The Asia Pacific Incentives & Meetings Event leadership released a statement that says, “It is with great sadness we announce the cancellation of AIME 2021 due to the ongoing global COVID-19 pandemic.”
The event was due to take place from March 15-17 at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre in Australia.
They continue, “We know this news is disappointing for our global business events community, especially the many exhibitors, buyers, industry professionals due to attend the show. Several options were explored to get this global event happening in 2021, but unfortunately the difficult decision has been made to cancel the event.
“Like many other event organizers, we face the 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.
“We wholeheartedly supported the move to a hybrid format to ensure AIME continued to offer international and local buyers access to the best exhibitors from around the globe. Yet we believe a fully virtual event would remove the live, in-person element—which is the essence of AIME.
“Along with our partners and suppliers, we have poured our hearts into this year’s event. But we are resilient, we are adaptable and we will bounce back with AIME2022 to be bigger and better. The event will play a significant role in the business events industry’s recovery, and create and re-establish valuable connections to drive commerce for the wider region.
“As host of AIME for almost three decades in Melbourne, we’re proud of its status on the global business events calendar. We thank you for your support and look forward to meeting again at AIME, March 21-23, 2022.
AIME Event Director Silke Calder adds, “Not being able to run AIME 2021 is devastating for the entire AIME team. They put 110 percent into this show and I couldn’t be prouder. We are all heartbroken and are counting down the days until we meet again in 2022!”
For more info, visit aime.com.au.
