Pacific Tourism Event Heads Down Under to Melbourne

After a successful inaugural South Pacific Tourism Exchange Event in Auckland in 2014 the organisers are now heading to Australia to sell the Pacific tourism market in June 2015.

Officially announcing the SPTE 2015 event today, South Pacific Tourism Organisation Chief Executive Ilisoni Vuidreketi said the positive feedback from buyers and sellers in New Zealand this year justified the second event this time in Australia.

“Apart from displaying the Pacific at our 2014 exhibition we received feedback from the participants that the networking was an opportunity never to be missed,” he said.

“This event will be staged in conjunction with the Australian Tourism Exchange 2015 event at the Melbourne Exhibition Convention Centre so we have the opportunity to also benefit from their own international and domestic networks.

“A number of participants in Auckland had asked for more time to conduct the event and such feedback has encouraged us as we plan the way forward for SPTE 2015.”

He said in terms of sales from the 2014 event, most participants (76 per cent) reported they were able to establish relations with a wholesaler with 18 per cent actually establishing new business with a wholesaler and the rest already enjoying some partnership but used the event as an opportunity to create and strengthen better contacts.

“We had a total of 1,300 business appointments during SPTE 2014 and anticipate an even higher response when we arrive in Australia for SPTE 2015,” he said.

Mr Vuidreketi said they were announcing the dates earlier as the lessons learned from the inaugural event meant they had to plan in advance to allow international buyers (wholesalers) time to prepare their business travel for the new year.

“As you can see the date is June 2015 so you must be asking why are we announcing the event so early,” he said.

“The reason is there is a lot of planning involved this year to enable us to realise the real cost and logistics involved in planning next year’s event as we are dealing with more than 50  Pacific tourism suppliers (sellers) from our region and about 60 international wholesalers (buyers), for SPTE 2015.

“While it may seem early to reveal our plans we hope to make SPTE 2015 much bigger than the 2014 event – learning from the valuable lessons we gained  this year.

“I urge all buyers and sellers intending to attend this event to please start planning now for SPTE 2015 as we try to enhance our position in the region.

The SPTO is currently consulting with tourism stakeholders including Tourism Australia to promote the SPTE which takes place from June 19-20 at the Melbourne Exhibition Convention Centre.

The Australian Tourism Exchange event takes place at the same venue from June 21.

View Source

Business Events Week to Showcase Australia's Billion Dollar Business Events Industry

Australia's inaugural Business Events Week - a major event that will showcase the nation's billion dollar business events industry - has been officially launched by the Federal Minister for Tourism and Minister for Resources and Energy, the Hon Martin Ferguson AM MP, and the Lord Mayor of Melbourne, the Right Hon Robert Doyle.

Business Events Week, organised by the Melbourne Convention Bureau (MCB) in its first year, will run from today until this Friday, 1 March and will feature more than 50 events, the centrepiece of which will be the Asia-Pacific Incentives & Meetings Expo (AIME), the Southern Hemisphere's premier event for the meetings and incentives industry, which starts tomorrow.

For the five year period 2010/11 to 2014/15, business events secured by MCB alone are estimated to have a direct expenditure impact for Victoria of $874.6 million and an estimated increase in Gross State Product of $1.6 billion1.

MCB Chief Executive Officer, Karen Bolinger, said the organisation was delighted to be taking the lead on Business Events Week in its first year.

"There is no doubt the business events industry is a quiet achiever, which not only generates economic wealth and export opportunities, but also assists with job creation and encourages research and innovation, raising global awareness about the achievements and capabilities of our scientists, academics and practitioners," said Ms Bolinger.

"Melbourne is the number one city in Australia for conferences and congresses as recognised by the International Congress and Convention Association, and will host seven of the world's largest and most prestigious medical conferences over the next two years, including the 22nd World Diabetes Congress in December for 12,500 delegates and the International AIDS Conference in 2014 for more than 14,000 delegates."

Ms Bolinger also said it was fitting that during Business Events Week, AIME would celebrate its 21st anniversary.

"In 2012, more than 3300 visitors attended AIME, with an estimated $US535 million worth of business booked as a result of the show.

