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NEWSLINE | ON THE GROUND 10 MAR-APR 2018 MEETINGS & CONVENTIONS • MCMAG-ASIA.COM T alk2 ME chief executive Matt Pearce said the changes would reect industry research the company had undertaken since being awarded the management contract, replacing Reed Travel Exhibitions, long-time organisers of the AIME. "It is clear that AIME has an important heritage that is valued by so many within the incentives, meetings and events industry, however it is evident that the industry is looking for change at AIME that better reects the industry in 2020," said Pearce. "We're looking to make AIME the Grand Slam of business events." In the 2019 edition, Pearce said there would be a specic focus on the hosted buyer programme to ensure it delivered "quality and a good geographic split of buyers from around the Asia-Pacic region". Pearce is also in discussions with a number of industry associations, locally and internationally, "to provide AIME ready to roll with new operator Dubai Business Events (DBE) celebrates its 15th anniversary this year, having rounded off its most successful year to date last year, which saw a marked 64% increase in event wins compared to 2016. Throughout last year, DBE secured a total of 212 bids and proposals, among which were wins for from bids submitted before 2017. A total of 354 bids were submitted last year, and by year-end, 104 bid submissions were still awaiting decision. The increased number of events will see an additional 95,000 delegates and is expected to bring in AED 715 million (US$194 million). Issam Kazim, chief executive officer of Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing, said: "The exponential increase in bids won in 2017 is a direct reflection of Dubai's rapid growth as a leading business hub. From last year, the city secured key bid wins such as the Baby Care Annual Incentive, with an expected attendance of Words Ian Jarrett Words Meetings & Conventions Asia meaningful education across a broad range of subjects". Another major initiative announced is the introduction of additional networking opportunities in 2019. "We are a face-to-face industry that thrives on personal networks and we must have the opportunity to encourage people to meet, do business and importantly, have fun," Pearce said. Karen Bollinger, chief executive of the Melbourne Convention Bureau (MCB), said there would be a major push to boost buyer numbers at AIME 2019. "In 2019 we might not reach the heyday of 450 buyers, but we will improve on the 2018 gure of just under 300 buyers." 1,500 delegates, as well as the Amway Russia Annual Incentive, which will bring 2,700 employees to Dubai; both business events are set to take place in 2018. Other notable wins include The International Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing Geospatial Week, which will attract around 1,500 delegates from global markets, and is set to take place in this city in 2019. Dubai Business Events celebrates 15th anniversary with record wins Bollinger said the MCB had often asked itself this question: "In meetings, events and incentives, are we in the tourism sector or are we in the economic development of our city. There is only one answer. We are entrenched in the economic development of Melbourne." The 27th AIME will be held February 19-20, 2019 at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre. The 2019 Asia Pacific Incentives and Meetings Event (AIME) is planning a series of changes under its new organiser Talk2 Media & Events are a face-to-face industry that thrives on "It is clear that AIME "It is clear that AIME has an important has an important heritage that is valued by so many within the incentives, meetings and events industry, however it is evident that the industry is looking for change at AIME that better reflects the industry in 2020..." MATT PEARCE , CHIEF EXECUTIVE, TALK2 ME

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