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Asia Pacific Incentives and Meetings Event ( AIME ) 2024 saw significant growth of 63 % on the number of exhibitors . What was key to this huge growth ? Silke Calder : This year we had 200 more exhibitors than last year , and 200 more hosted buyers . But the more important thing , in terms of the buyer growth , is that 50 % of our buyers this year had never been to AIME . The growth is based on two things mainly : one of which is that AIME ’ s reputation continues to grow . Based on the amount of business that was written last year on the show floor , word spread that the buyers attending are really good quality – including international buyers . We have seen an increase in international exhibitors , too , with Fiji , Indonesia , Korea , India , the USA , among those exhibiting .
Many of the Australian exhibitors at AIME are purely after the domestic market , so were they interested in
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speaking to international buyers , too ? The success of AIME is largely down to the number of domestic buyers attending . Out of the 595 hosted buyers , 150 were international , and the rest domestic – and we have no intention of changing that . However , it continues to develop . Throughout the year , we are continually receiving feedback from exhibitors about what sort of buyers they want to see and where from . Without that information we wouldn ’ t be able to bring in the right people . International buyers are coming to Melbourne and the interest in Australia for business events has never been stronger .
After the success of last year ’ s Welcome Event , how do you improve , how do you look to innovate , develop new ideas , etc . to make sure you keep getting better and offer an event that beats the last one ?
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Left : Half of the buyers at the 2024 show had never been to AIME |
Last year was a significant milestone as it was AIME ’ s 30th anniversary , so we had to produce something special . We had no intention of competing with last year ’ s Welcome Event , because last year was amazing , but we had to make a difference . That is what this year was all about . Moving from Marvel Stadium to Grazeland was always risky – you couldn ’ t ask for two venues that are more different . But you must take risks . We in the business of events , we must come up with ideas that will inspire and think completely outside of the box . The Welcome Event , which was created in partnership with Fernando Barraza , was very successful . It had colour , it had laughter , it was busy , there was networking , great entertainment , food and drink , of course , and so much more .
You ’ ve been to a number of events and exhibitions worldwide , so what is it about AIME that is different and why does it stand out ? We pay a lot of attention to detail . As a result , I like to believe that all our participants are well looked after from the time they arrive to the time they leave . Working with Melbourne Convention Bureau , which owns AIME , to put on the Uncover Melbourne tours for hosted buyers on the first day are always well received . I mean , who doesn ’ t want to come to Australia ? What ’ s not to love about Melbourne ? It ’ s a great place where people also love to
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