AIME releases insights on success of its 2022 show

Asia Pacific Incentives and Meetings Event (AIME) - the leading meetings and conventions event in the region – has released new insights on the success of the show, recently held in Melbourne (21st–23rd March), and online (28th March–1st April).

New industry research has revealed that buyers placed/expect to place $120 million in business as a result of their attendance at AIME 2022. This is a 20% increase on 2020 (pre-Covid).

95% of exhibitors cited AIME 2022 as an important event for their business, with over 94% stating they were impressed with their return on investment. Furthermore, 95% of delegates agree AIME is the place to make important business connections, namely due to its great atmosphere (83%) and strong reputation (81%).

Endorsing the success of the 2022 event, AIME Event Director, Silke Calder notes “this year AIME defied all expectations. We’ve received incredible feedback from exhibitors and buyers from all over the world, many of whom have revived their business activities as a result of attending AIME.

“It was most rewarding to see the industry back in its natural element – networking and building relationships face-to-face - these are the things that build success and enrich us on a personal level.”

From the minute the first international delegates stepped through the arrivals gate, AIME owners the Melbourne Convention Bureau (MCB) greeted them with a ‘Very Melbourne Welcome’.

MCB Chief Executive Julia Swanson notes “It’s been two years since we’ve hosted an event of AIME’s calibre in the city, and with the support of the Victorian State Government, this event was the first real opportunity to show the world that Melbourne is back in action and ready for business.”

Across the three-day event, the energy on the show floor maintained high spirits, with new relationships forged and old friendships reignited. With over 1,660 visitor buyers and suppliers in attendance, the show also included over 230 exhibitors, and a further 320 hosted buyers present.

Looking to drive business for the year ahead by meeting with both international and domestic buyers, Destination Gold Coast was out in force at AIME 2022, bringing delegates up to speed on the latest innovations and offerings from the coastal city.

Destination Gold Coast Chief Executive, Patricia O’Callaghan shared “this year, our presence at AIME was larger than ever before as the Gold Coast cements itself as The Imagination Capital of Australia for business events. AIME 2022 gave us the opportunity to come together as an industry to make meaningful connections – and you can’t put a price on connections.”

Reflecting on his time at AIME 2022, Aonia Group Chief Executive, Daniel Chua, a long-standing AIME hosted buyer added “with its Asia Pacific focus, AIME is undoubtedly an event like no other. This year’s event saw AIME’s organisers showcase the best our region has to offer. Everyone I met brought an incredible amount of knowledge and expertise in their offering.

“For the majority of the industry, AIME 2022 was the first event that required international travel, and it was definitely worthwhile. I was extremely grateful to be at AIME and return to Melbourne - Australia’s events capital. Melbourne is where the magic happens!”

Excitement is already building for AIME 2023, 98% of exhibitors who showcased at this year’s event have expressed interest to attend AIME 2023; a testament to the industry’s commitment to returning to face-to-face events and the unparalleled opportunities on offer at AIME.

Celebrating 30 years, AIME 2023 will be held at Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre on 13th–15th February 2023. For expressions of interest or for more information, please visit aime.com.au