AIME wins at the Australian Event and Awards Symposium

The Asia Pacific Incentives and Meetings Event (AIME) has been awarded Best Exhibition or Trade Show at the 2023 Australian Event Awards & Symposium.

At a gala event held at the Highline Venue in Bankstown, NSW, on 13 September, AIME received the prestigious award, cementing its position as the flagship trade show for the meetings and events industry in Asia Pacific.

AIME connects international and local buyers with world-class exhibitors from Asia Pacific and around the world. Next year’s three-day event will be held at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) 19-21 February 2024.

The Australian Event Awards & Symposium is the national awards program and conference for the Australian events industry and establishes Australia’s best events and event-related goods, services and innovations over the past 12 months.

AIME Event Director Silke Calder said the recognition was testament to the tireless work of the AIME team to continually deliver an outstanding, world-class event each year.

“We are especially delighted to receive this prestigious recognition after also taking home Australian Event of the Year in 2022. We congratulate nominees and fellow winners, all who work tremendously hard year-on-year to make their events unforgettable experiences for attendees. Thank you also to our partners and event owner, Melbourne Convention Bureau, for all their support,” she said.

“Recognition from an entity like the Australian Event Awards & Symposium which fosters continued excellence, innovation and unity across the industry, is an honour. We are truly thrilled.”

Talk2 Media & Events runs AIME and CEO Matt Pearce said he was delighted AIME's role in the business events industry had been recognised by AEA for the second year running.

"AIME is a melting pot for idea generation, knowledge exchange, professional development and advancement of the business events industry. The AIME team's commitment to industry consultation creates a platform for cohesiveness and ignites connections. It means a lot to be recognised,” he said.

Melbourne Convention Bureau CEO Julia Swanson said the award highlighted the importance of the event, which is celebrating its 31st year in 2024.

“For more than 30 years AIME has been the must-attend event for the business events industry in Asia Pacific, and we are thrilled to have this legacy recognised again in 2023. This award reflects the contribution of the show to our industry, and its ability to create meaningful connections and business opportunities for all stakeholders - not to mention vast economic benefits to our state. We look forward to welcoming everyone back to beautiful Melbourne in February 2024."

Australian Event Awards Managing Director Ian Steigran said this year’s awards were a celebration of a year in which the events industry recovered from the depths of the Covid-19 crisis.

“Every event, individual and company nominated is an inspiration of creativity, flair and steely determination to succeed,” he said.

“On this 15th year of the awards, I also want to thank the industry in the form of our great many judges, partners and thousands of entrants for their contributions to ensure the events industry continues to celebrate and promote itself through the awards.”

For more details about AIME including sales, sponsorship or hosted buyer enquiries: aime.com.au
*Dan Stock dan@littlebigmarketing.com

AIME drives a projected $200 million in business revenue

Asia Pacific Incentives and Meetings Event (AIME), the leading trade convention for the meetings and events industry in the Asia Pacific (APAC) region, has today released new insights into the success of their 30-year anniversary show which took place over three days at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) from 13 - 15 February 2023.

A post show analysis has revealed:

● AIME will generate an anticipated $200 million in business between exhibitors and buyers over the next 12 months - a near 70% increase on 2022.

● 90% of exhibitors were satisfied with their attendance at AIME. This statistic outperforms equivalent benchmarks and places AIME in the top 5% of trade shows globally for exhibitor satisfaction.[1]

● Similarly, nearly 90% of visitors were satisfied with their attendance at AIME. This statistic outperforms both equivalent benchmarks and also previous AIME events. It places AIME in the top 10% of trade shows globally for visitor satisfaction.[2]

● Almost 80% of visitors are likely to return to AIME, feel it’s important in advancing their businesses, and is the place to source new products/services.

● 84% of visitors felt their objectives for attending AIME were met.

Endorsing the success of the 2023 event, Silke Calder, AIME Event Director, said: “These results are testament to the hard work that goes into fostering outstanding business outcomes. From our bespoke technology to the rigorous vetting of buyers, and from our AI powered meeting platform to our first-class Knowledge and AIMEbassadors Programs, the value of business events is championed at every juncture.”

