Counting down to AIME 2022
WITH TWO MONTHS TO GO BEFORE THE EVENTS INDUSTRY REUNITES AT ASIA PACIFIC MICE SHOW , AIME , WE ASK HOSTED BUYER MANAGER JACKIE CALDWELL FOR THE INSIDE SCOOP ON WHAT ’ S NEW FOR 2022
J ackie Caldwell comes to the AIME team with a passion for facilitating opportunities and helping people thrive , and AIME ’ s hosted buyer programme is designed to create just those kind of meaningful connections .
So , with lockdowns easing across Australia – what are you most excited about ? Personally , I ’ m excited about seeing my family in Sydney – especially my brother and his family who have returned to Australia after living in Vietnam for several years .
Professionally , I ’ m ecstatic that lockdowns are now becoming a thing of the past . We ’ re seeing travel bubbles opening up with New Zealand , Singapore , Japan and Korea , which means we ’ ll be welcoming international buyers and exhibitors to AIME 2022 . Fingers crossed we ’ ll see even more international markets reopen in the near future .
What can hosted buyers expect from AIME 2022 ? We ’ ve been working tirelessly on redeveloping our programme – there ’ s more surprises to come , but here ’ s a sneak peek :
Firstly , the format of the show for 2022 has changed and now encompasses two different types of buyers – inperson and virtual . The event starts with two days of in-person meetings ( 21 – 23 March ) at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre , followed by a five-day virtual programme ( 28 March to 1 April ) delivered via AIME ’ s online platform .
We have a jam-packed programme which means no matter where you are in the world , you will benefit from attending AIME .
AIME hosted buyers will also enjoy the convenience of pre-scheduled appointments with preferred exhibitors , as well as return flights , accommodation , meals , tickets to all AIME events , and exclusive access to the Hosted Buyer Lounge – a chance to rub shoulders with industry colleagues . And who could forget the hottest party of the year – the AIME Welcome Event – and for 2022 we ’ re thrilled to be working with the Centrepiece at Melbourne Park team to kick off festivities .
What are some new features hosted buyers will experience at AIME 2022 ? Firstly , there have been changes to how we facilitate meaningful connections . We ’ ve partnered with tech-leaders Grip , whose diary management system facilitates buyer and exhibitor pre-scheduled appointments ( PSAs ).
Grip ’ s platform uses AI-powered matchmaking technology , which means stress-free networking ( who doesn ’ t love tech when it makes our lives a little easier )!
Secondly , we know that choice and flexibility are two things our buyers value , so we ’ ve created a new Semi-Hosted Programme for those who like to have more freedom over their time at AIME .
Also , those visiting AIME in-person will find a new ‘ ACTIVATE ’ area on the floor which will showcase lots of new products and suppliers who can help up-level your events .
Above : Jackie Caldwell , hosted buyer manager at AIME Below : On the show floor at AIME in Melbourne
What can those unable to attend AIME in-person expect from the Virtual Buyer Programme ? Virtual buyers and exhibitors will connect on our new AIME Online platform . At this stage , buyers and exhibitors from countries outside Australia , New Zealand , Singapore , Korea and Japan will be able to meet virtually in their preferred time-zone to complete their PSAs .
Any buyer or exhibitor joining us online will have access to the Knowledge Programme sessions on-demand , an open diary to schedule additional meetings and they will also have the exclusive opportunity to win some fabulous experiences showcasing Australia and New Zealand .
Those buyers who complete their 20 PSAs will be among the first international buyers considered for the AIME 2023 fully hosted in-person buyer programme ( subject to government regulations of course ).
The structure of the AIME 2022 show really does offer something for everyone and we can ’ t wait to welcome you to AIME – be that in-person or virtually .
Hosted Buyer Registrations close 11 February 2022 . Connect with Jackie Caldwell , hosted buyer manager on jackie . caldwell @ talk2 . media
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