AIME AIME Daily Day 1 | Page 5

THE MIND IS A POWERFUL FORCE P rovocative and inspiring sessions by industry experts and thought leaders are at the core of AIME’s highly anticipated Knowledge Program for 2018.  Taking an in-depth look at event technology, regional and global industry trends and forecasts, and case studies on techniques to enhance pop culture, destinations, and live events, the program is designed to offer practical skills and insights to benefit growth and understanding in the changing landscape.   “Knowledge, connections and experiences, are the driving forces behind the program, which draws on the expertise of presenters,” says Angela Sciacca, Project Manager, AIME. “With six sessions in total over the two days, attendees will have ample opportunity to dive into the coming trends, and learn from industry stalwarts.” Mindfulness, Neuroscience and Human Behaviour – and what do these have to do with Meetings & Events? at 9:30am is great way to prepare you for the next two days. Wellness, mindfulness and human behaviour coach Peter Bliss will help you understand what’s really going on inside and give you some simple techniques and messages that can transform your life. Come and learn about the science behind your behaviour and pick up some simple mindfulness tips that will change your perceptions and build your resilience.  The rise of geek culture has made way for massive festivals and expos where it can be marketed, promoted, and celebrated. From Comic Cons to Video Games – Behind the Scenes of ReedPop, the World’s Biggest Pop Culture Event Organisers at 11:45am looks at what does it take to build a consumer expo with literally hundreds of thousands of attendees, each looking for a personal connection to their favourite brands? Guy ‘Yug’ Blomberg, Global PAX Content Director, ReedPOP, and Laura Blagys, Marketing Manager, ReedPOP, will share stories of the rise of pop culture events in Australia, the challenges faced, and unique learnings. Get a global update with 2018 Global meetings and events forecast at 1:35pm with Adeline Kang, Regional Strategic Sales and Account Management APAC, American Express Meetings & Events, who will share insights into key global and regional trends impacting the meetings industry for 2018 and what it could mean for your meeting program – including event design, meetings in China, benchmarking your meetings program and rate shifts for air and accommodations. Hear the views of a major corporate client, an agency principal and a leading supplier on the need for greater professionalism in business events and what failing to address the need could mean for the industry with Professional Standards in Business Event Management – Presented by PCMA-ICESAP at 3:45pm. The panel discussion includes Caleb Bush, Managing Director, George P Johnson, Michelle Crowley, Senior Director, Global Strategy, PCMA, Jeremy Baker, Director of Business Development, Meetings & Events, Pan Pacific Hotels Group, Georgie Farmer, Group Manager, Global Travel, Meetings & Events, Microsoft Procurement. TOMORROW’S SESSIONS INCLUDE Mike Williams, Senior Partner, Gaining Edge What destinations are doing to woo business events, 9.30am Vincent Mehta, Business Development Manager, Cvent Amplifying the power of live events, 11.45am Robyn Johnson, CEO, Meetings and Events Australia, Dean Zabrieszach, Chief Executive Officer, HMI Technologies, Michael Walsh, Director of Strategy and Innovation, Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre and Jo-Anne Kelleway, Chief Executive Officer, Info Salons Group The way we live: Technology and events, 1.35pm AIMEDaily Day 1, 2018 5