BROUGHT TO YOU BY
OFFICIALAIMEDAILY 22nd Asia-Pacific Incentives & Meetings Expo
PREVIEW
Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre • 18 - 19 February, 2014
Looking forward to
AIME 2014
As the finishing touches are put on the program for this month’s Asia-Pacific Incentives & Meetings Expo (AIME), organisers are saying that this year’s event will be the best one yet. “We have a number of new features we cannot wait for our attendees to experience!” says Jacqui Timmins, Exhibition Director at AIME. “And we see the return of some favourites to the show as well. You will need the full two days at AIME to experience the entire program we have put together for you, including key business connections, fabulous networking and two days of thought-provoking education in the AIME Knowledge seminars.” With Hosted Buyers and Visitors saying last year’s show exceeded expectations, organisers are pulling out all stops this year. “We essentially started planning for AIME 2014 as soon as we wrapped up AIME 2013,” says Timmins. “We’re constantly looking at new ways to build on our successes and find fresh new innovations to meet the requirements of our attendees and Exhibitors.”
Amongst the new initiatives in 2014 are a new Events and Services Pavilion, an International Pavilion, and the Innovation Zone, sponsored by Sabre Pacific, which will provide attendees with fresh ideas and the latest innovations for the business events industry. Back by popular demand is the A LIST Open House, a dedicated area where attendees can meet with event suppliers and venues to gain inspiration for their own events. “And don’t forget to refuel at our two amazing restaurants – the International Food Market, offering three different international cuisines and the Malaysia Kopitiam, delighting us with regional dishes, sponsored by the Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau,” says Timmins. Ramping up the excitement will be roving entertainers on the show floor, courtesy of Music Theatre Australia as well as the always thrilling Saxton Ultimate Event Experience, featuring a number of live entertainers such as ARIA award-winning vocal group The Idea of North, and Michelle Bridges, from the popular TV program, The Biggest Loser. Not to be missed are the show’s networking events including the Official Welcome Reception, which kicks off AIME with a bang on Monday, 17 February. While the location of this year’s Welcome Reception won’t be revealed until Friday, 14 February, Karen Bolinger, Chief Executive
Officer of the Melbourne Convention Bureau (MCB), says it will literally pop-up at an unexpected site. “Melbourne is renowned for its weird and wonderful pop-up culture and that is exactly what we are replicating for the AIME Welcome Reception this year,” she says. “The ability to create this event just hours before the occasion is testament to Melbourne’s versatility and what the city is synonymous for; unpredictable, innovative fun and a discovery around every corner. “Whether it’s in the Royal Botanic Gardens or down a laneway, indoors or outdoors, delegates will certainly experience Melbourne’s eclectic and inspirational vibe.”
Have your say in the AIME Awards New to AIME in 2014 is The People's Choice Award. Attendees are encouraged to take photos of their favourite stand whilst at AIME and upload to AIME social media channels using hashtag #aimemelbournepeopleschoice. The winners will be announced at the show on Wednesday afternoon at 3.30pm in the International Food Market at the AIME Farewell Bubbles.