Postponed a year, AIME 2022 will take place from 21–23 March. Photo Credit: Asia Pacific Incentives and Meetings Event
Organisers of the Asia Pacific Incentives and Meetings Event (AIME) this week announced the cancellation of the 2021 show. AIME is the second industry event to be scrapped this month, following similar news of IMEX
Frankfurt's event originally slated for May.
Designed as a hybrid event, AIME 2021 was scheduled to take place at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre and online from 15 to 17 March.
Event organisers, Talk2 Media & Events, stated the event faced challenges brought about by international and domestic travel restrictions despite healthy interest for the event from exhibitors and buyers.
“As the past year has shown, it’s difficult to predict if border closures will be required to slow the spread of future outbreaks," said Talk2 Media & Events CEO, Matt Pearce. "As difficult as it is to cancel, we cannot in good conscience stage an event that devalues the quality of experience or accessibility of AIME in delivering meaningful interactions for exhibitors and visitors, alongside subsequent appointments with our international networks."
The AIME team has begun to contact exhibitors and attendees to manage existing bookings, as well as event refunds.
Feedback so far has been "overwhelmingly supportive of our difficult
decision".
“It’s a real testament to our industry and we’re looking forward to
delivering an even bigger and better show in 2022,” said Julia Swanson,
CEO, Melbourne Convention Bureau.
Pearce added: “As we navigate through these trying times, we remain optimistic that
business events will adapt, innovate and emerge stronger than ever. We
cannot wait to see you all next year — to connect and reunite as a
community."
AIME 2022 will take place from 21 to 23 March, more details will be made available in coming months.