Thousands of tourism buyers and exhibitors from across the world have descended on Melbourne for the Asia Pacific Incentives and Meetings Event (AIME).
Providing a platform for future trade and investment for Victoria and other destinations, AIME was officially opened today by Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Martin Pakula.
Staged annually at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) and owned by the Melbourne Convention Bureau (MCB), AIME brings together buyers and exhibitors to connect, create and do business.
About 3,000 suppliers and events planners will gather for three days of business, networking and education, making AIME the leading trade event for the business events industry in the Asia Pacific region.
In addition to driving trade and investment opportunities, business events are a significant contributor to the Victorian tourism industry, generating direct expenditure of $11.2 billion and supporting more than 71,000 jobs.
Victoria’s lead agency in acquiring and delivering business events, MCB secured more than $500 million in business events for Victoria last financial year.
Pre and post-conference touring options are also becoming increasingly popular, with four in every 10 international delegates visiting regional Victoria on their business trip.
Harnessing the benefits that business events can deliver in terms of growth and visitation, the Andrews Labor Government recently launched the ‘Business & Sport for Bushfire Recovery’ initiative which will see more than 220 major organisations hold multi-day events and conferences in bushfire-affected areas.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Martin Pakula
“Conferences are a vital part of Victoria’s visitor economy, bringing in hundreds of millions of dollars each year and helping to build our global profile.”
“AIME provides a double benefit, serving up an immediate boost to the economy while providing a platform to showcase our undeniable claim as a top-tier event destination.”
Quotes attributable to Melbourne Convention Bureau chief executive Julia Swanson
“Melbourne has hosted AIME for close to three decades and the benefits for the state are clear to see.”
“AIME supports Melbourne’s standing as a world-leading destination for business events, and creates new and valuable connections to make that sure we continue to innovate and move ahead.”
