SCVB chief denies SOS-AIME rivalries

By Mark Armsden SYDNEY Claims of growing demand for a greater focus on convention and incentive sales outlets has lead to the expansion of the Sydney on Sale (SOS) trade show, not a wish to compete with AIME. This year's show at the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre on June 20-21 has expanded and for the first time in its 13-year history will include destinations outside Sydney and New South Wales despite being launched as a Sydney-specific show. Sydney Convention & Visitors Bureau managing director Mr Jon Hutchison said the fair was not competing with AIME as AIME included international exhibitors while SOS would only include Australian products. "Sydney on Sale features Sydney and regional New South Wales, and will for the first time provide buyers with access to suppliers of meeting services from other Australian states, but it is our intention to keep it focused on domestic products and services," he said. "By opening up Sydney on Sale to national suppliers of meeting and event services for the first time in the show's 13-year history, we're responding to the interest the show holds, for the Sydney market and hosted buyers, as a forum for new services."