AIPC and AIME Partner to Deliver Groundbreaking Summit for Convention Centers

AIME teamed up with AIPC

In an exciting collaboration, AIME (Asia Pacific Incentives and Meetings Expo) and AIPC (International Association of Conference Centres) have teamed up to host a first-of-its-kind summit for convention centers, held on February 12th, 2025, at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC). This tailor-made event was designed to foster connections, promote learning, and create opportunities for sharing insights within the convention center community, all while having a bit of fun.

The APAC region is home to an incredibly diverse group of convention centers, with each country presenting its own unique set of challenges and opportunities. However, despite these differences, there are common threads that unite the sector, such as evolving customer behaviors, rapid technological advancements, and the ongoing battle to attract and retain top talent. With these shared issues in mind, AIME offered the perfect platform for convening professionals and experts to engage in meaningful discussions about the future of convention centers.

The summit was open to all convention centers, whether AIPC members or not, emphasizing the importance of collaboration across the industry. The agenda featured a series of thought-provoking sessions that addressed key topics relevant to the modern-day convention center.

The program kicked off with a welcome and introduction, followed by a global outlook session that set the stage for the discussions ahead. One of the standout sessions focused on the transformative role of artificial intelligence (AI) in convention centers. Experts shared insights on how AI can add value and the best strategies for integrating this technology into day-to-day operations.

Sustainability was also a key theme, with a case study illustrating how convention centers are embracing eco-friendly practices to reduce their environmental impact. Following a networking break, the summit delved into the "war for talent," exploring how the FutureForce project is reshaping the workforce within the events and convention center sector.

A highlight of the summit was the "Big Issue Debate," where attendees examined what the “next-gen” convention center might look like, tackling topics like design, functionality, and the future of event experiences. A panel of three venue CEOs then shared their perspectives on the future of the industry, providing a C-suite view of how convention centers can thrive in an ever-changing landscape.

The day concluded with a wrap-up session followed by a networking event, offering attendees the chance to continue discussions and forge new connections in a relaxed and social setting.

The AIME-AIPC summit provided a rare opportunity for convention center professionals to come together, learn from each other, and explore innovative ways to shape the future of the industry. It was an event that reinforced the value of collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and forward-thinking within the global convention center community.

International Association of Conference Centres (AIPC)

Address: Rue du Congrès 37, 1000 Brussels, Belgique
Phone: +32 2 898 98 67
Web: https://aipc.org/