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.

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Strong International Theme at EEAA 2014 Conference

The Exhibition and Event Association of Australasia (EEAA) has secured a top line-up of speakers for the EEAA 2014 Conference to be held at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre next month. 

EEAA Chief Executive, Joyce DiMascio, said the conference program will tackle three key themes: “Internationalising” events, products and services; the security landscape around events and what's driving consumer engagement.

“We are honoured to have the CEO of Austrade, Bruce Gosper, and Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) Director - Australia and New Zealand, Bonnie Shek head the line-up for the international theme,” Ms. DiMascio said. “Matt Jones, Director & Creative Strategist of Better Happy will deliver a wake-up call about customer communications and behaviour. 

In addition, a panel including Victorian Police will address the topical subject of event security. We always aim to deliver outstanding content and this year will be no exception. The program is intensive, strategic and challenging and directly aligned with issues that matter to the industry – right here, right now.”

2014 has marked the establishment of strengthening ties between EEAA Members and the Australian Government’s export agency, Austrade. So it is most fitting that EEAA should hear from Austrade CEO, Bruce Gosper. Mr. Gosper helped kick-start EEAA’s positive work now being undertaken with Trade Commissioners in the Austrade network across Asia.

In the Asia-Pacific region, Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is a leading player in the business events sector, launching highly successful partnerships with the exhibition industry. EEAA is honoured that the HKTDC is joining Association Members to talk about their successful initiatives.

Ms. DiMascio said, “The program also includes speakers from within the EEAA community. Our Members are always keen to hear from organisers of trade and consumer exhibitions so we’ll have an interesting panel discussion with Reed Exhibitions Executive Director, John Gorton; Gaming Technologies Association CEO, Ross Ferrar; Exhibitions & Trade Fairs MD, Gary Daly; National Media MD, Mark Harvey; and WALDRONSMITH Management MD, Kate Smith.”

The conference begins with a Welcome Reception at Cargo Hall, on Melbourne’s South Wharf Promenade on Wednesday, 19 November with the 2014 Conference and Awards for Excellence on Thursday, 20 November. The Awards night will honour the high achievers in the industry in the Melbourne Room at the MCEC.

“This year’s Conference encourages in-depth discussions with top-tier speakers, offers great networking and will be a rewarding experience for attendees. The industry has undergone many changes in 2014 following the closure of the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre – events have relocated to other venues and cities. 

New events have been launched. The conference, which coincides with the end of the 2014 event season, will provide an important opportunity to assess where the industry has landed,” Ms. DiMascio said.

To view the Preliminary Program, go towww.eeaa.com.au/pdfs/2014/EEAA_2014_Conference_Preliminary_Program_V1.pdf.

Register to attend the EEAA 2014 Conference and Awards for Excellence:http://www.eeaa.com.au/conference.php.

KEY DATES:
2 October - Registration opened
20 October - Early bird discount ends

KEY CONFERENCE DATES:
19 November - Welcome Reception
20 November - EEAA 2014 Conference

KEY AWARDS DATES:
Mid-October - Finalists announced
20 November - EEAA 2014 Awards for Excellence

About EEAA

The Exhibition and Event Association of Australasia (EEAA) is the peak association for the exhibition and event industry, representing organisers, venues and suppliers. As a not-for-profit organisation, EEAA’s primary objective is to maintain high industry standards and ensure industry growth by promoting the professionalism of EEAA members and unique benefits offered by exhibitions. For more information, go to www.eeaa.com.au.

Contact:
rius@eeaa.com.au

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Melbourne Accommodation ~ Metro Apartments on Bank Place Specials

Bank Place, is a heritage street located in Melbourne, Victoria. It is a short, quaint lane way, running south from Little Collins Street between Queen Street and William Street in the main centre of Melbourne.

Bank Place has a mixture of beautiful heritage buildings dating from the 1860s through to the 1920s, dotted all along the street, offering a unique glimpse of the past. 

Boutique serviced apartment accommodation in Melbourne's CBD, Metro Apartments on Bank Place provides 4-star Studio and One Bedroom Apartments for home-away-from-home accommodation with easy access to the business end of Melbourne city with the ASX, Melbourne law courts, “New York” end of Collins Street and the financial district a quick walk away.

It is just a walk out the front door to a large variety of restaurants, boutique bars and coffee shops and is only minutes to Melbourne's famous Bourke Street Mall, the Southgate complex, Crown Casino and South bank Promenade. Melbourne is also well-known for the Arts. The National Gallery of Victoria is a short tram trip or leisurely walk from Metro Apartments, as is the Ian Potter Gallery, Immigration Museum, Melbourne Museum and Imax and many smaller private galleries, as well as many famous theatres including the Athenaeum, Princess, Regent and Her Majesty’s Theatres which have played host to Broadway and West End shows such as Marry Poppins Cabaret, West Side Story, Hairspray and the upcoming Rock of Ages.

• Metro Apartments on Bank Place Address: 18 Bank Place, Melbourne VIC 3000 Australia
• Phone: +61 3 9604 4321

Below are some specials Metro Apartments on Bank Place would like to offer:

Metro Apartments on Bank Place is offering this Autumn Package for $160.00* per night staying in a one bedroom apartment including:

• Free Internet
• Midday Check-out
• Bottle of Wine on arrival

Book here: http://www.metrohotels.com.au/special/264

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Book this Mid Week Special at Metro Apartments on Bank Place for $125.00:

• Staying in a Studio Apartment
• Free Internet
• Late check-out 12 Noon

To book this Mid Week Special, you must ring hotel directly on +61 3 9604 4321

Terms: http://www.metrohotels.com.au/special/206

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.

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)

Creative Innovation 2011 - Melbourne Conferences

The Creative Innovation 2011 conference will be held 16–18 November at the Sofitel Melbourne on Collins.

Be inspired by over 35 world-class thinkers, speakers and innovators helping you to achieve business success in a super-connected world.

The main theme of Ci2011 is "The challenges and opportunities of a super-connected world" and it will be addressed at the personal, organisational and global level across the major sectors of business, industry, community and government. Sessions will allow delegates the opportunity to expand their scope of creative understanding and learn new strategies whilst also leveraging their innate, but sometimes hidden, creative capabilities.

Among the key speakers will be one of the world's best know lateral thinkers Dr Edward de Bono who has written over 82 books. Raymond Kurzweil – who has been referred to as "The Restless Genius" by the Wall Street Journal – will give a keynote address as part of a Deep Conversation.
For more information about Creative Innovation 2011, visit www.ci2011.com.au.

ICMI Showcase First Speaker Announcement - Melbourne Conferences

Be our Guest in Melbourne for ICMI's 25th Year Anniversary Showcase of Australia's Most Successful Speakers and Entertainers.

This is a FREE event with lots of giveaways and surprises on the day. It's a great opportunity to get to know the ICMI team and see exclusive presentations from ICMI Speakers like Amanda Stevens, Col Cameron, Mike Brady, Ralph Plarre, Matina Jewell and many more.

20th October 2011
Crown Conference Centre Melbourne
Starting at 8:00am (registration from 7:30am)

More Speakers on the lineup will be announced soon.

Register now to reserve your place!