The Asia-Pacific Incentives and Meetings Expo (AIME) announced the partnerships, which will see three associations work alongside AIME organisers to promote business events opportunities to their current and prospective members.

The three partnered associations are the Association of Corporate Travel Executives, the Professional Conference Organisers Association and International Special Events Society. These new association partnerships are in addition to established relationships AIME holds with Meetings and Events Australia and International Congress and Convention Association.

By engaging many of the industry’s respected associations AIME is able to connect with a larger scope of event planners around the world but further strengthen the event’s profile as an industry leader.

Reed Travel Exhibitions Director for AIME Sally de Swart said the partnerships will prove mutually beneficial for AIME and the associations.

Association of Corporate Travel Executives’ Executive Director Ron DiLeo said “Through our expanded relationship with AIME, we are sharing best practices, aligning industry standards, casting a wider educational net and finding solutions of common value. This relationship stands to benefit both meetings and business travel professionals in Australia.”

Director of Professional Conference Organisers Association Rob Henshaw said “Many different types of businesses attend AIME and it is very beneficial for us to gain exposure to those companies whose core area of business is not necessarily event management, but who do actually organise some quite large events, as well as the specialist events and meetings professionals. We are also excited to be part of AIME’s extensive education sessions offering our industry knowledge in a forum to our members and prospective members.”

International Special Events Society said they are proud to be associated with AIME 2012 and believe the partnership is vital to their members as it provides potential business opportunities, further education and the prospect of building strong working relationships.

Newly Elected Chair of International Special Events Society Australasia Jennifer Trethewey said “International Special Events Society is the only international event organisation in this country. With a membership of over 7,000 members in 38 countries, we have a strong set of core values and ethics that are key to the advancement and promotion of the special events industry globally.

“AIME mirrors these values and understands the importance of collaborating with other event bodies to promote the overall industry.”