Media doyenne Ita Buttrose officially opened the 20th annual AIME at the Melbourne Conference and Exhibition Centre yesterday.

With over 779 exhibitors from 44 countries at this year¡¯s event, Ms Buttrose highlighted AIME¡¯s achievements since its inception in 1993 where the event attracted 200 visitors from only 11 countries.

Over 3700 pre-registered visitors and 500 hosted buyers streamed through the doors to be welcomed by a myriad of themed stands that were all up for nomination at the first ever AIME Awards that were held at the Australian Centre for Contemporary Art last night.

Congratulations to the following winners:
Best Stand 36 sqm and Under - The Dockside Group
Best Stand Over 36 sqm - Tourism Fiji
Best New Exhibitor Award - American Express Meetings and events
AIME's Outstanding Contribution Award - Leigh Harry of Tourism Victoria
Best Environmental Award - Accor

Click here for a complete photo gallery of day one at AIME