AIME looks to further growth

AIME 2002 is poised to be a watershed event for many in the industry who get back to the business of buying and selling products and services after a tumultuous 2001. For the event, delegates will surely welcome the appointment by Reed Travel Exhibitions (RTE) of Mr David Crooke as AIME exhibition manager. Mr Crooke has more than eight years' experience with Reed Exhibitions, working for six in the UK before moving to the Sydney office two years ago. He brings with him a wealth of experience in the management of exhibitions across a variety of industries, including retail, manufacturing and electronic engineering, that bodes well for the future of the region's leading conference, exhibition and incentive (CEI) event. "The opportunity to work with RTE on AIME, one of the world's leading CEI events, is both exciting and challenging. My experience working on other exhibitions with hosted buyer programmes and pre-scheduled appointments will be extremely beneficial to my role at AIME," Mr Crooke says. AIME 2002 is set to be the largest version of the show yet, with 600 companies exhibiting from 60 destinations. "Obviously the challenge for AIME 2002 is to ensure visitor numbers are strong, particularly considering the events of September 11 and the airline situation in Australia and internationally," Mr Crooke ads. "AIME 2002 has about the same number of exhibitors as last year, but interestingly, a number of companies that have exhibited with us before have increased their space at AIME this year. "There is a 10% to 15% increase in space among exhibitors from Asia and we have a large group of new exhibitors," he says. RTE investment, combined with strong buyer interest and continued support from Australian airline Qantas are once again major contributing factors to making the annual event a success. "Despite the difficulties that have faced airlines both within Australia and internationally, AIME has a strong contingent of buyers from Asia, USA, Europe and the UK," says Mr Crooke. "Obviously we lost Ansett as a sponsor, but we are extremely grateful for the continued support Qantas have given to AIME for many years. In addition, RTE has invested heavily to ensure buyers can visit AIME 2002." Over the next three to five years, the show is expected to take on a more international guise, although growth from the region is central to the development of the event. "We expect to see more growth in exhibitor and buyer numbers from Asia. We have worked closely with Asian companies through our office in Singapore, which is part of the RTE global network," Mr Crooke says. The RTE Hosted Buyers Programme has been credited as one of the cornerstones of the success of AIME as it guarantees quality buyers. This year specialist agents in the UK and US have helped RTE in qualifying buyers to ensure the right people were hosted to the show. While RTE's international network continues to help develop the Hosted Buyers Programme, so does it in Australia where it works to ensure national buyers visit AIME too. And, in doing so it consolidates itself as a key event for the local industry. This year also sees technology upgrades and seminar programme improvements all playing their part in the development of the event. "RTE is continually looking for ways to enhance its CEI events such as EIBTM and AIME," says Mr Crooke. "Technology is now playing an important role in AIME. This year we have upgraded our website and introduced an online diary system. "We currently work closely with industry associations to bring the best and the most up to date information to AIME visitors through the AIME seminar programme. "This will continue. Our close links to industry associations help RTE to keep close to the market and understand the needs of our exhibitors, hosted buyers and visitors." The show will also be used by exhibitors to enhance Australia's status as a world-class CEI destination continues to be harnessed through on-going infrastructure improvements and innovative usage of existing product. This is no more evident than in the case of Western Australia which is bidding to become a major player for 1,000 plus delegate conventions with construction of the nation's latest purpose built complex, the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre (PCEC). Located in the heart of Perth's central business district, the US$130million centre will boast views of the city and Swan River and when it is completed in May 2004. According to the newly appointed chief executive officer, Mr Peter Brokenshire, the centre will be built incorporating the latest technology that will be mixed with high quality traditional customer service. The centre's facilities include: a Great Hall, designed for plenary sessions, with tiered theatre-style seating for up to 2,500 delegates, 19 specialist meeting rooms varying in size from 60sqm to 300sqm, the Grand Ballroom, seating up to 1,800 banquet style and subdividable into two smaller ballrooms and pre-function and foyer areas on all three levels of the centre with views of the Swan River and the city. One recently completed purpose built convention centre is the Alice Springs Convention Centre (ASCC) three years ago is finding its location a major draw. "It is the only purpose build centre in the outback," ASCC national sales manager Mr Andrew Oldfield says. "Corporates find Alice Springs an exciting destination for a number of reasons, such as competitive costs, venue space and accommodation rates. It is easily accessible with flying time just three hours from every mainland capital and an exciting and unique adventure destination." Dreamworld on Queensland's Gold Coast, is another venue where there are new ideas being offered for planners. New themed events for 2002 include "Cocktails with the Koalas", which involves taking a steam-train ride to Koala Country and enjoying drinks and photos under the stars with Dreamworld's koalas, and "The Aussie Backyard BBQ". "Large incentive groups can have access to use Dreamworld's new studios for shows, presentations and performances for up to 1,300 guests," special event manager Ms Sue McDonald says. If buyers are looking for something to combine an experience with transportation, the luxury Great South Pacific Express is offering new options in 2002 and 2003. In July 2002 the famous train will be travelling from Brisbane to Longreach - the birthplace of Qantas Airways and Stockman's Hall of Fame. Included will be a gala dinner at Longreach with celebrity entertainment under the stars. The two-night journey will also include a one-way flight, allowing clients to fly from home to Longreach and back to Brisbane on the train or arrive in style on the Great South Pacific Express and fly home to city of origin. November 2003 will see Australia's Orient Express travelling from Brisbane and Sydney to Melbourne for the nation's most celebrated horse-racing event, the Melbourne Cup.