AIME Launches 30-Year Celebratory Event at MCEC

The Asia Pacific Incentives and Meetings Event (AIME) team, in partnership with the Melbourne Convention Bureau (MCB) have this morning launched their 30-year celebratory event at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC).

AIME is the leading trade event for the meetings and event industry in the Asia Pacific region. It is where industry decision-makers connect, create, and do business. AIME brings together international and local buyers to access the best exhibitors from around the world. The event is owned by MCB and managed by Talk2 Media & Events.

More than 400 hosted buyers, over 350 exhibitors and 2,000 visitors are expected to attend AIME 2023. With 25 countries represented at AIME and 12,000 meetings pre-scheduled, the showfloor is going to be a hive of activity. New event features include: The Accor Hosted Buyers Lounge, a ‘Tech’ area, and a Wellness Café. An enormous kangaroo and a special anniversary lanyard featuring First Nations’ artwork, are some of the ‘touches of Australia’ delegates will be treated to throughout.

AIME commenced this morning with an official press conference at THE LUME, Melbourne featuring The Hon. Steve Dimopoulos MP, Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events; Minister for Creative Industries, Julia Swanson, CEO, Melbourne Convention Bureau, Natalie O’Brien AM, CEO, Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre and Phillipa Harrison, Managing Director, Tourism Australia. The trade show will continue over three days (13-15 February) at MCEC where the industry will come together to celebrate AIME’s 30th Anniversary.

The Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events, Steve Dimopoulos, said: “AIME gives Victoria a huge opportunity to harness the benefits that business events can deliver for the economy now and into the future. International business events like AIME bring thousands of visitors to Melbourne, providing a boost to local hotels, restaurants and shops, while also showcasing our city’s strength as a world-class events destination.”

Following the official press conference this morning - Monday 13 February - is AIME’s Knowledge Programme: the launchpad for the global events industry to come together and immerse in learning. The programme will include an address from Australian tennis star, Jelena Dokic, and will see a mix of industry business leaders and renowned professionals as well as keynote speakers share their knowledge and experience.

Talk2 Media & Events CEO Matt Pearce, said: “From humble beginnings with only domestic destinations and local suppliers to becoming the flagship trade show for the APAC region, AIME has blossomed over the years and its 30th anniversary event is not to be missed.

“The last time we were here the world was still tentative, emerging cautiously from an extraordinarily testing time. Whilst our industry has bounced back strongly, the need to future-safe and inspire events of the future has brought with it an unprecedented workload. For many of us, this has been our biggest year yet. We are bringing these vast learnings to a jam-packed AIME 2023 programme guaranteed to leave attendees inspired and to drive more positive commercial outcomes than ever before.”

Concluding AIME’s first day will be the eagerly anticipated Welcome Event held this evening - Monday 13 February - at Marvel Stadium. The event, which is co-hosted with MCB, will see delegates celebrate on the Marvel Stadium oval where the world’s largest sporting and music events have taken place. State-of-the-art pearl theming celebrating 30 years will be mirrored in a directional menu curated by Victorian producers, Delaware North. Entertainment will pay homage to AIME’s 30-year legacy.

For further details visit the AIME website