The first day of the Asia Pacific Incentives and Meetings Event (AIME) 2020 has kicked off in Melbourne, with meetings industry professionals, EAs and suppliers coming together from around the globe to share ideas and do business.
The event is an opportunity for EAs who organise events to see the latest innovations and ideas in the event industry, from hotels, event spaces, AV providers and more.
On the show floor, Executive PA Media hosted a session for EAs on how regional Australia is open for business, with Helen Parker from Destination NSW giving the audience guidance on the best ways to organise a conference or event in bushfire affected regions of NSW.
“Taking 50 or 60 people to a small town mid-week is a fantastic opportunity to support businesses in the regions,” Ms Parker said.
“But don’t come to the regions just to support them in the wake of the bushfires, come because you’ll love it.”
Peter King, Chief Executive of MCEC—AIME’s host venue—says the recent bushfires and ongoing Coronavirus crises have brought the industry into the spotlight, which demonstrates how important EAs’ events are to Australia.
“[The recent crises] show the ripple effect of cancellations on the economy, with casual staff not working, and event providers like stand builders and hotels now feeling the impact of these crises,” Mr King said.
“The visitor economy is an enormous economic driver to the city, the state and the country, and we need to remind our politicians of the importance of the industry.”
