The Hawai'i Visitors and Convention Bureau is leading a 14-member sales team to Australia next week to help generate new business opportunities for the state's meetings industry.

The focus of the sales team's efforts is the 18th annual Asia-Pacific Incentive and Meetings Expo, which is Monday to Wednesday in Melbourne.

It is expected to draw 6,000 participants and 850 exhibitors from 50 countries. Among the attendees will be an estimated 3,000 professional meeting organizers from Australia, New Zealand and Asia-Pacific countries — key decision-makers in determining where meetings and incentive events are booked.

"A natural affinity exists for Hawai'i within Australia and Asia Pacific, and the fact that we offer world-class resorts and meeting facilities statewide, along with pre- and post-meeting experiences that make being here truly remarkable, helps us in selling our islands as a premier, international meetings destination," said Adele Tasaka, HVCB's senior director of accounts.

Joining Tasaka on the Australia sales blitz will be Hawai'i sales professionals representing the Kaua'i Visitors Bureau, O'ahu Visitors Bureau, Maui Visitors Bureau, Big Island Visitors Bureau, Hawaiian Airlines, Hilton Hawaiian Village Beach Resort & Spa, Moana Surfrider-A Westin Resort, Starwood Resorts Waikiki, The Waikiki Edition, Maui Jim, MC&A Hawaii, Kathy Clarke Hawaii and Aloha Holidays.