The Asia-Pacific Incentives & Meetings Expo (AIME) will open tomorrow at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC), amongst much buzz about the newly launched Business Events Week, and promises to impress with new initiatives and a substantial focus on technology.

Speaking at the official opening Press Conference for AIME today, Sally de Swart, Reed Travel Exhibition’s Director for AIME, said the focus for 2013 has been to deliver new initiatives to add value for all attendees and to create forums to spur industry engagement and discussion.

“As the premier exhibition in the Asia-Pacific region for the meetings and incentives industry, AIME is a fitting place to debate the challenges and opportunities faced by the industry and we have tried to encourage this further, particularly around ways to better leverage the potential of new technology,” said Ms de Swart.

Technology will be a fundamental theme of AIME 2013, with the launch of the Future Events Experience, mobile concierge and new mobile app.

AIME has also given business travel a greater focus this year, which will encourage more attendees from the business travel sphere to AIME. A dedicated stream focusing entirely on business travel has also been added to the AIME Knowledge program.

Melbourne Convention Bureau’s Chief Executive Officer, Karen Bolinger, said AIME is the must-attend event for the business events industry and will this year be the centrepiece for Australia’s inaugural Business Events Week.

“After 21 years, AIME has an enviable reputation in the industry and it made perfect sense to build the first Business Events Week around this premier show,” Ms Bolinger said.

“The economic spin off of business events to the wider community is significant and by bringing hundreds of quality buyers to Melbourne each year, AIME plays a central role in generating business for Victoria and is key to the growth of the business events industry in Australia. Once again, we look forward to hosting over 500 buyers from 30 countries at AIME 2013. “

“AIME would not be possible without the support of our partners in Melbourne and regional Victoria; the hotels, venues and other suppliers that work tirelessly to assist us in making the program such a great success.”

AIME also shared a number of other new offerings set to provide added value to the show and maintain AIME’s leading position in the industry including; an inPlace Recruitment stand, where employers looking for candidates or professionals looking for their next opportunity can connect; and a dedicated stand for niche suppliers, the A LIST Open House, which will offer a one-stop-shop for event inspiration.

AIME will be held at the MCEC on 26 and 27 February, 2013.