Exhibitor numbers are expected to rise at AIME 2006 following an extremely positive response to the Exhibitor Prospectus, distributed earlier this month. Around 80% of previous exhibitors are expected to quickly confirm their stands for next year, when AIME will be held for the first time on 6 & 7 June.

AIME 2006 is expected to attract a record 850 exhibitors and cover a total of 12,500 square metres of space, making it the largest AIME to date.

“A number of exhibitors have increased their stand size for AIME 2006. Thailand has taken a larger site, as has Dubai, Malaysia, Abu Dhabi and India. New Zealand cities Queenstown and Wellington have also increased their space,” said Rosemarie Sama, AIME Event Director.

Australian exhibitors taking more space include: Cairns & Region Convention Bureau, Melbourne Convention + Visitors Bureau, Gold Coast Tourism, Sunshine Coast Convention Bureau, Northern Territory Convention Bureau and the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre.

“The success of AIME 2005 and the increase in convention venues and facilities in the Asia Pacific region are driving the growth of AIME 2006. With Hosted Buyer numbers increasing to 480 for next year, AIME is once again set to provide excellent business opportunities for suppliers to the convention, incentive and business travel industries,” Ms Sama said.

AIME 2006, 14^th AsiaPacific Incentives and Meetings Expo, will be held on 6 and 7 June at the Melbourne Exhibition Centre. For further information on AIME visit the website at: www.aime.com.au