The Asia-Pacific Incentives & Meetings Expo (AIME) has announced seven new initiatives, developed in response to attendee feedback and industry trends, intended to help visitors get maximum value out of time spent at the annual event.
The new initiatives include: the Future Events Experience, a dedicated technology space on the show floor; a new mobile app; a mobile concierge; an expanded education program – AIME Knowledge; a dedicated area for niche event suppliers from the ALIST Guide to exhibit; Visitors Appointment Diaries; and a careers stand created with inPlace Recruitment.
Sally de Swart, Reed Travel Exhibitions (RTE) Director for AIME, said technology, professional development and providing added value have been the focus while developing new initiatives for the 2013 show.
“All our attendees want to get the most out of the time they spend out of the office, so we have worked towards finding ways to add the maximum value for them,” she said. “We have identified a thirst for professional development and a desire to understand how to better leverage the potential of new technology in the meetings and incentives industry. Our new initiatives in 2013 address these points and we’re confident that all attendees will leave the event having had an extremely productive few days.”
This year for the first time, visitors to AIME will have access to electronic appointment diaries to pre schedule appointments with their top choice of exhibitors. The Visitor Appointment Diaries, which have previously only been available to Hosted Buyers, will be complimentary to use and open on 18 February.
The Future Events Experience: a dedicated space on the show floor where the latest pioneering technology and innovations for the MICE industry will be displayed and discussed with live demonstrations and presentations.
AIME mobile app: for attendees to access all the event information they need prior to and during the show. The app will include a full list of exhibitors, a detailed program, details of AIME Knowledge seminars, access to view appointment diaries, and maps to help navigate the show floor. Attendees will also be able to join social media conversations via the app, offering additional networking opportunities online. AIME mobile concierge: a dedicated mobile number for attendees to text any questions they have about the show for an instant answer; from where the bathrooms are, right through to the topic of an upcoming education session or the stand number for an exhibitor.
AIME Knowledge: a refreshed, two day education program, now offering two streams with sixteen insightful sessions, with high profile speakers and industry experts leading discussions on a range of topics relevant to the meetings and incentives industry.
inPlace Recruitment showcase: a dedicated space for recruitment and career advice provided by industry recruitment specialists, inPlace Recruitment. This initiative will allow attendees, including employers looking for candidates or professionals looking for their next opportunity, to connect on career opportunities as well as business.
A List Open House: an area on the show floor, developed in partnership with event industry bible, the A LIST Guide, to give attendees access to smaller, niche suppliers featured in the Guide. The stand will be a one-stop-shop for inspiration for upcoming functions.
AIME will be held at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre from 26-27 February, 2013.