“Excitement is building for AIME 2024, with the majority of 2023 exhibitors already reserving space for next year. This demonstrates both the show’s legacy as well as its importance to the global business events industry. It is also a reason why AIME is one of the most trusted shows in the Asia Pacific Region.” she said.

Julia Swanson, CEO, Melbourne Convention Bureau, is proud of the significant business platform AIME has become over it’s 30 years and the far-reaching commercial outcomes the event drives: “AIME enables new and valuable connections to drive commerce not just for us here in Victoria, but for the wider Asia Pacific Region. At the Melbourne Convention Bureau, we are thrilled with the achievements to date in bringing this event to you, for three decades.”

“At the core, we are about business events and providing the best access to key decision makers and the people who make it all happen. AIME has proven itself as an essential platform for this.” she said.

Over 400 hosted buyers and media outlets, 3,000 visitors and more than 350 exhibitors attended AIME, where over 12,000 meetings took place. New zoning on the show floor enhanced networking and navigation and new features - The Accor Hosted Buyers Lounge, a new ‘Tech’ area, and a Wellness Café - improved the delegate experience. A huge kangaroo and a special anniversary lanyard featuring First Nations’ artwork were some of the ‘touches of Australia’ visitors were treated to throughout.

A highly-anticipated Knowledge Program launched AIME on 13 February and saw an inspiring keynote from Australian tennis star, Jelena Dokic. The program addressed industry hot topics around the future of work including how to build a more resilient events community.

Delegates celebrated AIME’s 30-year legacy at a Welcome Event co-hosted by the Melbourne Convention Bureau (MCB) on the Marvel Stadium oval. State-of-the-art pearl theming celebrating 30 years was reflected in a directional menu created by Victorian producers, Delaware North. Entertainment from Hot Dub Time Machine took revellers through 30-years of dance tunes.

AIME 2024 will be held at the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre from 19 -21 February 2024. For expressions of interest or for more information, please visit aime.com.au

Talk2 Media & Events Pty Ltd. Central House, 101 Moray Street, South Melbourne, VIC 3205 Australia Phone +61 404 9350 563 ABN 54 844 087 Email: info@talk2.media Web: talk2.media

● facebook.com/AIMEAsiaPacific
● instagram.com/aimeasiapacific
● LinkedIn - AIME

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^[1] Based on the tradeshows Explori survey 2023

^[2] Based on the tradeshows Explori survey 2023

*Source: COURTNEY CHAPMAN, PR & CONTENT ACCOUNT MANAGER, Little BIG Marketing
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AIME LAUNCHES 30-YEAR CELEBRATORY EVENT AT MCEC

The Asia Pacific Incentives and Meetings Event (AIME) team, in partnership with the Melbourne Convention Bureau (MCB) have this morning launched their 30-year celebratory event at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC).

AIME is the leading trade event for the meetings and event industry in the Asia Pacific region. It is where industry decision-makers connect, create, and do business. AIME brings together international and local buyers to access the best exhibitors from around the world. The event is owned by MCB and managed by Talk2 Media & Events.

More than 400 hosted buyers, over 350 exhibitors and 2,000 visitors are expected to attend AIME 2023. With 25 countries represented at AIME and 12,000 meetings pre-scheduled, the showfloor is going to be a hive of activity. New event features include: The Accor Hosted Buyers Lounge, a ‘Tech’ area, and a Wellness Café. An enormous kangaroo and a special anniversary lanyard featuring First Nations’ artwork, are some of the ‘touches of Australia’ delegates will be treated to throughout.

AIME commenced this morning with an official press conference at THE LUME, Melbourne featuring The Hon. Steve Dimopoulos MP, Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events; Minister for Creative Industries, Julia Swanson, CEO, Melbourne Convention Bureau, Natalie O’Brien AM, CEO, Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre and Phillipa Harrison, Managing Director, Tourism Australia (quotes below). The trade show will continue over three days (13-15 February) at MCEC where the industry will come together to celebrate AIME’s 30th Anniversary.

Following the official press conference this morning - Monday 13 February - is AIME’s Knowledge Program: the launchpad for the global events industry to come together and immerse in learning. The program will include an address from Australian tennis star, Jelena Dokic, and will see a mix of industry business leaders and renowned professionals as well as keynote speakers share their knowledge and experience.

