Record breaking AIME 2006 opens in Melbourne next week

Reed Travel Exhibitions (RTE) is expecting record numbers at AIME 2006, as final preparations are made for the 14th staging of the event next week in Melbourne, Australia.

AIME 2006, 14th AsiaPacific Incentives & Meetings Expo opens at 10am on Tuesday 6 June at the Melbourne Exhibition Centre.

“We are expecting 850 exhibitors from 50 countries to be represented at AIME this year, up from 827 exhibiting companies last year,” said Rosemarie Sama, AIME Event Director.

The largest space at the exhibition has been taken by host city Melbourne and surrounding regional Victoria exhibitors. The stand combines the presence of the Melbourne Convention + Visitors Bureau, AIME’s owner, the Melbourne Exhibition and Convention Centre and the Regional Victoria Conference Group and covers 270 square metres of space.

The two largest exhibitors from Asia are Hong Kong and Thailand, with stands each covering 180 square metres.

Many exhibitors have also increased their space and visitors can expect to see larger exhibits from India Tourism, China, Mauritius, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Malaysia, Queenstown in New Zealand, and from Australian exhibitors Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Cairns & Regional Convention Bureau and the Northern Territory.

“Hosted Buyer numbers are also strong with a record 445 expected to attend from 27 countries,” Ms Sama said.

The Australian Minister for Small Business & Tourism, Hon Fran Bailey MP, will officially open AIME 2006 at 9.45am next Tuesday. Doors open at 10am.

AIME 2006: 10am-6pm, Tuesday 6 June; 10am-5pm, Wednesday 7 June.

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