The Asia Pacific Incentives and Meetings Event (AIME) has released new insights on the success of the show, recently held in Melbourne (March 21–23), and online (March 28 to April 1).
New industry research has revealed that buyers placed/expect to place A$120 million in business as a result of their attendance at AIME 2022, a 20 per cent increase on 2020 pre-Covid.
Ninety-five per cent of exhibitors cited AIME 2022 as an important event for their business, with over 94 per cent stating they were impressed with their return on investment. Furthermore, 95 per cent of delegates agree AIME is the place to make important business connections, namely due to its great atmosphere (83%) and strong reputation (81%).
AIME event director, Silke Calder, celebrated the show’s success: “This year AIME defied all expectations. We’ve received incredible feedback from exhibitors and buyers from all over the world, many of whom have revived their business activities as a result of attending AIME.
“It was most rewarding to see the industry back in its natural element – networking and building relationships face-to-face – these are the things that build success and enrich us on a personal level.”
Melbourne Convention Bureau’s CEO Julia Swanson said: “It’s been two years since we’ve hosted an event of AIME’s calibre in the city, and with the support of the Victorian State Government, this event was the first real opportunity to show the world that Melbourne is back in action and ready for business.”
Across the three-day event, there were over 1,660 visitor buyers and suppliers in attendance, and the show also included over 230 exhibitors, and a further 320 hosted buyers present.
Ninety-eight per cent of exhibitors who showcased at this year’s event have expressed interest to attend AIME 2023. Celebrating 30 years, AIME 2023 will be held at Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre on February 13-15, 2023.