Concluding AIME’s first day will be the eagerly anticipated Welcome Event held this evening - Monday 13 February - at Marvel Stadium. The event, which is co-hosted with MCB, will see delegates celebrate on the Marvel Stadium oval where the world’s largest sporting and music events have taken place. State-of-the-art pearl theming celebrating 30 years will be mirrored in a directional menu curated by Victorian producers, Delaware North. Entertainment will pay homage to AIME’s 30-year legacy.

For further details: https://aime.com.au/

Marvel Stadium to host AIME 30 Year Celebration

Marvel Stadium

The Asia Pacific Incentives and Meetings Event (AIME) team, in partnership with the Melbourne Convention Bureau (MCB), are delighted to announce that Marvel Stadium will play host to the much-loved AIME Welcome Event on Monday, 13 February 2023.

Located in the heart of Melbourne and renowned for staging AFL, A-League and BBL action under their famous retractable roof, Marvel Stadium will welcome AIME delegates with a ground-breaking evening of food and entertainment. Produced by Peter Jones Special Events (PJSE), the evening has been designed to bring the business events industry together in celebration of AIME's 30-year milestone.

The venue announcement comes early with Silke Calder, AIME Event Director, explaining the teams could not wait to reveal the news.

“AIME, MCB, PJSE and Marvel Stadium have worked tirelessly to create a 30th anniversary extravaganza and we are delighted to make the eagerly-awaited venue announcement ahead of time. The business and events industry should take a moment for themselves to appreciate the hard work it’s taken to get us to where we are today. I encourage everyone to enjoy a relaxed evening and ladies, you can leave your heels at home.”

Regarded as the world's busiest multi-purpose stadium, AIME delegates will celebrate on the Marvel Stadium oval where the world’s largest sporting and music events have taken place. State-of-the-art pearl theming celebrating 30 years will be mirrored in a directional menu curated by Victorian producers, Delaware North, featuring delights such as Akoya Pearl oysters, Gippsland beef empanadas, and crispy pork belly baos. Entertainment will pay homage to AIME’s 30-year legacy.

Julia Swanson, MCB Chief Executive Officer, is proud of MCB’s involvement as a key player in the growth of the business events industry through AIME and looks forward to co-hosting this special anniversary event.

“As owners of AIME, we are delighted to be co-hosting the 2023 Welcome Event and to celebrate close to a third of a century of bringing the business events industry together, building connections and sharing knowledge at AIME, right here in Australia’s events capital, Melbourne.

AIME is now the foremost business events trade show in the Asia-Pacific region. This is a significant testament to the longevity and legacy of the show and its importance to the global business events industry.”

Scott Fitzgerald, Head of Marvel Stadium Commercial, is thrilled to welcome the business and events industry to Melbourne and showcase Marvel Stadium’s first-class hospitality.

“As the flagship trade show for the business and events industry, and a key contributor to the health of our business tourism economy, AIME is one of the most important events of the year and we couldn’t be happier to be launching its 30th anniversary celebrations at our world-class venue.

Marvel Stadium and our facilities connect business and customers together and the soon to be completed $250 million redevelopment, will amplify our ability to bring to life global events such as AIME, and help deliver the best industry event for the Asia Pacific region.”

AIME 2023 is shaping up to be its best year yet with over 400 hosted buyers, over 2,000 visitors and over 350 exhibitors confirmed - more than 10,000 meetings have been pre-scheduled. The AIME show floor includes new features: The Accor Hosted Buyers Lounge, a new ‘Tech’ area, and a Wellness Café where visitors can enjoy some pampering. A huge kangaroo and a special anniversary lanyard featuring First Nations’ artwork, are some of the ‘touches of Australia’ delegates will be treated to throughout.

Kicking off AIME’s 2023 program on Monday 13 February is the Knowledge Program - the launchpad for the global events industry to come together and immerse in learning. The program will include an address from Australian tennis star, Jelena Dokic, and will see a mix of industry business leaders and renowned professionals as well as keynote speakers share their knowledge and experience.

