AIME 2024 Returns Bigger!

AIME expects the 2024 event will be even bigger than last year’s blockbuster 30th anniversary event.

More than 500 exhibitors - which represents a growth of more than 40% on AIME 2023, and more than 600 hosted buyers will attend AIME 2024, with more than 160 international buyers heading to Melbourne in February - a growth of 51% on AIME 2023. 

There will be 27 countries represented at AIME 2024. Exhibitors include Convention Bureaux, Convention centres, Hotels and Resorts, Unique venues, Event technology companies, Production and AV companies, Destination Management Companies (DMCs), Airlines, Cruise companies and suppliers from every Australian state as well as international destinations including Japan, New Zealand, Africa, Fiji, Hong Kong, Macau, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Korea, Singapore, USA, Canada, Germany, Italy, Malta, Norway, Spain, UK, Vietnam and more.

The phenomenal growth is testament to the longevity and legacy of AIME, its importance to the business events industry and highlights the importance of the APAC region to the global industry.

To accommodate this incredible growth, AIME will feature a larger showfloor in 2024, expanding the event’s footprint by an additional two bays at its home, the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre.

This expanded showfloor allows the introduction of new zones, including The Boutique and DMC Network and bringing a number of first-time exhibitors to AIME.

A dedicated zone for the world’s boutique experience makers, The Boutique will showcase such operators as small independently owned wineries with intimate spaces, design-led luxury venues with a distinct personality and services to match, and other bespoke and highly customisable experiences.

Also, for the first time at AIME, a dedicated zone for Destination Management Companies (DMCs) will exist - the DMC Network. This space will bring together on-the-ground teams from all over the world who are perfectly positioned to curate tailored experiences for conferences, incentives and events in their region.

AIME 2024 will also feature dedicated spaces on the showfloor for those all-important impromptu meetings, facilitating more networking opportunities across the three days of the event.

AIME Event Director Silke Calder said: "We can't wait to welcome the business events community back to Melbourne in February. We’re thrilled with the support we’ve received from international destinations along with Australia’s convention bureaus, with every state in Australia represented at AIME next year. We've expanded the show floor, introduced exciting new zones and will welcome more buyers, more exhibitors and facilitate more pre-scheduled meetings between hosted buyers and exhibitors than last year's incredible 30th anniversary event."

Knowledge Program 

The theme for AIME's 2024 Knowledge Program is "The 4Ps of GLOCALISATION" will explore the relationship between global insights and local nuances. Curated by BEAM in collaboration with the 2024 Knowledge Program Advisory Committee, the Knowledge Program will launch AIME on 19 February 2024.

Two keynote speakers will explore the intricate dynamics of glocalisation's transformative impact: award-winning marketing executive Lisa Ronson (supported by Saxton Speakers Bureau), and bestselling author, TV host and founder of the 100 Things movement, Sebastian Terry (supported by ICMI).

Joining the keynote speakers, a mix of industry business leaders and renowned professionals will address more than 600 global event professionals attending the Knowledge Program on the first day of AIME 2024.

As part of the Knowledge Program there will be concurrent breakout sessions focusing on the 4P's: People, Planet, Purpose, and Profit. Kwang says a new highlight for 2024 is 'The Pitch', where the leading speakers from each session will have 60 seconds to pitch their topics to the plenary participants. 
 

Ideas Academy Presented by Spice Magazine

Opportunities for education and inspiration continue for all attendees on the following days of AIME. Held alongside the AIME trade show, the Ideas Academy presented by Spice Magazine is an intimate space providing visitors access to short, thought-provoking panel discussions and sessions.

The Ideas Academy will feature some of the MICE industry’s leading experts imparting their wisdom and sharing tips on how to elevate events to the next level. Master of Ceremonies will be Simon Cooper, Managing Director of Interpoint Events. With industry experience spanning more than 40 years, Simon will be bringing a little spice to AIME's 2024 Ideas Academy.

Topics covered by keynote speakers and discussion panels include: modern approaches to team building; event accessibility and inclusivity; First Nations innovation and offerings within the Australian tourism sector; trends in food and events; health and wellness in the events space; harnessing creativity when planning and ideating events; leveraging event entertainment to create an emotional connection with attendees; creating sustainable events; and effective event marketing.

Ideas Academy presented by Spice Magazine sessions will run continuously at AIME on Tuesday 20 and Wednesday 21 February and are free for all attendees. Bookings are not required.

Commitment to Sustainability 

AIME is committed to fostering sustainability throughout the industry. To continue the momentum of successful measures implemented for 2023, sustainability initiatives at AIME 2024 include:

• A  reduction of print collateral, merchandise and signage - to be replaced with digital signage and assets to enhance the show experience
• AIME will also welcome the return of exhibitors like Cardboard Mill, which will fashion seating and signage out of cardboard - expect some touches of Australia popping up on the showfloor. 
   

Visitor Registration Now Open 

AIME delivers the platform for connecting vetted buyers with world-class exhibitors and offers industry leaders an immersive space for learning, growth and development.

More than 15,000 pre-scheduled meetings between hosted buyers and exhibitors will take place over two days at AIME (20 and 21 February), with visitor buyers also able to schedule meetings with more than 500 exhibitors from all around the world, including Australian venues and boutique event and tech suppliers.

More than 3500 visitor buyers, visitor media and visitor suppliers are expected to attend AIME 2024. Register at aime.com.au