MCEC goes coastal for AIME 2016 welcome lunch

AIME 2016

International and domestic hosted buyers, industry professionals and media were treated to a bright Summer feast at the Business Events Australia and Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) lunch on Monday, welcoming guests to the 2016 Asia-Pacific Incentives and Meetings Expo (AIME).

MCEC’s Melbourne Room was transformed into a beach inspired setting, complete with a Kombi Van drinks bar, retro ice cream stations, tropical plants, and sand and coral features to align with Tourism Australia’s current aquatic and coastal campaign.

Tourism Australia’s Managing Director, John O’Sullivan said: “AIME is an important part of the industry’s annual events calendar and we are pleased to be here to once again support the Australian business events industry”.

“The timing of AIME is ideal for bringing to life our new Aquatic and Coastal campaign as a focus for today’s event, to showcase our new film and highlight the diversity of Australia’s experiences.

“The new campaign creative - which is the latest installment of our global There’s nothing like Australia campaign - includes new 360 degree films and imagery, which will support the important work that our specialist team, Business Events Australia, delivers in partnership with the Australian industry,” Mr O’Sullivan said.

Crafted by MCEC Executive Chef, Peter Haycroft the menu was a modern take on the traditional Aussie Summer BBQ, utilising Victoria’s freshest seasonal produce from Gippsland Lakes and Mornington Peninsula, right across to the coastal towns along the famous Great Ocean Road.

Headlining the banquet were mini buttermilk rolls filled with Port Fairy rock lobster and polenta crumbed Lakes Entrance flathead with almond and lime aioli.

MCEC’s Chief Executive, Peter King welcomed the guests to Melbourne and encouraged attendees to take advantage of the opportunities for business collaboration presented by the 4000-plus event professionals expected to attend AIME 2016.

“It’s always an absolute pleasure to host the AIME community at MCEC and we’re looking forward to another fantastic two days of networking, education and business this year.

“Business events are a vibrant part of the Victorian economy, and we’ll continue to make investments in this great venue to ensure we can always deliver exceptional events and take advantage of the new business opportunities that arise from important industry gatherings such as AIME.”

Guests were treated to lively sounds from local Melbourne independent band, Playwrite while they networked with one another over lunch. The technology requirements for the entire event were supplied exclusively by MCEC’s own IMAGINE technology team.