For further details and for AIME Visitor Registration enquiries please visit: https://aime.com.au/

*Source: Talk2 Media & Events Pty Ltd. Central House, 101 Moray Street, South Melbourne, VIC 3205 Australia Phone +61 404 9350 563 ABN 54 844 087 Email: info@talk2.media Web: talk2.media

350+ Exhibitors, Unlimited Inspiration, AIME 2023 Register Today

AIME 2023 KICKS OFF MONDAY 13 FEBRUARY FOR THREE HUGE DAYS

350+ EXHIBITORS, UNLIMITED INSPIRATION

Discover the latest trends and source your next meeting and events venue at Asia Pacific’s flagship trade event for the business events industry. With hundreds of exhibitors with new and exciting products, pre-register to attend and secure your place at AIME 2023.

Don't miss this opportunity to grow your business as we connect you with leading destinations, venues and suppliers from across Australia and around the world, all under one roof at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre.

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Building resilient workforces front-and-centre at AIME's Knowledge Program

The Asia Pacific Incentives and Meetings Event (AIME) has today announced details of its highly anticipated Knowledge Program for 2023 which will include an address from Australian tennis star, Jelena Dokic.

The Knowledge Program will launch AIME on 13 February 2023. It will see a mix of industry business leaders and renowned professionals as well as keynote speakers from Saxton Speakers Bureau (Saxton) and ICMI Speakers & Entertainers (ICMI). This is in addition to breakout sessions which are designed for event professionals working across corporate, association, not-for-profit and supplier sectors.

The program theme for 2023 is Your Industry. Your Opportunity. What is the opportunity for the events industry now? and will ask how, after much upheaval, renewal and refocus, the business events sector can emerge stronger and more important. Major industry discussion points around the future of work, how to build resilient cultures, what to do in a crisis, upskilling and wellness will be discussed.

The program will be hosted by industry leader, El Kwang, Chief Commercial Officer at The Venues Collection, AIMEbassador and Chair of the Knowledge Program Advisory Committee. Confirmed speakers for the day include Professor Ben Hamer and Jelena Dokic. Professor Hamer is one of Australia’s few accredited futurists, author of The Kickass Career and will be sharing his expert insights on the Future of Work in the opening keynote. Australian tennis legend, Dokic, will draw on her extraordinary life experience to deliver an important talk around wellbeing and resilience.

Speaker sessions will be complemented by EQ (emotional intelligence) and IQ (intelligence) streams, designed to address both the hard and soft skills needed to thrive in the business events industry. The day will end with associations setting the vision for the future of the industry. Music from SongDivision will bring learnings from the day to life.

In anticipation of her keynote, Dokic said: “It is wonderful to see an industry putting health, wellbeing and resilience front-and-centre. It is clear the business events industry is moving at breakneck speed and these themes could not be more timely. Building resilient workforces will permeate the future of workplace dialogue and I am pleased to be part of this movement.”

New for AIME 2023 is the Knowledge Program Advisory Committee. Eight leaders from the Asia Pacific meetings and events industry have, for the first time, curated all program content ensuring discussions will leave attendees more invigorated than ever before.

Anna Patterson, Founder, Sight, and member of the committee is confident the program will spark interest, stir debate and engage all areas of the events industry: “We are at a pivotal point in our industry’s trajectory and we need to think more about the future. The Knowledge Program is about empowering people by sharing experiences and focusing on the opportunities for what’s next. It’s a privilege to be a part of AIME for the 30th anniversary and help guide this program,” she said.

Silke Calder, AIME Event Director, is proud of AIME’s education program, which both enriches and enhances the APAC business events community: “On the back of a monumental 2022, everyone is starting to feel the ‘burn’. Event planners more than ever are having to balance the practical skills of event planning with the more humanistic qualities which build connection within our workplaces and our events. We have kept this front of mind when curating the 2023 Knowledge Program, selecting a diverse range of speakers and sessions to create space for us as individuals, and together as an industry, to inspire leadership, creativity and map a better path forward.”

AIME’s Knowledge Program will kick-off AIME on Monday 13 February 2023. AIME 2023 will run from 13 –15 February at the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre (MCEC). Visitor Buyers wanting to attend the Knowledge Program can up-grade their ticket. For more details on the Knowledge Program including latest announcements: https://aime.com.au/schedule/

*Source: COURTNEY CHAPMAN, PR & CONTENT ACCOUNT MANAGER
FOLLOW US IG. FB. LI.; A. 35 Jessie Street, Cremorne, Vic 3121; P. 03 9025 9574 M. 0419 883 208
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