With a few weeks to go before the events industry reunites at Asia pacific mice show, AIME, we ask hosted buyer manager Jackie Caldwell for the inside scoop on what’s new for 2022
Jackie Caldwell comes to the AIME team with a passion for facilitating opportunities and helping people thrive, and AIME’s hosted buyer programme is designed to create just those kind of meaningful connections.
So, with lockdowns easing across Australia – what are you most excited about?
Personally, I’m excited about seeing my family in Sydney – especially my brother and his family who have returned to Australia after living in Vietnam for several years.
Professionally, I’m ecstatic that lockdowns are now becoming a thing of the past. We’re seeing travel bubbles opening up with New Zealand, Singapore, Japan and Korea, which means we’ll be welcoming international buyers and exhibitors to AIME 2022. Fingers crossed we’ll see even more international markets reopen in the near future.
What can hosted buyers expect from AIME 2022?
We’ve been working tirelessly on redeveloping our programme – there’s more surprises to come, but here’s a sneak peek:
Firstly, the format of the show for 2022 has changed and now encompasses two different types of buyers – in-person and virtual. The event starts with two days of in-person meetings (21–23 March) at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, followed by a five-day virtual programme (28 March to 1 April) delivered via AIME’s online platform. We have a jam-packed programme which means no matter where you are in the world, you will benefit from attending AIME.
AIME hosted buyers will also enjoy the convenience of pre-scheduled appointments with preferred exhibitors, as well as return flights, accommodation, meals, tickets to all AIME events, and exclusive access to the Hosted Buyer Lounge – a chance to rub shoulders with industry colleagues.
And who could forget the hottest party of the year – the AIME Welcome Event – and for 2022 we’re thrilled to be working with the Centrepiece at Melbourne Park team to kick off festivities.
What are some new features hosted buyers will experience at AIME 2022?
Firstly, there have been changes to how we facilitate meaningful connections. We’ve partnered with tech-leaders Grip, whose diary management system facilitates buyer and exhibitor pre-scheduled appointments (PSAs).
Grip’s platform uses AI-powered matchmaking technology, which means stress-free networking (who doesn’t love tech when it makes our lives a little easier)!
Secondly, we know that choice and flexibility are two things our buyers value, so we’ve created a new Semi-Hosted Programme for those who like to have more freedom over their time at AIME.
Also, those visiting AIME in-person will find a new ‘ACTIVATE’ area on the floor which will showcase lots of new products and suppliers who can help up-level your events.
What can those unable to attend AIME in-person expect from the Virtual Buyer Programme?
Virtual buyers and exhibitors will connect on our new AIME Online platform. At this stage, buyers and exhibitors from countries outside Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Korea and Japan will be able to meet virtually in their preferred time-zone to complete their PSAs.
Any buyer or exhibitor joining us online will have access to the Knowledge Programme sessions on-demand, an open diary to schedule additional meetings and they will also have the exclusive opportunity to win some fabulous experiences showcasing Australia and New Zealand.
Those buyers who complete their 20 PSAs will be among the first international buyers considered for the AIME 2023 fully hosted in-person buyer programme (subject to government regulations of course).
The structure of the AIME 2022 show really does offer something for everyone and we can’t wait to welcome you to AIME – be that in-person or virtually.
Hosted buyer registrations close 28 February 2022 (both virtual and in-person). All buyers who are approved to attend #AIME2022 go in the draw to win a trip to New Zealand. Connect with Jackie Caldwell, hosted buyer manager on jackie.caldwell@talk2.media