"This year, more than 750 exhibitors will be in attendance, as well as over 500 buyers spanning 31 countries, all here to conduct business over two days."

Melbourne To Host Dreamtime 2013

Melbourne is to host Tourism Australia's largest trade marketing event in December, Dreamtime 2013, helping to further grow the $12 billion plus business events sector.                                                                                           Announced today by the Minister for Tourism, the Hon Martin Ferguson AM MP, during the opening of the inaugural Business Events week in Melbourne, Dreamtime 2013 will bring together 125 international business events decision makers (buyers) with the Australian business events industry to experience the destination's capabilities for doing business.                                                                                                                                          Tourism Australia Managing Director Andrew McEvoy said Dreamtime was part of a broader strategy to promote Australia as a business event destination internationally and deliver economic benefits to the sector. "Dreamtime gives the Australian business events industry a platform to do business with well qualified international buyers from key markets such as China, Hong Kong, Korea, Japan, India, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, New Zealand, North America and the United Kingdom," Mr McEvoy said. "The format of the event provides an opportunity for the Australian industry to demonstrate their expertise in delivering bespoke corporate incentive experiences as well as hosting large scale gala events. "With its combination of state-of-the-art infrastructure, monumental architecture, abundance of green spaces, and a sophisticated dining scene, Melbourne has a strong offering for key business events decision makers looking to achieve real results from their corporate incentive programs," Mr McEvoy said.  During Dreamtime 2013 international business events buyers and media will be hosted in Melbourne where they will participate in a city showcase, business sessions with Australian industry and networking dinner events.  Three days of educational visits will follow, giving buyers and media the opportunity to experience one of many Australian destinations first hand. Melbourne Convention Bureau CEO Karen Bolinger said hosting Dreamtime 2013 was a tremendous business opportunity for the city. "Being the host city for Dreamtime is a major coup for Melbourne, as it will allow us to showcase the city's corporate and incentive offering to key markets from across the globe," Ms Bolinger said. "Melbourne has always had a collaborative approach to bidding for and securing incentive business. We worked closely with our partners to prepare the Dreamtime program which will enable us to highlight Melbourne's unique attributes as an incentive destination. "Melbourne has an impressive track record in hosting large incentive groups, such as the Amway India Leadership Seminar for 4,000 delegates in December, 2012, which is a testament to the diverse range of activities on offer and the ability for the city to cater for groups of any size "The city boasts a huge menu of amazing experiences, which are tailor-made to each individual or group, making the city a planner's and a delegate's dream destination," Ms Bolinger said. Mr McEvoy said that in an intensely competitive global marketplace, Tourism Australia's business events industry partnership approach to securing international business events was delivering strong results. "Business events is one of the key areas of the Tourism 2020 strategy to enhance growth and competitiveness in the tourism sector, with the aim to increase tourism spending to as much as A$140 billion by the end of the decade," Mr McEvoy said. "Specifically the business events industry is looking to grow to A$16 billion annually in value by 2020 and already we are well on track to achieving this goal. "The industry is making strong progress, with overnight expenditure by business events visitors in Australia increasing to A$12.5 billion in 2011, up from A$10.3 billion in 2010," Mr McEvoy said.

(Source: Travmedia.com)

MCVB’s 2012/2013 Strategic Business Plan Revealed

The Melbourne Convention + Visitors Bureau’s (MCVB) Chief Executive Officer Karen Bolinger officially launched the organisation’s 2012/2013 Strategic Business Plan at IMEX this week.

The plan, which centres around the organisation’s vision of Melbourne becoming globally recognised as the world’s premier city for business events, also aims to have MCVB acknowledged as a thought-leader, an innovator and driver of significant economic impact to the city, state and country.

Ms Bolinger said the multi-layered strategic plan had been developed in consultation with clients, stakeholders and staff at all levels of the organisation, which has resulted in a comprehensive, cohesive document that clearly sets the direction for the future.

“We have reassessed who we are as an organisation and what we want to achieve, and in-line with this we have worked hard to establish what we are doing well and what we want to do better,” she said.

