AIME gains convention bureaux boost

AIME event director, Rosemarie Sama, said: "Six Australian convention and tourism bureaux have taken more space than ever before, which is indicative of a prosperous year for the business-events industry." Angela Uhlig, director of sales and marketing, Cairns and Region Convention Bureau, said AIME is a major sales arena. "During AIME 2005, 83 sales leads were generated with a potential economic impact of US$37.3 million for the region. "We also wrote business at the show in excess of US$373,000 and this business was to take place within the next six months. "Due to the positive results of AIME 2005 we have had to increase our stand space to accommodate for the growing number of stakeholders that wish to take part," she said. Pavan Bhatia, CEO, Gold Coast Tourism (GCT), also said the response from AIME 2005 was positive. "Our continued participation and investment at AIME allows us to further enhance our reputation as one of Australia's fastestgrowing business-tourism destinations," he said. According to Lynn Fairbrass, manager, Northern Territory Convention Bureau, the Northern Territory stand has been increasing in size for the last three years. Mike Williams, general manager sales, Melbourne Convention and Visitors Bureau, said the bureau has heightened its focus since the Victorian Government announced it would construct a new 5,000-seat convention centre by 2009. He said: "Another priority market for us is the Asian incentive market since our recent announcement to open two new offices in Asia." The two-day AIME 2006 show will host 480 incentive and convention industry buyers, which is a 13 per cent increase on AIME 2005.