The Asia Pacific Incentives and Meeting Event (AIME) is returning to the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) from 13 – 15 February 2023. It is the industry’s flagship trade event in the Asia Pacific region (APAC) and connects 400 Hosted Buyers and 2,000 Visitor Buyers with over 300 world-class domestic and international exhibitors. With nearly 60 percent of the world’s population located in APAC, it is a must-attend event for industry players wanting to capitalise on the region’s growing business events industry.
AIME 2023 will be a celebration of the show’s extraordinary 30-year legacy with new features, events, programming and more to be announced. With the event just a couple of months away, Silke Calder, AIME Event Director, shared with M!CETALK insight into what to expect at this year’s special anniversary show.
Thank you for speaking with us Silke. How is the event shaping up two months out?
Exhibitor sales have exceeded expectations and the showfloor is nearly sold out. We’re thrilled with the support we’ve received from international destinations along with Australia’s convention bureaus – every state in Australia will be represented at AIME next year.
How much has AIME changed over its astonishing 30-year trajectory?
Business looked very different in 1993. There were hardly any mobile phones let alone smartphones and Tim Berners-Lee had only just released the source code for the first web browser. While technology, travel and business practices have changed dramatically over the last 30 years, at its core, AIME is still where the industry gathers, transfers knowledge, fosters learning and realises the power of connection and community. In this way, little has changed over its impressive tenure.
Can you tell us anything about the highly anticipated Knowledge Program on Monday 13 February?
We are about to announce the full program including a very special keynote speaker – watch this space! What I can say is the theme for next year is: Your Industry. Your Opportunity. What is the opportunity for the events industry now? and the program will be the 2023 launchpad for the global events industry to come together, immerse in learning, growth and inspire events for the next year and beyond. It is simply unmissable!
Our ongoing commitment to deliver the best program for the industry has seen us establish the Knowledge Program Advisory Committee. This committee consists of eight leaders from the APAC meetings and events industry who have guided the curation of the program. Now more than ever before, participants will leave engaged, renewed and armed with new skills.
Is there anything new for Hosted and Visiting Buyers?
We have a redesigned showfloor including dedicated zones for tech suppliers, hotel chains, international pavilions as boutique event suppliers – all designed to enhance the show experience and facilitate networking. A new wellness space and cafe will provide attendees with the opportunity to receive some pampering between meetings and for our hosted buyers – they’ll be treated to a luxury experience in the new Accor Hosted Buyer Lounge.
What about Exhibitors – how does your tailored AI work?
By matching buyers’ needs with the destinations and services on offer from our exhibitors, our bespoke AI technology will align over 10,000 meetings. There is no other show in the APAC region that guarantees our exhibitors introductions with such highly qualified and vetted buyers. It is one of the many reasons why we are the most trusted business event held in the APAC.
For some of our readers, this will be their first trip to Melbourne. What are your top tips?
I highly recommend a meal at one of Melbourne’s dining institutions: Red Spice Road, Movida, Tonka or Cumulus to name just a few. Visit the famous Queen Victoria Market for excellent local produce, artisanal gifts and a vibrant atmosphere. Take a day trip down the coast to the award-winning wineries on the Mornington Peninsula or escape in the other direction along the Great Ocean Road. Personally, I love a stroll to St Kilda pier where I take my dog Freya for beach walks in the warmer months.
About AIME 2023
The Asia Pacific Incentives and Meetings Event (AIME) is the leading trade event for the meetings and event industry in the Asia Pacific region. AIME is where industry decision makers connect, create and do business. The event brings together international and local buyers to access the best exhibitors from around the world. AIME 2023 will be held at the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre from 13 – 15 February and will see the industry coming together to celebrate AIME’s 30th Anniversary.
Applications for AIME’s highly regarded Hosted Buyer Program close 13 December 2022.
Find out more: AIME website.
For more details or to register:
● aime.com.au
● facebook.com/AIMEAsiaPacific
● instagram.com/aimeasiapacific
● LinkedIn – AIME
For AIME sales, sponsorship or hosted buyer enquiries contact:
● Sales and Sponsorship: aime@talk2.media
● Hosted Buyers: aime.buyers@talk2.media