“Over the last few years the landscape of business events across the globe has changed significantly, with many cities, governments and countries recognising the value of business events beyond delegate numbers and economic impact.

“As the economic and competitive landscape changes, the strategic direction of MCVB needs to move with it and this new plan has been developed to identify how we can remain competitive on a global stage.

“The six strategic projects provide us with a platform on which to build a focussed organisation with a set direction. We’ve got rid of the clutter and in some instances redirected our resources in order to streamline our activities to deliver us better conversion across the board and ensure our clients, stakeholders and staff are all engaged.”

Ms Bolinger added that the MCVB team was looking forward to achieving the goals they had set for themselves.

“Provided these strategic projects are effectively executed, there’s no doubt MCVB and Melbourne will be positioned extremely well for the future,” she said.

(Source: etravelblackboard.com)

World’s Leading Magnetic Resonance Specialists to Convene in Melbourne

More than 5000 clinicians and scientists from over 50 countries around the world specialising in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) will convene in Melbourne for the International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine’s (ISMRM) 20th Annual Meeting & Exhibition, to be held at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre from Saturday.

The ISMRM is a world‐wide multidisciplinary society dedicated to the development and application of all aspects of magnetic resonance to medicine and related fields.

The 2012 Annual Meeting will build on the established position as the premier event in its field, providing challenging state‐of‐the‐art programs for both clinical and basic scientists.

“The 2012 ISMRM meeting in Melbourne will see highlights of the most important interactions between physicists, engineers, and physicians that have translated scientific discoveries to patient care,” said Roberta A. Kravitz, ISMRM Executive Director.

This year, under the Program Direction of James G. Pipe, Ph.D., of Barrow Neurological Institute in Phoenix, Arizona, USA, the ISMRM 20th Annual Meeting & Exhibition will offer a diversified seven-day educational and scientific program. 

A key highlight of the program will be a lecture presented by Dr. Paul Bottomley who was the first physician to perform a localised Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (MRS) in a human heart and brain and has authored over 170 peer-reviewed papers.

Karen Bolinger, Chief Executive Officer of the Melbourne Convention + Visitors Bureau (MCVB), which won the Meeting for Melbourne, said she, along with her colleagues at the MCEC, were looking forward to welcoming delegates to the city.

“Melbourne has so much to offer delegates visiting for a business event and we certainly hope those attending the ISMRM 20th Annual Meeting & Exhibition will take full advantage of their spare time to explore the city’s intricate laneways and dining hotspots.

“Holding an event of this calibre in Melbourne reaffirms the city’s reputation as a centre of excellence for research and development in the medical, science, business and financial industries.”

New Dates Announced for AIME 2013

Organisers of the Asia-Pacific Incentives & Meetings Expo (AIME), Reed Travel Exhibitions (RTE), have announced new show dates for AIME 2013, which will now take place on the 26 and 27 February 2013.

Previously announced March 2013 dates have been revised as exhibition space at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) became available in February when the show is usually held.

Sally de Swart, RTE's Director for AIME, said the change of dates has been well received following collaboration with key buyers.

"February best suits the industry diary and allows AIME to remain the first meetings and incentives event on the year's calendar, so we're really happy with the revised dates for the 2013 show," Ms de Swart said.

Karen Bolinger, Chief Executive Officer of the Melbourne Convention + Visitors Bureau (MCVB), which owns AIME, said she was pleased that space had opened up at the MCEC.

"Over the last two decades, AIME has traditionally been held in February, so we are delighted that the revised dates will ensure the show is consistent with previous years," Ms Bolinger said.

AIME 2013 will bring together exhibitors, Hosted Buyers and visitors from the meetings and incentives industry from around the world to network and do business over the two-day event.

AIME organisers are now taking bookings for exhibitor space, with 50 per cent of the floor space already committed for 2013.  Exhibitors are urged to secure their space early to ensure they do not miss out by contacting Stephanie Rowen, Sales Manager on +61 2 9422 2470 or via email  stephanie.rowen@reedexhibitions.com.au.

For more information on AIME 2013 visit www.aime.com.au.

