That’s a Wrap on AIME 2018

The buyers and sellers of the Asia-Pacific Incentives and Meetings Expo (AIME) have concluded two jam-packed days of networking and business meetings which included 25 new exhibitors to the show floor.

On the evening of day one, the popular Networking Hour saw the Northern Territory Convention Bureau host delegates on their stand with uniquely themed Territorian-styled beverages and canapes, such as lemon myrtle-infused feta with green ants and crocodile kabana.

Long-time exhibitor Shahnaz Bakhshay, Director of Sales, TFE Hotels, said that AIME had delivered a lot of great quality buyers this year – helping them secure sound leads.

“AIME 2018 has delivered on quality buyers for us; we have had some great appointments with buyers who have significant budgets. We’ve been able to showcase all the latest developments with our properties. If only half of these leads come off, we’ll be having a terrific year,” said Ms Bakhshay.

Whilst AIME has enjoyed 26 years, it still attracts a number of new buyers and sellers every time, with 2018 seeing an increase in the number of ‘first-timer exhibitors’ on the show floor.

For the first time, QuizzaMe Australia, showcased their interactive trivia product - that has no pens or paper in sight (just wireless buzzes) on their stand.

“As a first-time exhibitor we are very happy with the level of interest and have made lots of new connections. It’s been a chance to talk about our product in the events space. It’s been really easy, running demo games and bringing some fun to AIME.

“We’ve met some great people, who are our perfect target market and we are very excited about all the potential new business. We're already looking forward to next year,” said Quiz Master Paul.

Highlights from day two included:

• Tourism New Zealand, held their annual VIP breakfast on the 100% Pure New Zealand stand with approximately 120 attendees. They revealed insights from their in-depth report: Art of Excellence at Association Events
• Rentertainment wowed delegates with their VR Pit Stop Challenge, a custom-built virtual reality experience specifically built for the Formula 1. The game puts two people head-to-head testing speed and accuracy 
• Cvent’s Express Challenge invited delegates to create an event, launch a website and print a badge in record time. The quickest time recorded at AIME was 9 minutes and 30 seconds. The current global record is 6 minutes and 9 seconds
• During last night’s Networking Hour, the AIME community acknowledged Jo-Anne Kelleway, Founder of Info Salons, as this year’s 2018 Industry Person of the Year, for her significant contributions and innovations to the events industry

This is the last AIME managed by Reed Travel Exhibitions for show owners Melbourne Convention Bureau.

www.aime.com.au