Registrations are now open for Asia Pacific Incentives and Meetings Event’s (AIME) new-look 2021 hosted buyer program.

Amid the global pandemic and uncertainty around border restrictions, AIME has decided to take the show to a hybrid format in 2021.

The 2021 hosted buyer program will also evolve to welcome physical hosted buyers to the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre from 15-17 March and virtual hosted buyers via the online event platform from 15-26 March.

More than 450 Australian and international hosted buyers are expected to take part.

“Finding the right buyers has always been important, and after the impact we have all felt this year, it is critical now more than ever to reconnect and kickstart the business events industry together,” said Matt Pearce, CEO of Talk2 Media and Events.

“The landscape has changed, and we can no longer take our connections and network for granted.”

New virtual appointment format

The traditional AIME hosted buyer program has been adapted to recognise the challenges of attending virtual events.

Physical hosted buyers will still commit to 32 pre-schedule appointments, while virtual hosted buyers only commit to 16 appointments.

Organisers hope by reducing the number of appointments for virtual hosted buyers and extending the period in which they can be conducted, attendees can better manage their screen time without suffering ‘zoom fatigue’.

The new look program also includes an updated meeting matching approach, virtual access to all Knowledge program content, as well as new features including a Buyer Lounge, virtual networking events and a new buyer activation that will be launched in the coming months.

“We as an industry are rebuilding what we once knew, and since opening the program in mid-July we have seen buyers from across the globe registering to take part,” said AIME hosted buyer manager Bernadette Panton.

To apply to be a hosted buyer in 2021, visit aime.com.au.