Reed reports increased level of interest from AIME buyers

MELBOURNE A record number of industry professionals have applied for hosted buyer status for AIME 2003, according to organisers. Close to 300 buyers from Australia, Europe, North America, south-east Asia and the Asia Pacific were hosted at AIME 2002, and organiser Reed Travel Exhibitions (RTE) said it planned to increase this figure for the 2003 edition of the show on February 18 and 19 at the Melbourne Exhibition and Convention Centre. AIME exhibition manager Mr David Crooke said RTE had planned a number of "improvements" to AIME's online diary system and seller meets buyer sessions to cope with the expected increase in buyers. "We are planning to have the online diary system open for longer and to keep it open as close to the event as we can," Mr Crooke said. "Following feedback from buyers on the pre-scheduled appointment system at AIME last year we have moved to reduce the number of pre-scheduled appointments from 12 to nine per day, or from 24 to 18 over the two days, to give buyers more flexibility. "Hosted delegates rated the pre-scheduled appointment system very highly last year. Their only request was a little more flexibility. "By reducing the number of pre-scheduled appointments in (for the next show), we've ensured hosted delegates will have more time to see additional exhibitors."