AIME’s 20th Anniversary Bigger Than Ever - Melbourne Conferences

The 20th anniversary Asia-Pacific Incentives & Meetings Expo (AIME) will take place next week and is expected to be bigger than ever, with a huge turnout by exhibitors and strong support from existing and new sponsors, allowing for exciting initiatives both on and off the show floor.

Joined again by big name, major sponsors such as the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC), Crown, Qantas, Australian Hotels Association (AHA) and Saxton Speakers Bureau, as well as new sponsors including Corporate Traveller, Air New Zealand, ShowGizmo and three new industry associations, AIME has been able to draw on their support to introduce new additions such as the Association Lounge, a new look Education Program and an additional dining area on the show floor.

Sally de Swart, Reed Travel Exhibitions (RTE) Director for AIME, said she is looking forward to seeing the response to the show’s range of new initiatives.

“The show floor is going to be really buzzing and I am particularly looking forward to our new networking opportunities such as the Exhibitor Networking Drinks on the Tuesday afternoon. This gives exhibitors the chance to run promotions and competitions as well as host casual drinks on their stands and mix with buyers and visitors in a more relaxed atmosphere,” Ms de Swart said.

“We’ve also enhanced the culinary offering at the show this year as the Globe Restaurant and Bar sponsored by South African Tourism, is offering table service and bookings for the first time, which is ideal for lunch meetings."

“We want to offer something for everyone and the formal dining option at Globe will be complemented with the Singapore Tourism Board’s SingaporeXpress, a dining area, which is offering a quick and tasty, hawker-style menu for attendees short on time.”

New sponsor ShowGizmo is offering a free mobile phone app to AIME visitors and exhibitors which provides up-to-date information on everything taking place at the show, by allowing them to plan their time, access AIME’s program, exchange information and collect brochures, make connections, receive real time alerts and news, before, during and after the event, all in the palm of their hand. Attendees will also now be able to charge their mobile phones at the show’s new Chargebar, located in the Relaxation Zone and close to the Globe Restaurant.

New partnerships established with associations have led to the introduction of the Association Lounge, where attendees can meet with members of AIME’s new association partners: The Association of Corporate Travel Executives (ACTE); the Professional Conference Organisers Association Inc (PCO); and International Special Events Society (ISES). The new look Education Program has also been developed in conjunction with these partners, as well as International Convention and Congress Association (ICCA) and Meetings and Events Australia (MEA), ensuring the content addresses real issues faced by the industry.

This year AIME has also introduced the new, online travel booking tool that allows AIME attendees to compare preferable flight and accommodation prices for their trip to AIME and book all through the one site thanks to new sponsor Ozzacom Plus.

A “Keeping it Green” campaign has also been introduced in an effort to make AIME a sustainable, low carbon event by encouraging exhibitors to donate their surplus merchandise and gifts, such as bags and pens, to charities. AIME will provide Green Deposit Depots at the show for these donations and then will distribute these on behalf of exhibitors.

AIME, which is owned by the Melbourne Convention + Visitors Bureau and run by RTE, will take place on the 21 and 22 February 2012 at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC).

For more information about visiting AIME 2012, visit www.aime.com.au

To attend as a visitor, pre-register for free online by Monday 20 February by 5pm or pay $22 at the door.
Follow AIME on Twitter @AIMEMelbourne #AIME2012

New Business Events to Attract Around 7000 Delegates to Victoria

Melbourne has won a further eight major congresses, one national and seven international business events, that are set to attract around 7000 delegates to Victoria over the next five years.

The congresses are:

• International Conference on Care and Housing for the Ageing (IAHSA) 2013
• IEEE International Conference on Power Electronics (ICPE) – ECCE ASIA 2013
• Inaugural Broadband World Congress 2013
• The MHS 2013 (The Mental Health Services Conference)
• International Symposium on Information Theory and its Applications – ISITA 2014
• International Congress on Noise Control Engineering (INTERNOISE) 201
• Congress of the Asia-Pacific Federation of Coloproctology 2015
• AFMC International Medicinal Chemistry Symposium (AIMECS) 2017.

