The Asia Pacific Incentives and Meetings Event (AIME) is the number-one trade show for the business events community in the Asia-Pacific region and brings together international and local planners to connect them with the best destinations, venues and event suppliers from around the world.
Happening at Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) on 10-12 February, AIME 2025 will be the fourth event delivered by event director Silke Calder (pictured, above) and her team from Talk2 Media & Events, which manages the show on behalf of Melbourne Convention Bureau (MCB).
Calder says AIME 2025 is set to be even bigger than last year’s event, which was the largest in a decade.
“We have expanded the footprint at our MCEC home 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 February,” she says.
This builds on the exceptional growth of 2024, when more than $330 million in business was forecast to be traded between exhibitors and buyers in the 12 months following the event. It cements AIME as the leading trade show for the international business events community in the Asia-Pacific region.
AIME was also awarded Best Exhibition or Trade Show at the 2024 Australian Event Awards – the third consecutive year AIME has received the award.
MCEC is the first convention centre in the world to have a six-star Green Star rating, and with AIME’s 32-year legacy, the event and its partners are committed to sustainability at all levels, from cultural to environmental.
Calder says at AIME 2025, in partnership with sustainability-focused event management provider NatureBoss, it will plant a tree for every attendee at AIME.
“This means more than 4500 trees will be planted following AIME, and augments measures initiated at the 2024 show and continuing in 2025, which includes reduction of print collateral, merchandise and signage, coupled with a dedicated focus on reducing waste, promoting eco-friendly exhibitor practices, and showcasing sustainable event solutions,” she says.
Hosted and curated by BEAM founder El Kwang, the AIME Knowledge Program launches the three-day show on 10 February with keynote speakers and industry business leaders who will address 1500 global event professionals attending the first day of AIME 2025.
This year’s Knowledge Program theme is “We Matter!”, which celebrates the global business events industry as a powerful catalyst for economic growth. Two inspiring keynote speakers will open the day, exploring adaptability, performance and wellbeing as crucial elements in resilience for events industry professionals.
Drawing from his experience as chief technology officer at Lonely Planet, Gus Balbontin will deliver his keynote address, “ADAPT”, presented by ICMI, in which he will share practical insights on how businesses can stay agile and innovative amid relentless pace of change.
Dr Kristy Goodwin will present her keynote, “Powered-up performers: The neuroscience of sustainable peak-performance in a digital age”, supported by Ovations!, featuring science-backed strategies to optimise productivity, manage stress and sustain energy in the high-pressure world of business events and incentives.
There will be 20 breakout sessions following these keynotes so attendees can tailor their learning experiences. Topics range from nurturing emerging talent and harnessing AI, to safeguarding creativity and understanding the impact of consumer experience on event outcomes.
Calder says the Knowledge Program has gone from strength to strength, with this year’s program to provide insights, inspiration and intelligence for events professionals.
“We are thrilled to have such inspirational and exciting industry leaders sharing their incredible insights and expertise across a full day of education and professional growth opportunities for attendees,” she says.
While the Knowledge Program sets the stage for AIME 2025, the excitement continues through to the main event on the show floor on 11-12 February. With an expanded footprint across 10 bays of MCEC, attendees will have the opportunity to connect with exhibitors, explore innovative zones and participate in speaker sessions and panel discussions delivering expert information and knowledge sharing about the events industry.
Attendees can meet face-to-face with more than 600 exhibitors, including convention bureaux, convention centres, hotels and resorts, unique venues, event technology companies, production and AV companies, destination management companies, airlines, cruise companies and suppliers from across Australia and beyond.
There will be more than 200 new exhibitors attending AIME 2025, along with two new international pavilions – Singapore and Thailand – joining more than 25 countries represented at the event.
Dedicated zones, including The Boutique and DMC Network, will showcase bespoke and highly customisable experiences, including wineries, distilleries and intimate, design-led luxury venues.
The AIME Ideas Academy presented by Spice returns to the AIME show floor in 2025, offering a space for thought-provoking panel discussions and keynotes on 11-12 February.
“Of course, the AIME Welcome Event on 10 February is always a great opportunity for our industry to come together to catch up with friends and colleagues from around the world – it’s always a fantastic night,” says Calder.
For more information or to register to attend AIME, visit aime.com.au.
