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The International Congress and Conference Association (ICCA) has officially announced an industry partnership with the Asia Pacific Incentives and Meetings Event (AIME), reinforcing their commitment to expanding business event opportunities across Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and beyond.
This collaboration aims to create more avenues for ICCA members by leveraging AIME’s extensive network and reputation as a premier business events platform. AIME, owned by the Melbourne Convention Bureau and managed by Talk2 Media & Events, will play a pivotal role in advocacy, ensuring the international business events industry’s voice is heard and destination profiles are enhanced.
Formalizing a Longstanding Relationship
ICCA CEO Senthil Gopinath, alongside AIME representative Matt Pearce, Director of Talk2 Media & Events, and Julia Swanson, CEO of the Melbourne Convention Bureau, signed the agreement at AIME 2025 in Melbourne, Australia, held from 10 to 12 February. This formal partnership underscores the shared vision of both organizations to propel the business events industry forward through innovation, collaboration, and development.
ICCA’s commitment to the Asia Pacific region has been evident in its growing initiatives, including skills development, business exchange workshops, and advocacy efforts. The new partnership with AIME further cements this dedication.
Driving Growth and Development
Speaking on the collaboration, Senthil Gopinath highlighted the significance of this step for the meetings industry in Asia Pacific, which has witnessed remarkable growth in recent years. He emphasized the potential to develop business events professionals through ICCASkills, knowledge-sharing workshops, and advocacy initiatives.
Matt Pearce echoed these sentiments, noting that the AIME team has worked closely with ICCA for several years, making the formalization of their partnership a natural progression. He expressed excitement about fostering continued growth in the business events sector through AIME’s expanding programs.
Nurturing Emerging Leaders and Advocating for Industry Growth
One of the key highlights of AIME 2025 was the Emerging Leaders Challenge, a joint initiative by ICCA and the Australian Business Events Association (ABEA). This initiative encouraged young professionals to present forward-thinking ideas on the future of the industry. The winner had the opportunity to participate in an interactive session at the AIME Knowledge Program, focusing on future growth prospects in the sector.
ICCA also took part in the AIME Leaders Forum, hosted by ABEA on 13 February. This high-level discussion centered on the importance of advocacy in the business events industry. C-Suite executives, association leaders, and government officials engaged in conversations about industry legacy, investment opportunities, and the broader economic value of business events.
Gopinath emphasized that advocacy remains a crucial driver for accelerating industry growth. He shared best practices and strategies that can help stakeholders advocate for stronger industry recognition and support.
Looking Ahead: AIME 2026 and Beyond
The newly formed partnership is already shaping future initiatives. AIME 2026, scheduled for 9–11 February at the Melbourne Exhibition and Convention Centre, will feature programs such as the ICCA Business Exchange, The Bidding BootCamp, and an AIME scholarship to nurture emerging talent in the business events industry.
Additionally, AIME will be present at the ICCA Congress in Porto, Portugal, from 9–12 November 2025, further strengthening its global reach and impact.
With this partnership, ICCA and AIME are poised to unlock new growth opportunities, foster professional development, and elevate the Asia Pacific business events industry to new heights.
For more information, visit: www.aime.com.au www.iccaworld.org
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