The first day of the Asia Pacific Incentives and Meetings Event (AIME) 2020 kicked off in Melbourne this week, with meetings industry professionals and suppliers coming together from around the globe to share ideas and do business.
Peter King, Chief Executive of MCEC—AIME’s host venue—says the recent bushfires and ongoing Coronavirus crises have brought the industry into the spotlight and demonstrate how important business events are to Australia.
“[The recent crises] show the ripple effect of on the economy, with casual staff not working, and event providers like stand builders and hotels now feeling the impact of these crises,” Mr King said.
“The visitor economy is an enormous economic driver to the city, the state and the country, and we need to remind our politicians of the importance of the industry.”
At the Knowledge Programme on the show floor, Helen Parker from Destination NSW presented how her organisation and convention bureaux can help event organisers bring their events to fire-affected regions that are now “open for business.”
“Taking 50 or 60 people to a small town mid-week is a fantastic opportunity to support businesses in the regions,” Ms Parker said.
“But don’t come to the regions just to support them in the wake of the bushfires, come because you’ll love it.”
Visit Sunshine Coast CEO, Simon Latchford said his region was very fortunate to only be ‘singed’ by the bushfires and is looking forward to welcoming more events with a new runway and airport in the works.
“Our region has much greater depth and breadth of events. We have art, music culture and more diversity in the region,” Mr Latchford said.
The session was hosted by Executive PA Media, who also facilitated a discussion at the show—where a panel of Executive Assistants will answer questions from the audience on their pain points, preferences and ideas when organising events.
