Ita Buttrose has officially opened the 20th anniversary Asia-Pacific Incentives & Meetings Expo (AIME) this morning (21 Feb) at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC), marking the beginning of the renowned, two-day, meetings and incentives event.
Buttrose, who attended the first AIME back in 1993 where she presented as part of the Education Program, joined Cr Carl Jetter, representing the City of Melbourne, the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of MCVB Karen Bolinger and former CEO of MCVB, Sue Calwell, who originally started AIME 20 years ago.
Sally de Swart, Reed Travel Exhibitions (RTE) director for AIME, said that it is fitting for the 20th anniversary to have two personalities that were present from the beginning and also welcomes the presence of Ms Bolinger, the new CEO of MCVB who will be taking the show into the future.
“It’s fantastic to be able to welcome Sue back to the show and to celebrate the 20th anniversary with someone who was so instrumental in its founding. We are also pleased to have Ita returning again after attending the very first show 20 years ago.
“We’ve worked hard to keep the very essence of what AIME is all about – doing business and providing great networking opportunities, while introducing positive new initiatives to enhance the show each year. It is fitting to have Karen here as she will ensure it continues to go from strength to strength,” she said.
