Reed brings in Crooke to handle AIME show

MELBOURNE Reed Travel Exhibitions (RTE) has appointed Mr David Crooke to the position of exhibition manager for the Asia Pacific Incentives & Meetings Expo (AIME). With more than eight years at Reed Exhibitions - six in the UK and two in Sydney - Mr Crooke brings with him exhibition management and launch experience, with the inaugural e-business expo held in Sydney and the management of Reed Exhibition's largest Australian retail events, the Sydney and Melbourne Gift Trade Fairs. Mr Crooke was confident AIME 2002 would grow, despite the knock-on effects of September 11. "We're already ahead of where we were at this time last year so we are looking to take AIME forward," he said. "We have introduced a number of new initiatives for the 2002 show. Just one example of increasing networking opportunities is the replacement of the gala dinner with a themed supper party." Mr Crooke was also positive the logistics of ensuring all exhibitors and buyers arrive at the show would be resolved despite the fact Ansett was previously one of the show's major sponsors. "Nothing has been confirmed as yet, but we have approached other airlines for help so we are sure getting to the show won't be a problem," he added. Mr Crooke replaces Ms Gabrielle Stephens, who left the position in August last year.