serving up a delicious array of traditional Malaysian cuisine created by MCEC’s chefs.
Both Globe restaurants on the show floor are back, with outlets catered by MCEC’s in-house kitchen using the freshest seasonal and local Victorian produce.
Globe Two will feature MCEC’s own food brand Made, served across “night-market” inspired, open kitchen pop-up outlets. Three innovative concepts from MCEC’s new retail outlet guide will be featured – “Burgers
Globe One, sponsored by the Malaysian
Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre’s (MCEC) free signature event Open Space, held during Business Events Week, has now been incorporated into the official AIME program for 2015.
and Bites” will be serving up tasty delights such as pulled wagyu beef sliders with chimichurri. “From the Streets” is hawkerstyle street food inspired by the best of the Mediterranean, while “Provincial Kitchen” will offer a range of freshly prepared salads. MCEC will launch their 2015 retail outlet and catering menu planning guides at AIME, and will also be offering a complimentary taste of some menu items at their stand. AIMEPreview 2015 5
AIME • MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA
EXHIBITORS NEWS
More fun in the Philippines The Philippines is set to boost its presence this year, following the launch of the Department of Tourism’s (DOT) “Visit the Philippines Year (VPY) 2015”. With the tagline “It’s more fun in the Philippines”, DOT hopes to inspire 10 million foreign visitors to discover, explore and fall in love with the Philippines.
to the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Ministerial Meetings and Leaders’ Summit, VPY 2015 will feature an exciting mix of events and activities, as well as the unveiling of more of the historic treasures, natural wonders and unforgettable adventures that make the Philippines so special.
With events ranging from the MTV Music Evolution in May
VPY 2015 comes as DOT makes progress on measures to realise
the planned regional economic integration of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, which includes changes to the visa system, making it easier to travel to the Philippines. “What will truly sustain Visit the Philippines Year 2015 campaign are the people themselves,” said Tourism Secretary, Ramon Jimenez Jr. “I enjoin the businesses, communities and
Hats the way to do it The Northern Territory Convention Bureau (NTCB) will be joined by 17 exhibitors at this year’s AIME, providing tastes of the Territory from the very top of the Top End through to the Red Centre in the heart of Australia. A special feature for AIME 2015 will be an Akubra-fitting station, which will provide the stage for a creative “Hat-Yak” competition. Visitors to the Northern Territory stand will be invited to don a “prop” Akubra hat and talk on camera about an event they would like to take to the NT. The
6 AIMEPreview 2015
locals, to play an active part in spreading and amplifying our messages, enticing would-be visitors to come visit our shores.” For more information about VPY 2015, visit the revitalised “It’s More Fun in the Philippines” website, www. itsmorefuninthephilippines.com. • Philippine Department of Tourism, stand B120
best 20 responses each day will win an Akubra hat, with 40 Akubras to be given away over the course of the show. The NTCB and its industry partners will also be holding a casual buyers-meet-sellers networking event early on the Tuesday evening of AIME. Designed to provide a relaxing wind-down after a busy day on the show floor, the function will be held at Pei Modern restaurant, with transfers provided from AIME. Buyers interested in attending should contact the NTCB team on the NT Stand or via email at info@ntconventions.com.au. • Northern Territory, stand F710
Kiwis offer warm welcome New Zealand will bring its hallmark hospitality to AIME this year, when Conventions and Incentives New Zealand (CINZ) and Tourism New Zealand (TNZ) join forces with 13 key suppliers to showcase New Zealand. CINZ chief executive, Sue Sullivan, says the CINZ 100% Pure New Zealand stand at AIME will be buzzing. “We are upping the ante, and transplanting to AIME some of the hospitality that we know Australians and people from around the world love when they visit New Zealand,” she said. “In New Zealand, caring for our guests is at the heart of our culture. The best way to describe our warm welcome is ‘manaakitanga’, a Maori word that means hospitality, and part of that is providing great food and making our visitors feel at home.” Buyers will be treated to a host of New Zealand flavours, adds CINZ Australia manager Sharon Auld. “Day buyers will appreciate a chance to enjoy a tasty bite on the go with the 100% Pure New Zealand Express Day Buyer lunches,” she says. “For wine lovers, 100% Pure New Zealand Cloudy Bay Drinks is the place to be on Tuesday from 3.30 to 4.30pm. • 100% Pure New Zealand, stand B620
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10 years and counting The Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC) racks up 10 years in business in 2015 and what better way to celebrate than by rewarding the clients and other stakeholders that have contributed to the outstanding success of the Centre to date? To this end, a number of new marketing and promotional packages, ranging from discounts on ancillary charges for Day Conference Packages to complimentary mocktails for Banquets and Exhibition Loyalty Value-Add Programme tier upgrades, have been launched in appreciation of everyone’s continuing patronage and support. Malaysia’s premier convention facility, the KLCC offers 22,659sqm of purpose-built, flexible function space on a 2.95 hectare site in the heart of Kuala Lumpur, and
prides itself on maintaining an innovative and flexible mindset to deliver quality, value-add solutions to its international, regional and local clients for their business tourism, banqueting and entertainment events. For more information visit www. klccconventioncentre.com or the KLCC stand. • Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, stand A620
Gold Coast BUSINESS EVENTS
NOTHING LIKE YOU EXPECT E X A C T LY W H AT Y O U ’ R E L O O K I N G F O R
The Gold Coast is famous for fun, but it’s also a world-class meeting, incentive, conference and exhibition destination. Inspiring, energetic and exciting, the Gold Coast is the perfect destination for any business event, from intimate meetings to spectacular gala events. GOLDCOASTBUSINESSEVENTS.COM
AIMEPreview 2015 7
Official AIME Preview
Business events increase for Cairns Douglas said the team had received leads worth $18.4 million and confirmed $4 million worth of corporate and associate meetings for the region since July 1, a 50 per cent increase from the same period last year. “While we were confident that the profile of the G20 and ATE14 would result in an increase in business long term, we are really pleased to see these immediate results,” she said.
Interest in Tropical North Queensland is booming, with Business Events Cairns & Great Barrier Reef reporting a 63 per cent increase in business event leads off the back of Cairns hosting a G20 meeting and the Australian Tourism Exchange (ATE) in 2014. Business events director Rosie
“Hosting these events has enabled Cairns to demonstrate its outstanding conference capabilities and very strong, professional and collaborative business events industry. “Delegates enjoy our easy aviation access and welcoming inner-city convention precinct, while event organisers are looking for truly unique venues with a wow factor.
“Our point of difference is the region’s dual World Heritage areas of the Great Barrier Reef and the Wet Tropics rainforest which present endless opportunities for amazing gala dinners, challenging team building activities and an incentive to stay longer for a holiday.”
Publisher Alexandra Yeomans Managing Editor Ylla Wright Journalist Sheridan Randall Account Manager Michelle Cullen Design/Production Manager Bin Zhou Production Co-ordinator Anne Esteban Administration Assistant Kate Wilcox
Douglas said much of the business had come from within Australia, but there also was strong interest from New Zealand. “The G20 and ATE14 have really placed Cairns on the business events map and the team at Business Events Cairns & Great Barrier Reef are taking every opportunity to build on this success.” The Bureau will be joined at AIME by seven key industry partners. • Business Events Cairns & Great Barrier Reef, stand E500
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MORE THAN MEETING EXPECTATIONS ... and you thought we were just a magazine. Have we got news for you. Come and visit us at AIME on stand E519. Official publisher of the AIME Daily.
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