Asia turns out in style for AIME 09

MELBOURNE -Exhibitors from more than 50 countries are expected to participate in AIME 09, 17th Asia Pacific Incentives & Meetings Expo in Melbourne, February 17-18.

Asia will be well represented with a number of countries introducing new marketing measures to attract meetings and incentives.

The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) has established a “Meetings and Exhibitions Hong Kong” (MEHK) office, tasked with providing one-stop professional support to MICE organisers.

It is the first in a series of measures by HKTB to ensure that Hong Kong stays ahead of the competition in the global MICE sector.

The Hong Kong Government has earmarked an additional HK $150 million for the HKTB to strengthen its MICE promotions over the next five years. At AIME 09 the MEHK office will introduce its marketing campaign “Hong Kong – Converging Possibilities”.

Visitors and hosted buyers can also expect to see a stronger presence from Singapore, the Philippines, Brunei and Macau, who have all increased their space for AIME 09.

Other Asian countries returning to AIME include Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Japan, China, India and Korea.

AIME also attracts strong representation from the islands of the South Pacific and participants in 2009 will include Fiji, with a larger presence than previously, Cook Islands, New Caledonia, Vanuatu and Tahiti.

South Africa intends to increase brand awareness at AIME 2009 with a larger stand, more co-exhibitors and additional marketing through its sponsorship of the Globe Restaurant & Bar.

Five years after its establishment the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) is hoping to gain approval – prior to AIME 09 – to create the greenest building in South Africa – CTICC Phase 2.

The six-star green building will be designed to use 40% less energy per square metre than the present CTICC, 95% less potable water and 25% less waste to landfill.

The 30,000 square metre development, of which 9,500 square metres will be exhibition space, will incorporate water and energy saving technologies including special wind turbines to harvest electricity, while simultaneously ventilating the parking garages.