CIM NEWS MAGAZINE Issue 6 2017 | Page 7

AIME 2018 Front row left to right: Clare O’Brien and Holly Peasland. Back row from left: Victoria Wood, Lorna-Louise Greenland, Chris Hoggard, Nima Yusufi, Ali Thompson and Angela Sciacca. Backstage with the AIME team As we countdown to the Asia-Pacific Incentives and Meetings Expo (AIME), we went backstage with some of the hard working and passionate team to find out what they love about AIME, and what’s next for them. Q: Having worked on AIME for years, what was the most unique display and why? Angela Sciacca, Project Manager: During my 14 years of AIME, I have been lucky enough to see the big milestones – 15, 20 and 25 years; all monumental moments in AIME’s history, I couldn’t possibly pick a favourite. The exhibitors’ originality in creating visual representations of their brand each year never ceases to amaze me. Q: What has been your favourite thing about working on AIME? Nima Yusufi, Marketing Manager: Hands down, the resounding “can do” mentality! Everything is possible, even in the busiest times; the team always have a big, bright and contagious smile o n their faces. Q: Do you see yourself in events in 5 years? Ali Thompson, Sales Manager: I see myself in a leading position where I can make an impact, and a real difference for Australasia within the MICE industry. Q: What would be your dream role? Holly Peasland, Sales Executive: I love the events industry. I’d love to be in a team that creates strategic partnerships and has the potential to grow. Ali: Every day I gain more understanding in the economic growth and social impact of business events; this subject excites me! Q: What is your most memorable moment while working on AIME? Holly: Seeing change, and taking chances. A destination overcoming adversity or people coming together for a cause, and the way it impacts the incentives and meetings community. Clare O’Brien, Event Coordinator: AIME 2017 was my first taste of the MICE industry. It was truly amazing to watch the venue come together; the transformation, the teamwork and the atmosphere. I will always remember walking away from that show, realising I was hooked! Q: We also put it to the whole team: If AIME is where inspiration begins, what inspires you? Angela: Teams who dream big, work hard and create incredible events. Across the Asia-Pacific we have an incredible industry of innovative thinkers and disruptive creators – it all starts with those that dream big. Nima: I love listening to the life experiences, career paths and personal stories of people I meet across the business events industry – and watching how each experience and story forms our industry DNA. Lorna-Louise Greenland, Hosted Buyer Manager: Evolving technology and how we can use it to integrate such advancements to connect, inform and build better communications for our audiences. Victoria Wood, Hosted Buyer Account Manager: People and businesses who approach each day with an optimism and an encouraging environment! And coffee. Always coffee. Chris Hoggard, Senior Marketing Executive: Working in an industry which brings communities together and creates fun, exciting environments for attendees to connect. Clare O’Brien, Event Coordinator: Passionate people doing what they love! www.cimmagazine.com   Convention & Incentive Marketing, Issue 6, 2017  7