AIME 2001 adds 'meet' to Melbourne agenda - Oct 00

By Stephanie Roberts MELBOURNE Reed Travel Exhibitions is to introduce its "buyers meet sellers" programme at the Asia Pacific Incentives & Meetings Expo (AIME) next year. This will be the first time AIME will feature the programme, although it is already operational at other Reed-organised shows, including EIBTM in Geneva. "When the show's organisation was under the previous management, the right time, the right place and the right resources did not materialise to introduce such a scheme," AIME exhibition manager Ms Gabrielle Stephens said. "This programme will undoubtedly enhance the success of the show. We will still organise one-to-one meetings between visitor and exhibitor. "However, customer feedback has shown us in an exhibition hall of this size, it would be helpful to have an additional programme to make better use of the gaps between meetings." "With around 2,400 visitors and a total of more than 500 exhibitors expected at the show, making the right contacts is essential." To allow increased flexibility, AIME has arranged a "meet" on the Monday before AIME for those participating in the pre-scheduled appointment programme. Exhibitors will be able to approach buyers and then arrange additional one-to-one appointments at this meeting. Reed is expecting a large number of exhibitors from Asia, Australia and New Zealand at the show. AIME 2001 will take place on February 20-21 at the Melbourne Exhibition Centre and the "meet" session will be held on February 19.