Minister for Tourism and Major Events Louise Asher said the wins followed the recent announcement that Melbourne will host the prestigious International AIDS Conference in 2014, the largest medical conference ever to be held in Australia.

"I congratulate the Melbourne Convention + Visitors Bureau for securing these business events for Victoria and for all their hard work throughout 2011," Ms Asher said.

(Source: Tourism Victoria Industry News #93)

AIME Still Going Strong in its 20th Year - AIME 2012

The Asia-Pacific Incentives & Meetings Expo (AIME) may be celebrating its 20th year in 2012, but this premier industry event is proving as dynamic as ever, with new initiatives and a range of new sponsors coming on board; AIME is still the event for the business events industry.

A sponsor in previous years, Saxton Speakers Bureau, which is returning to AIME for a third consecutive year to run the impressive Saxton Ultimate Event Experience, has now become a major sponsor of the show.

AIME also welcomes new sponsors: Corporate Traveller; Air New Zealand; The Association of Corporate Travel Executives (ACTE); the Professional Conference Organisers Association Inc (PCO); and International Special Events Society (ISES).

Sally de Swart, Reed Travel Exhibition's (RTE) Director for AIME, says that the new sponsors are a sure sign that the 20th anniversary show will be as successful as ever.

"We are delighted to have so many new sponsors and association partners on board and we know these partners will help keep AIME fresh and exciting," she said.

The addition of new association sponsors will also add a boost to AIME's Education Program.

"We are asking our existing and new association partners to contribute to our refreshed Education Program which will assist us in delivering relevant and interesting content that addresses the current challenges and issues facing the meetings and incentives industry," said Ms de Swart.

AIME 2012 is also shaking things up on the show floor with a new Association Lounge for association members to use for meetings, as well as an additional Globe restaurant, sponsored by Singapore Tourism, SingaporeXpress, which will offer quick and delicious Singaporean-style meals. In addition, the Globe Restaurant and Bar, sponsored by South African Tourism, will offer a variety of options to entertain clients.

Other new initiatives include two new Pre Touring options that give Hosted Buyers the chance to experience Melbourne and regional Victoria first hand.

The new Hume City Council full-day tour gives Hosted Buyers the opportunity to sample wines and experience the beauty of the region, while the new, half-day Melbourne Coffee Tour introduces buyers to cosmopolitan Melbourne.

AIME's exceptional networking opportunities are always a huge draw card for many attendees and Ms de Swart reveals that the social side of AIME will be bigger than ever in 2012.

"It's AIME's 20th birthday, so of course this year's networking functions will be second to none. From our Welcome Reception to a new, Tuesday night event - we want everyone who attends to meet fantastic people and have a memorable time," Ms de Swart said.

The 20th anniversary of AIME, owned by the Melbourne Convention + Visitors Bureau (MCVB) and organised by RTE, will be held on 21-22 February 2012 at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) in Melbourne, Australia.

If you’re attending AIME and need to book accommodation then try Metro Apartments on Bank Place, Melbourne.

Located in the heart of Melbourne CBD and only a short taxi ride to the AIME venue, Metro Apartments on Bank Place provides exhibition exhibitors and delegates with a comfortable, affordable apartment accommodation with friendly service.

For further information or to make a booking log on to www.metroapartmentsmelbourne.com

Business tourism remains strong: BECA

Despite the economic downturn the international business events sector indicated strong growth from its 2009 fall.

According to the Business Events Council of Australia, (BECA) industry report, total expenditure for international and domestic overnight and day business event attendees grew seven percent to 8.5 billion in 2010 compared to 2009.

Overnight business event attendees increased by five percent in 2010, compared to domestic day business events attendees which fell by one percent in 2009.

The report was compiled to assist Tourism Australia seek its goal to ensure Australia’s tourism industry doubles its contribution to the Australian economy by 2020.

Australia’s (ICCA) ranking as a destination for hosting international associations meetings jumped from 16th to 11th and within the Asia Pacific region, Australia was ranked third by ICCA and fourth by UIA.

Despite New Zealand significantly contributing to Australia’s international conference and convention attendees, arrival numbers from New Zealand fell during 2010.

In relation to the incentive market the total yield was down by 19 percent with expenditure per visitor down for both international and domestic markets.

