The Melbourne Convention + Visitors Bureau (MCVB) and Reed Travel Exhibitions (RTE) have announced a joint initiative as the organisers of AIME (Asia-Pacific Incentives & Meetings Expo) conducting a fundraising drive to assist those who have been affected by the devastating and unprecedented flood damage in Queensland.

MCVB and RTE are encouraging all AIME’s visitors and exhibitors to donate to the Premier’s Flood Relief Appeal, via special collection bins which will be set up on the MCVB stand’s registration desk at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC).

Sandra Chipchase, MCVB’s CEO, urged all visitors to AIME to dig deep and donate.

“On behalf of MCVB and all our members, I would like to extend our sympathies to all those who have been affected by the flood devastation throughout Queensland,” Chipchase said. “With so many communities, businesses and individuals adversely affected, significant donations are needed.”

“As we saw with the Victorian bushfires in 2009, the willingness of the local and wider international business events community to galvanise and provide physical and financial support can make a huge difference.”

Event director, Sally de Swart of RTE, echoed this sentiment, saying that the size and reach of AIME provided an ideal opportunity to generate significant funds.

“I urge all attendees at AIME to look out for the special collection bins and make a donation,” she said. “Even the smallest contribution will assist those who have been evacuated from their homes or had their houses seriously damaged in flood affected areas of Queensland.”

For more information about attending AIME on February  15-16, 2011  click here.