The 20 per cent increase since AIME 2020, held before the pandemic, signals strong recovery across the business events industry.
New industry research released by Asia Pacific Incentives and Meetings Event (AIME) has revealed that buyers placed/expect to place AUD120 million (USD83.84 million) in business as a result of their attendance at AIME 2022, which was held in Melbourne from 21 to 23 March and online from 28 March to 1 April.
The research also found that 95 per cent of exhibitors cited AIME 2022 as an important event for their business, with over 94 per cent stating they were impressed with their return on investment. Additionally, 95 per cent of delegates agree that AIME is the place to make important business connections, namely due to its great atmosphere (83 per cent) and strong reputation (81 per cent).
AIME Event Director Silke Calder stated that AIME 2022 defied all expectations. “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.
“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.”
Right from the minute the first international delegates stepped through the arrivals gate, AIME owners the Melbourne Convention Bureau (MCB) were sure to greet them with a ‘Very Melbourne Welcome’.
MCB CEO Julia Swanson commented: “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.”
Across the three-day event, the energy on the show floor maintained high spirits, with new relationships forged and old friendships reignited. With over 1,660 visitor buyers and suppliers in attendance, the show also included over 230 exhibitors and 320 hosted buyers present.
Looking to drive business for the year ahead by meeting with both international and domestic buyers, Destination Gold Coast was out in force at AIME 2022, bringing delegates up to speed on the latest innovations and offerings from the coastal city.
Destination Gold Coast’s CEO, Patricia O’Callaghan, said: “This year, our presence at AIME was larger than ever before as the Gold Coast cements itself as The Imagination Capital of Australia for business events. AIME 2022 gave us the opportunity to come together as an industry to make meaningful connections – and you can’t put a price on connections.”
Reflecting on his time at AIME 2022, Aonia Group CEO Daniel Chua, a long-standing AIME hosted buyer, said: “With its Asia Pacific focus, AIME is undoubtedly an event like no other. This year’s event saw AIME’s organisers showcase the best our region has to offer. Everyone I met brought an incredible amount of knowledge and expertise in their offering.”
AIME says excitement is building for its 2023 show, with 98 per cent of exhibitors who showcased at this year’s event expressing interest to attend AIME 2023.
Celebrating 30 years, AIME 2023 will be held at Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre on 13–15 February 2023. For expressions of interest or for more information, please visit aime.com.au.