The forecast for AIME 2007 looks bright with exhibitors from across the globe increasing their presence at the Asia Pacific’s premier meetings and incentive event.

“The positive response from repeat exhibitors has been very pleasing. Hong Kong was quick to increase its space from 180 square metres to 225, representing the largest Asian exhibitor. Visit Britain, Hawaii, Canada, China, Dubai, Oman and Indonesia have also taken more space,” said Rosemarie Sama, AIME Event Director.

Not to be outdone, Australian exhibitors are also locking in larger stands.

“The Gold Coast has increased its space, Tasmania has doubled its stand and the Northern Territory is also looking at a larger stand. Melbourne has expanded its presence again with Melbourne and regional Victorian exhibitors covering the largest space at AIME – an enormous 337.5 square metres,” Ms Sama said.

InterContinental Hotel Group including Crowne Plaza Hotels and Resorts have increased their space as has Hyatt Hotels while Allied Europe is returning after a year’s absence.

Destination Marketing Services (DMS) is back with a bigger stand in 2007. DMS will have a total of 12 DMCs representing regions from Asia, Oceania, Europe, North and South America, the Middle East and Africa. Joining them will be Fairmont Hotels & Resorts and Raffles Hotels & Resorts – represented in Australia by Unique Venues.

Brazil’s leading DMC Walpax, will make its debut. Countries represented from Eastern Europe include Russia, Czech Republic, Croatia, Slovenia, Austria and Hungary. Condor Travel Chile & Peru, LAN Airlines and Australian representative Nemonic Concepts are returning to AIME. The stand will also include a new exhibitor from Brazil, Superior Plus.

After making a major splash at AIME 2006 under its Incredible India banner, the Indian Pavilion will be back on a 90 square metre stand as well as on Café 4.

“We have had a strong response to the move back to February and there is a real positive energy about the event for next year. Exhibitors believe AIME is the best exhibition on offer in Australia, with its mix of national and international exhibitors and the most important buyers from around the world,” Ms Sama said.

“We urge exhibitors who have not yet booked their space at AIME 2007 to do so soon as AIME 2007 is filling fast.”

AIME 2007 will mark the 15th staging of the event which has grown to include more than 850 exhibitors from 50 countries.

AIME 2007 is on 13 & 14 February at the Melbourne Exhibition Centre, Australia. Information on exhibiting, applying for the Hosted Buyer Programme and visiting AIME can be found at. http://www.aime.com.au