85% of AIME 2004 booked in first round offer

A massive 85% of available space at AIME 2004 has been booked by previous exhibitors following the first round offer distributed in July. AIME – the AsiaPacific Incentives and Meetings Expo – is one of Asia Pacific's largest business travel, incentives and meetings event.

“There has been an overwhelming response, with many exhibitors opting for additional space in 2004,” said AIME Exhibition Manager, Rosemarie Sama.

Regions and Bureaux that have increased the size of their stands include: Korea National Tourism Organisation, The Bali Pavilion, Hong Kong Tourism Board, Adelaide Convention & Tourism Authority, Townsville Convention Bureau, Melbourne Convention & Visitors Bureau, Regional Victoria Conference Group, Canadian Tourism Commission, Christchurch & Canterbury Convention Bureau and Wellington Convention Bureau.

In addition, individual exhibitors Mirvac Hotels & Resorts, Flag Choice Hotels, Laguna Phuket and Highlights of Hawaii, have increased their space.

Andrew Clark, Regional Director Australia and New Zealand, Hong Kong Tourism Board, said that AIME is an important part of the Board’s activity.

"Hong Kong is back on the map post SARS as far as the leisure and business traveller is concerned, but there is a longer planning cycle with the convention and incentive market. It is important that our profile is strong for AIME 2004 as it is the critical show in the region. AIME is an important part of our activity,” Mr Clark said.

“Our general consumer advertising starts quite soon so hopefully the decision makers will be receptive to thinking about Hong Kong again. By the time AIME comes around, we hope they will be making a commitment to future events in Hong Kong," he said.

South Australia will also have a larger presence than in 2003.

“The South Australian contingent has increased its space at AIME 2004 due to overwhelming success in the 2003 event. AIME provides the Adelaide Convention & Tourism Authority (ACTA) and its members an invaluable opportunity to increase awareness and highlight new developments directly to national decision makers,” said Catherine Leonard, ACTA Director of Sales.

The Regional Victoria Conference Group (RVCG) has taken 120 square metres of space, mirroring the design of the Melbourne Convention + Visitors Bureau stand, but using regional colour coding to form a major Victorian experience.

“We have taken space for 36 regional exhibitors and we will have good representation from all regions throughout the State of Victoria,” said Mark Francis, RVCG Chairman.

Mr Francis said that rather than running its own trade show, the RVCG was working with Reed Travel Exhibitions (RTE) to market AIME to their target buyers, and to provide a one stop shop for buyers to see all that Victoria has to offer.

“We are working closely with exhibitors, industry associations, our sponsors and the trade media to ensure that AIME 2004 delivers the quality audience required to generate sales and bookings for our exhibitors,” Ms Sama said.

“With our current level of exhibitor response we are on track to see a larger AIME than ever before.

“Companies wishing to participate in AIME 2004 should contact us as soon as possible, to secure the best possible sites from our available space,” Ms Sama said.

“With more exhibitors than ever before and a record number of 400 Hosted  Buyers expected to attend, plus additional marketing to attract local corporate and association buyers, we expect AIME 2004 to deliver excellent results.”

AIME 2004 will be held 17-18 February at the Melbourne Exhibition and Convention Centre, Australia.