AIME team hopeful of attendance hike

MELBOURNE Despite the current challenges facing the international conference and incentive industry, Reed Travel Exhibitions (RTE) is confident the Asia Pacific Incentives & Meetings Expo (AIME) will increase both its number of exhibiting companies and hosted buyers. More than 600 exhibitors from 60 destinations are expected at the show on February 19-20 next year at the Melbourne Exhibition and Convention Centre. "Hong Kong, Singapore and Malaysia have all enlarged their stands, as have Sarawak and Sabah. Fiji has doubled its space," RTE exhibition director - MICE events Ms Debbie Jackson said. "We expect an increase in Asian exhibitors and RTE is targeting Asia with a strong marketing campaign to increase buyer attendance from this region." RTE is still forecasting an increase in hosted buyers at AIME 2002.