Events strong, vibrant: EEAA

The exhibition and events industry remains ‘strong and vibrant’, according to new results unveiled yesterday by the Exhibition & Event Association.

As part of the Group’s inaugural Market Monitor, the non-for-profit organisation found close to one million visitors attended events organising by the EEAA, incorporating 11,278 exhibitors and employing 8000 staff and more than 2000 contractors.

EEAA general manger Joyce DiMascio said despite industry success, there was a need for the NSW Government to take a more holistic view to what was happening in regards to EEAA’s Sydney campaign.

“In contrast to Melbourne, Sydney’s competition is far more global,” she said.

Business continuity was another major component in the key to a healthy and successful exhibition industry.

“There are suppliers in our community, utterly dependent upon our success. We want to minimise the negative impacts on business development,” she added.

The market monitor also revealed 49 percent of all trade events in the second half of 2011 had a paid conference or seminar program attached.

“We need this renewal of opportunities and commercial commitment,” she said.

"The challenge remains in the way exhibitors deliver their product and understanding what’s driving customers to events.”

Safety and professionalism are prevalent priorities occupying EEAA’s focus, with the Group working closely with venues to “continue to build a culture that is centred on safety and safety procedures”.

The EEAA expects the next Market Monitor to be unveiled in six months time.

(Source: etravelblackboard.com)

Melbourne to host World Conference on Social Work, Education and Social Development in 2014

In an important endorsement of Victoria as a leader in social welfare reform, Melbourne has won the right to host 2000 delegates from around the world at the Joint World Conference on Social Work, Education and Social Development in 2014.

Minister for Tourism and Major Events Louise Asher announced the win for Melbourne today.
“This conference will not only deliver valuable tourism dollars to the state, it will also provide an excellent opportunity to showcase the extensive work undertaken in Victoria in the development of social welfare policy and service delivery,” Ms Asher said.

“This important event for Victoria will attract 2000 delegates and inject an estimated AUD $7.6 million into the state’s economy.”

Minister for Community Services Mary Wooldridge said the conference would be of great benefit to Victoria, which is highly regarded across Australia and internationally in the area of social policy.
“It will provide an excellent opportunity to showcase the extensive work undertaken in Australia and more particularly, in Victoria, in the development of social policy, education and service delivery,” Ms Wooldridge said.

“It will also ensure Victorian social workers have the opportunity to learn from their counterparts from across the world.”

Chief Executive Officer of the Melbourne Convention + Visitors Bureau Karen Bolinger said the Conference would be jointly hosted by the International Association of Schools of Social Work (IASSW), International Council on Social Welfare (ICSW) and International Federation of Social Workers (IFSW).

“The Melbourne Convention + Visitors Bureau worked with Professor James Angus, the Dean of The University of Melbourne, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences to secure the Conference for Melbourne in 2014,” Ms Bolinger said.

“Professor Angus is an Ambassador for Club Melbourne, a program of 134 local leaders in academia, science and business who assist in securing business events for Melbourne, and this bid win demonstrates just how important their role is in this process.”

Professor Angus said the conference in Melbourne would facilitate an in-depth investigation of critical world issues.

“These include social protection, the social impact of natural disasters and economic crises, and all the really important health and social concerns that face us as a society,” Professor Angus said.

Peter King, Chief Executive of the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre where the event will be hosted, said, “We look forward to welcoming professionals in the important fields of social work and social development to our facility for this four-day conference.”

(Source: etravelblackboard.com)

CLUBS + HOTELS AUSTRALIA 2012 is Fast Approaching

Now managed by one of Australia's leading exhibition and conference organisers, Australian Exhibitions & Conferences, between 19 & 20 June Clubs & Hotels Australia will open its doors to the hospitality and gaming industry.

Over 2 days, visitors will have the unique opportunity to find out all they need to know to satisfy their interests in clubs and hotels from amusement systems to ATM equipment, decor and furnishings to venue design and decoration, plus much more.

With an exhibitor list that continues to grow, the Expo will offer an extensive range of the latest in technology, services and products for anyone involved in hospitality and gaming.

An industry specific series of seminars and workshops have been scheduled that are short, sharp and business focused, aimed at keeping visitors up to date with the industry. Clubs + Hotels Australia is also very excited to announce that Aristocrat has just signed on as lead exhibitor of the event.

Showcasing their 2012 games portfolio including, A Legends Returns, bringing back some classic games with a modern twist, as well as participating in the gaming venue seminar program, the "2012 expo comes at an ideal time for the gaming industry, with the new gaming operational regime coming on line in Victoria in August 2012." says Aristocrat Victorian Sales Manager, Matt McCarroll.

Closely timed with Clubs + Hotels Australia, this highly competitive regulation change and regime will mean that interest in gaming machines and systems, operational management and monitoring systems, venue design and fit out, will all be at its height.

Other exciting exhibitors on show include dedicated training provider for the food, tourism and hospitality industries, William Angliss Institute, along with licensed manufacturer of electronic gaming machines, Complete Gaming Solutions, and returning exhibitor, JBN Sound Ceiling.

Register to visit now and secure your chance to see the industry's biggest players on show at Clubs and Hotels Australia 2012. To read more about the exciting features, seminar program, newly signed exhibitors or to register online, visit www.clubsandhotels.com.au today.

(Source: Accommnews.com.au)

Conference Gets Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) for 2012 & 2013

The national tourism industry annual conference, Tourism & Events Excellence, has secured the Melbourne Cricket Ground as the venue for 2012 and 2013.

Tourism industry leaders are reminded to save 16 and 17 July for this year's event.

Staged for the first time in Melbourne in 2011, the TEE conference was a critical forum for the tourism and events industry, featuring an impressive line-up of speakers who presented ways of overcoming challenges despite the tough times. Securing the venue for the next two events is testimony to the success of the TEE national conference.

"The industry continues to confront serious challenges, with the global economic uncertainty, Aussies choosing to holiday overseas and labour shortages. The conference last year put the industry's issues on the political agenda and also generated creative ideas that were very energising for the delegates," says Tony Charters, co-convenor of the event.

"Tourism and events will continue to feel the intense pressure they have had to weather in recent years, making this conference a critical focal point for the year.

"As a leading tourism destination in Australia, Melbourne is the obvious place to base this conference. The MCG and its hospitality partner Epicure is a fine example of everything Melbourne is doing well," says Mr Charters.

"Epicure at the MCG is delighted to be part of the team hosting this prestigious event and we look forward to building on the success of last year," says James Gilham.

(Source: Accommnews.com.au)

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