Grand Hyatt Melbourne will partner with Melbourne Convention and Visitors Bureau (MCVB) to host a special Melbourne welcome cocktail function for AIME 2009 hosted buyers and media on Sunday 15 February, in the hotel’s stunning new events venue, The Residence.

The Residence is part of a 12-month, AU$45 million redevelopment of the Grand Hyatt Melbourne, which includes new upper and lower lobbies, a new restaurant called Collins Kitchen, and a new bar, RU-CO. The Residence is a private mansion concept that offers tailored, personalised service, and will be completed in late 2008.

“We are thrilled to work with MCVB to host this important event and to have the opportunity to showcase The Residence to Hosted Buyers and media who are attending AIME,” said Grand Hyatt Melbourne general manager, David Mansfield.

Grand Hyatt Melbourne’s executive chef, Peter Dixon, will tailor an exciting menu drawing on the core culinary themes that are served in The Residence, with a strong emphasis on local produce and premium wines and champagnes.

MCVB chief executive Sandra Chipchase explained that 2009 is an exciting year to visit Melbourne, as a number of new developments come to fruition.

“The Residence adds a prestigious new element to the Grand Hyatt’s hotel meeting’s facilities and is ideal venue for our Sunday night welcome function,” she said. “Hosted buyers and media travelling to Australia for AIME also have an opportunity to pre-tour to some of Melbourne’s and the State of Victoria’s most spectacular attractions, see the new Melbourne Convention Centre, view new hotels under construction including the new Hilton and Crown hotels and to participate in a number of other hotel and venue site inspections.”

AIME 2009, the 17th AsiaPacific Incentives & Meetings Expo, takes place at the Melbourne Exhibition Centre on 17-18 February

For more information, visit www.aime.com.au