The 2019 iteration of the Asia Pacific Incentives and Meetings Event (AIME) officially kicked off on Monday night (18 February) with the highly anticipated Welcome Event.

Hosted at Peninsula Docklands, an Atlantic Group venue, the event saw buyers, exhibitors and media come together to launch the reimagined AIME.

Delegates roamed the venue, stopping at the various food stations along the way, with dishes on offer such as freshly prepared sashimi, grilled beef and teriyaki chicken.

A floating dessert table provided a sweet treat for guests, before they headed to the dancefloor for the rest of the night.

The Welcome Event marked the official start of AIME 2019, which is promising a new look and feel under new organisers Talk2 Media and Events.

Monday also saw the launch of AIME’s reinvigorated Knowledge Program, which included morning and afternoon breakout sessions covering a range of topics and immersive experiences.

Sponsored by Melbourne Convention Bureau, the program saw a total 500 delegates take part in the sessions designed to develop personal and business skills.

The first day of meetings takes place today (19 February) at Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, which organisers are hoping will be a great start to the business events calendar for 2019.

“AIME 2019 is the start of a new journey, and we’re looking forward to welcoming business event communities from all over the world, in what is sure to be a prosperous year ahead,” said event director Jay Martens.