BECA has joined forces with Business Events Australia to monitor and ensure the contribution of business events sector to the economy increases from the present delegate visitor expenditure of AUD8.4billion to AUD16billion by 2020.

BECA recognises the tourism value of business events and has produced a discussion paper on the issue attempting to quantify the ‘beyond tourism’ benefits by the Melbourne Convention and Visitors Bureau and Business Events Sydney.

(Source: etbmice.com)

New Luxury Travel Show Unwrapped

A new luxury travel show has been launched in Australia – Luxperience.

The event, a three day business exchange for Australasia and the Pacific, will be based in Melbourne and will take place from September 2-5, 2012 at the Crown Entertainment complex.

Luxperience’s founder is Rosemarie Sama, previously exhibition manager for the Asia Pacific Incentives and Meetings Expo (AIME), held annually in Melbourne.

She said, “It's time the travel industry had a year-round community dedicated to the luxury experience, a place where ideas can come to fruition and grow through collaboration.

“We are dedicated to matching high end suppliers with appropriate buyers so the world of the high end experiential travel market can prosper.”

(Source: Travelmole.com, September 2011)

Find Apartment Accommodation at Metro Apartments on Bank Place, Melbourne

Melbourne to Host AIME 2012

The 20th anniversary AIME will be held on 21-22 February 2012 at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) in Melbourne, Australia.

With approximately 850 international Exhibitors expected, AIME 2012 will present ample opportunity for buyers to make important business connections as well as receive a range of exclusive benefits available only in AIME's VIP Hosted Buyer Program.

Benefits include flights, accommodation, pre-touring itineraries in Victoria and access to AIME's exclusive Hosted Buyer lounge and networking program. To maximise the two day event Hosted Buyers will also receive personalised Pre-Scheduled Appointments (PSAs), which allows them to meet with the Exhibitors they are interested in doing business with.

Sally de Swart, AIME's Event Director, says that AIME's Hosted Buyer Program offers buyers a productive schedule to conduct business over an enjoyable two days.

"Exhibitors and Hosted Buyers come to AIME to make business happen by meeting with existing contacts and making important new ones. Face-to-face meetings are extremely valuable in this industry and AIME presents a perfect forum to meet with a host of contacts in just two days," Ms de Swart said.

"This year's event attracted almost 850 exhibitors, with 200 of these first time exhibitors at AIME, presenting a greater diversity of companies, products and services for buyers to choose from. We ensure that our Hosted Buyers gain value from their attendance and meet with those exhibitors they are really interested in doing business with."

For more information about AIME 20112 visit www.aime.com.au

(Source: Travmedia.com)

If you are attending AIME 2012 and need accommodation then book now at Metro Apartments on Bank Place

Victoria Tourism Week -5-10 September 2011

Victoria Tourism Week (VTW) is a ground-breaking project that will help people understand the social and economic contribution the tourism industry brings to the community.

It was created by a ground swell of interest from the tourism industry. It is an opportunity to get together and celebrate the best things about tourism.

VTIC and Destination Melbourne understand that tourism touches everyone. We want all Victorians to get a closer understanding of how tourism works and have the opportunity to participate.

Through Victoria Tourism Week we will:

Bring the tourism industry together in a positive and inclusive way

Identify ways to improve the quality of the visitor experience

Identify meaningful career paths for people who work in the industry

Encourage Victorians to get out and about in their own backyard


View the full Program HERE

Tourism and Events Excellence Conference - Melbourne

The 2011 Tourism and Events Excellence Conference showcases business excellence within the tourism and events industries.

The Conference will bring together industry experts and leaders, business owners and operators, destination managers and visitor service providers, offering a unique opportunity to share knowledge, learn from each other, form new business relationships and discuss the issues that matter most to your business and our industry.

The Tourism & Events Excellence Conference is set to become a key feature of Asia Pacific business events circuit and a leading centre for thought leadership in our industry. Expect new insights, creative solutions and the unexpected from an outstanding range of professional presentations.

Date: Monday 5-7 September
Venue: Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG)
Cost: Registrations start from $595.00