Preview
AIME-ing for a blockbuster
THE ASIA PACIFIC INCENTIVES AND MEETING EVENT ( AIME ) RETURNS TO THE MELBOURNE CONVENTION AND EXHIBITION CENTRE ( MCEC ) 10 – 12 FEBRUARY 2025 , AND THE REGION ’ S NO . 1 SHOW FOR THE MEETINGS INDUSTRY IS SET ON MOVING UP ANOTHER GEAR
T he number one event for the business events community in Asia Pacific will again bring together international and local event planners and connect them with the best destinations , venues and event suppliers .
AIME 2025 will be the fourth event delivered by event director Silke Calder and her team from Talk2 Media and Events , which manages the show on behalf of Melbourne Convention Bureau ( MCB ).
So , how does Calder think this coming edition of AIME will differ from previous years ?
“ The 2025 event is set to be a blockbuster ! We have expanded our footprint at our MCEC home to 15,000sqm to accommodate more than 600 exhibitors , 650 hosted buyers and the 20,000 meetings that are set to take place on the show floor .
“ In 2025 , for the first time , the global association of the exhibition industry , UFI will hold its 2025 Asia-Pacific Conference following AIME at MCEC and we ’ re thrilled to have UFI delegates in Melbourne in the same week as AIME 2025 . The senior level attendees from large global organisations will be a welcome addition to our event .”
New zones first introduced to the 2024 show floor , including The Boutique and DMC Network , look set to be boosted further for 2025 , says Calder , with 250 % more exhibitors in the DMC Network zone and 28 exhibitors in The Boutique attending AIME 2025 .
Whether it ’ s wineries , distilleries , or intimate , design-led luxury venues , these bespoke and highly customisable experiences are in high demand and will feature prominently .
Reflecting the increased demand for travel and accommodation , the Hotel zone has also grown significantly , as has the representation of Australian states , including Victoria , NSW and Queensland .
High expectations What of exhibitor expectations at AIME ?
Calder tells us : “ We are still months
Right : Talk2 Media CEO
Matt Pearce and AIME event director Silke Calder
Left : AIME 2025 heading for a sell-out exhibitor show floor out from the event and have already sold 90 % of the show floor . The support we have received from international destinations , along with Australia ’ s convention bureaus and event suppliers , has been exceptional .
“ A key feature for AIME exhibitors is our bespoke AI powered pre-scheduled appointment system . By matching buyers ’ needs with the destinations and services on offer from our exhibitors , the technology will align more than 20,000 meetings taking place across the event .”
In terms of initiatives planned to enhance the event ’ s sustainability in 2025 , Calder notes AIME is held at the first convention centre in the world to have a six-star Green Star rating ( MCEC ) and with a 32-year legacy , AIME and its partners says they are committed to sustainability at all levels – from cultural to environmental .
In 2025 , AIME in partnership with sustainability-focused event management provider NatureBoss , will plant a tree for every attendee at AIME which should mean 4,500 trees will be planted in 2025 . There will also be a reduction in waste , and increased promoting of eco-friendly exhibitor practices .
AIME 2025 will run 10-12 February , 2025 at the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre . n n For more information , visit : aime . com . au
ISSUE 133 / CONFERENCE & MEETINGS WORLD / 43