By Gwen O’Toole

Last night (Feb 17) in Melbourne’s historic Queen Victoria Markets, AIME exhibitors, hosted buyers and media gathered at a long lane-style section of the market for the official welcome cocktail function.
 

AIME ’09 welcomed guests last night (Feb 17) at a
special event held at the Queen Victoria Markets

Complete with market stalls, brightly coloured paper lanterns and a rather entertaining fruit seller in the middle, guests networked and mingled and shopped for souvenirs under the canopy.
 
The food, provided by the newly launched division of Melbourne’s Atlantic Group, Atlantic Offsite, included an eclectic mix of market-style fare included everything from kebabs to pastas, lamb curry, noodle boxes, fruit salads straight from the stand and even a Spanish donut stand.
 
Crowds were entertained by an array of acts provided by PAN Entertainment including juggling fruit sellers, stilt walkers, swing dancers and more.