May 6, 2022 | By Bronwen Largier
Research conducted on the Asia Pacific Incentives and Meetings Event (AIME) 2022 has buyers placing or expecting to place $120 million in business as a result of the show in March.
Show organisers say this is a 20 per cent increase compared to business secured at the 2020 show, however nervousness around the coronavirus was already emerging at the time of that event.
Ninety-five per cent of AIME 2022’s exhibitors said the event was important to their business and 94 per cent were impressed by their return on investment in attending.
“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,” said AIME’s event director Silke Calder.
“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.”
Attendees at the event included more than 1,660 visitor buyers and suppliers, over 230 exhibitors and 320 hosted buyers.
“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,” said Julia Swanson, CEO of Melbourne Convention Bureau, which owns the event.
“Everyone I met brought an incredible amount of knowledge and expertise in their offering,” said hosted buyer, Aonia Group CEO Daniel Chua.
“For the majority of the industry, AIME 2022 was the first event that required international travel, and it was definitely worthwhile. I was extremely grateful to be at AIME and return to Melbourne – Australia’s events capital. Melbourne is where the magic happens!” he said.
Talk2 Media and Events is the event’s organiser.