The Asia-Pacific Incentives and Meetings Expo (AIME) welcomes new Event Director, Ian Wainwright, to lead the team in delivering an inspirational trade show for the business events industry, 23 – 24 February 2016 at the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre.

A global events marketing specialist with over 13 years' experience, Mr Wainwright has an understanding of all facets of the industry, enabling him to bring a variety of perspectives to AIME, from the corporate, association and not for profit sectors.

Sallie Coventry, ibtm events Portfolio Director, Reed Travel Exhibitions commented that Ian's background, experience and passion for the events industry are key to his appointment to the position and his innovative thinking will have great influence on AIME.

“With strong relationships with numerous industry stakeholders, including convention bureaux and tourism, government and private bodies, Ian is well positioned to drive Asia-Pacific's leading business events trade show.

“We have great confidence in Ian to deliver the very best AIME; one that engages the industry, inspires visitors and most importantly provides a platform for exhibitors and Hosted Buyers to connect and achieve tangible business results.

“Ian's appointment to AIME also includes his appointment as a core part of the ibtm global leadership team, alongside our other Event Directors and Senior Exhibition Directors for ibtm world (Barcelona), ibtm arabia (Abu Dhabi), ibtm africa (Cape Town), ibtm America (Nashville), ibtm china (Beijing), ibtm latin america (Mexico City) and ibtm india,” concluded Ms Coventry.

Ian Wainwright, Event Director – AIME, Reed Travel Exhibitions commented on his appointment and vision for AIME.

“Having experienced AIME for the past 7 years and witnessing its many stages of transformation, I'm delighted and proud to now be at the helm; leading a talented and passionate team and working in tandem with the team at the Melbourne Convention Bureau to deliver a show that's integral to doing business in the events industry,” said Mr Wainwright.

AIME has also appointed Elena Peridis as Marketing Manager – AIME, Reed Travel Exhibitions, who commenced in September 2015. With a strong background in corporate communications and community engagement, Ms Peridis will drive both exhibitor and visitor engagement strategies for AIME 2016, weaving through the core theme of AIME, where inspiration begins.

Media contacts:

Laura Valentine, Account Manager, Zadro

P: +61 2 9212 7867  |  M: +61 4 06 285 077  |  laura@zadroagency.com.au

Elizabeth Williams, Account Director, Zadro

P: +61 2 9212 7867  |  M: +61 4 11 201 354  |  elizabeth@zadroagency.com.au

Notes to editors:

Karen Bolinger, Chief Executive Officer, Melbourne Convention Bureau, and Sallie Coventry ibtm events Portfolio Director, Reed Travel Exhibitions, are available for interview upon request via the media contacts listed above.

Ian Wainwright, Event Director - AIME and Elena Peridis, Marketing Manager - AIME are both available for interviews via the media contacts listed above.

Asia-Pacific Incentives and Meetings Expo (AIME), 23 – 24 February 2016, Melbourne

AIME is where meetings, events and incentives industry decision makers meet for business adventures across Australia, Asia-Pacific and the rest of the globe. AIME is owned by the Melbourne Convention Bureau (MCB), a business development organisation, with its core function to secure international and national conferences, incentive travel reward programs and other business events for the Australian state of Victoria.

AIME is managed by Reed Travel Exhibitions (RTE), the world's leading provider of exhibitions in the travel and tourism industry, with a wide-ranging portfolio of 23 international events in 15 countries throughout the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Asia Pacific and Africa.