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AIME 2025 shaping up to be best yet
10 – 12 February 2025 Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre
The Asia Pacific Incentives and Meetings Event ( AIME ) in Melbourne in February is shaping up to be the best on record with an exciting line-up of speakers and a strong list of confirmed exhibitors . The preceding Knowledge Program and the exhibition will be open to hosted buyers , hosted media , exhibitors and visitor buyers .
What it ’ s all about AIME is the Asia Pacific ’ s largest and longest-running business events exhibition and learning platform , connecting the global community of business event professionals with industry suppliers . And AIME 2024 generated $ 330 million of business through buyer and seller interactions ! This year the event will play host to more than 20,000 one-on-one meetings between exhibitors and buyers .
One of the most popular parts of the event is the Knowledge Program – and , like the rest of AIME , 2025 is shaping up to be one of the most impressive line ups ever . This year ’ s theme is ‘ We Matter !’ and it will highlight the pivotal role the global business events industry plays as an engine of economic growth . But that ’ s not all . Attendees will also be able to explore the connections between personal wellbeing , innovation and professional success .
Exploring connections and rebellious mindsets Renowned neuro-performance scientist and award-winning author Dr Kristy Goodwin has been confirmed as one of the speakers . In her keynote , Powered-Up Performers : The Neuroscience of Sustainable Peak Performance in a Digital Age , Dr Goodwin will share brain-based microhabits that empower event professionals to boost productivity , manage stress and maintain sustainable energy in a digitally demanding environment .
She believes “ wellbeing is essential for anyone who wants to continue driving growth in the events industry ”. Sponsored by Ovations , Kirsty ’ s session promises to leave participants equipped with practical tools for professional and personal success .
Another confirmed speaker is Gus Balbontin , former executive director and CTO of Lonely Planet . He will bring his rebellious mindset to AIME with his keynote Adapt . Known for his disruptive approach to innovation and change , Balbontin will inspire attendees to embrace discomfort as the gateway to fresh ideas : “ If I don ’ t make you uncomfortable , you ’ re not going to learn anything new ,” he says .
Sponsored by ICMI , his session will encourage you to break free from conventional thinking and unlock new ways of problem-solving . S
aime . com . au
News from AIME
ELEVATING PROFESSIONAL GROWTH The AIME 2025 Knowledge Program , which is expected to attract more than 1500 event professionals on the opening day , is curated by BEAM experience founder El Kwang : “ This year ’ s dynamic speakers reflect our ambition to craft a superior and relevant Knowledge Program . We ’ re building on past successes , setting new standards and reinforcing AIME ’ s reputation as a leading hub for industry learning .”
TEAM EXPANSION In line with anticipated growth in 2025 , the AIME executive team has expanded . Leading the new appointments is John Wilson who joins as marketing director . Previously holding senior roles at major international event organisers ( including Informa , Deutsche Messe , and Foundry ( IDG )) he will now oversee AIME ’ s global marketing communications as the team gears up for the 32nd edition of the event .
Joining John is Kayla Elliott , a multi-disciplinary creative storyteller , who takes the position of marketing executive . She will be responsible for crafting compelling content that connects with AIME ’ s global audience , ensuring the event remains a key fixture in the business events industry .
In addition , Claire Graham is now director of operations and content . She brings more than 20 years of event management experience , having worked on iconic Australian events like Taste Festival , Smooth FM Chocolate Festival and the ATSA Independent Living Festival . Further strengthening the operations team is Nissa Ni , AIME ’ s new event and systems coordinator .
38 Executive PA | Summer Issue 2025