Brought to you by AIME 2023
It’s AIME’s 30th Birthday – any historical anecdotes to share?
I remember my first AIME. I picked up my name badge and attended the hosted buyer briefing. The energy in the room was palpable and watching the joy as so many people hugged, kissed and laughed as they came together again was like nothing I had experienced.
What’s changed in your time in the industry?
The increase of digital in our sector perhaps goes without saying. When I started it was good old fashioned recording and sending these out on VHS tapes.
What do you think our industry will look like in 30 years?
Immersive and experiential learning is growing and we need to learn how to create these educationally based experiences in our program.
Have you met any partners or made new business contacts through AIME?
Every year I meet new partners and business contacts at AIME. It’s one of the main reasons I continue to go year on year.
What are your top tips for networking?
If you’re on your own, don’t be afraid to approach that group and make conversation. Our industry is warm and welcoming. Let people know you’re flying solo – you’ll be building a network before you know it.
What do you think is the biggest challenge facing the industry?
There are a few things I could mention here but the skills shortage is key. Our industry is no longer seen as attractive to newcomers.. There is no clear pathway – especially for young people – for career growth and progression. We need to undertake career mapping and show how rich and diverse our industry is.
What are the key trends you are seeing in your area of specialty?
Within associations the need to reconnect in-person seems to be a key trend. With digital content, there are mixed feelings with some associations returning to in-person only and some maintaining a digital presence, as it relates to conferences.
What would you most like to learn about at AIME?
How can we unite as one industry to drive recognition through all levels of government, corporate and associations to increase our standing, appreciation and funding to drive more events into the Australian market.
What are some things you would advise someone to do who is attending AIME for the first time?
● Respect the time of the buyers. If you’re attending as a hosted buyer, attend every appointment. If you get behind schedule, go and see any appointments you missed to reschedule.
● Be open to learning!
If you could meet or chat to one person at AIME who would it be?
Julia Knowles! Julia was the person behind Her Majesty’s funeral. It was perfection in motion and such an example of the power of events.
What are some of your go-to places when you’re in Melbourne (food/coffee/experiences)?
Mamasita for some delicious Mexican; Hochi mama and Straight outta Saigon for Asian; walking everywhere and listening to the sights and sounds.
The Asia Pacific Incentives and Meetings Event (AIME) is the leading trade event for the meetings and event industry in the Asia Pacific region. AIME is where industry decision makers connect, create and do business. Applications for AIME’s highly regarded Hosted Buyer Program close 13 December 2022. Find out more here.
For more details or to register:
● aime.com.au
● facebook.com/AIMEAsiaPacific
● instagram.com/aimeasiapacific
● LinkedIn – AIME
For AIME sales, sponsorship or hosted buyer enquiries contact:
● Sales and Sponsorship: aime@talk2.media
● Hosted Buyers: aime.buyers@talk2.media
Prior to that, Sison was director of sales at Raffles and Fairmont Makati as well as Mandarin Oriental in Manila. She was also director of sales and marketing at Discovery Suites Ortigas.
Prior to joining The Hari Hong Kong, Snoeks was general manager of Meliá Chiang Mai. Other positions he has held include pre-opening general manager of Sindhorn Kempinski Hotel Bangkok & The Residences, as well as Thailand’s regional general manager and general manager of The Okura Prestige Bangkok.
Following a successful collaboration between Cvent and Zoom Video Communications, Inc in delivering an engaging end-to-end hybrid experience at Zoomtopia 2022, Zoom’s global hybrid conference, both companies are now working to bring the same capabilities to other organisations via the Zoom App Marketplace.
“We recognise the value Cvent brings as a long-time leader powering in-person events around the world,” said Steven Li, ISV sales and strategy leader at Zoom.
“Zoom has always been a company built to connect and bring people together, which is why we are excited to team up with Cvent so that our customers can seamlessly tap into our best-in-class platforms to deliver more dynamic and impactful hybrid events.”
“In today’s event environment, an organization’s Total Event Program includes a blend of in-person, virtual, and hybrid events to maximise attendee engagement, reach and overall programme impact,” said Cvent CMO Patrick Smith.
“But without the right technology partners, organisations often struggle to effectively manage and execute their more complex hybrid experiences. As a leading communications platform, Zoom recognised this area of opportunity, and we’re excited to work with Zoom to help our mutual clients deliver world-class hybrid experiences.”