Excitement Builds for a Blockbuster AIME 2025

It’s less than a fortnight until the Asia Pacific Incentives and Meetings Event takes place in Melbourne when it will cement its status as the number one business event in the Asia Pacific region.

The Australian tradeshow brings together international and local event planners and connects them with the best destinations, venues and event suppliers from around the world. AIME 2025 will be the biggest event yet delivered by Event Director Silke Calder and her team from Talk2 Media and Events, which manages the show on behalf of Melbourne Convention Bureau (MCB).

In 2025, for the first time the global exhibitions association UFI will co-locate its 2025 Asia-Pacific Conference in Melbourne with AIME, holding it at MCEC 13-14 Feb. Calder says AIME 2025 will eclipse the records set during last year’s blockbuster event.

“We have expanded our footprint at our MCEC home to accommodate more than 665 exhibitors, 640 hosted buyers and the 20,000 meetings that are set to take place on the showfloor next month,” she says.

This builds on the exceptional growth of 2024 - where more than $330 million of business was forecast to be traded between exhibitors and buyers in the 12 months following - and cements AIME as the leading event for the international business events community in the Asia Pacific region.

In fact, AIME was awarded Best Exhibition or Trade Show at the 2024 Australian Event Awards - the third year running AIME has received the prestigious award.

Attendees can meet face-to-face with global exhibitors, including convention bureaux, convention centres, hotels and resorts, unique venues, event technology companies, production and AV companies, Destination Management Companies (DMCs), airlines, cruise companies, and suppliers from across Australia, the region and the world.

There will be more than 200 new exhibitors attending AIME 2025, along with two new international pavilions, Singapore and Thailand, joining almost 30 countries represented at the event.

Dedicated zones first introduced in 2024, including The Boutique and DMC Network, have expanded their showcase of bespoke and highly customisable experiences, including wineries, distilleries, and intimate, design-led luxury venues.

Reflecting the increased demand for travel and accommodation, the hotel zone has also grown significantly, as has the representation of Australian states, including Victoria, NSW and Queensland.

Kicking off the first day of AIME, the Knowledge Program features two incredible speakers who will deliver keynote addresses that are guaranteed to engage all areas of the events industry.

Former CTO of Lonely Planet, Gus Balbontin is an executive, founder and investor with a deep understanding of disruption and business transformation. With a focus on using the latest technology advancements to solve customer problems, Balbontin will deliver one of the two keynotes.
 

Joining him is Dr Kristy Goodwin, a renowned neuro-performance scientist. Through cutting-edge science and neurotechnology, Dr Goodwin equips high-achievers with the tools to lead, live, and work more effectively in today’s digitally demanding environment.

Following these keynote presentations, the Knowledge Program continues with insightful breakout sessions, equipping delegates with fresh perspectives and actionable strategies for success in a rapidly evolving landscape.

Attendees can choose from 20 breakout presentations across two 60-minute sessions, tailored to develop skills in four key categories: Upskilling, Workplace Management, Industry Matters, and Self-Leadership.

Topics range from the impact of consumer experience on event outcomes, to maximising AI-Human synergy and safeguarding creativity in the digital era.

Highlights include Hacking Focus: Rewiring Productivity for the ADHD Mind, an unmissable presentation that delves into the unique strengths and challenges of ADHD in the workplace, The Z Factor: How to Lead Gen Z in Your Teams and a panel discussion tackling the topic of Creating a Menopause-Friendly Workplace.

The Knowledge Program is open to visitor buyers who upgrade their ticket. Opportunities for professional development continue throughout AIME, with the Ideas Academy presented by Spice returning to the showfloor, offering access to thought-provoking panel discussions and sessions.

Highlights include sessions on Best Practice for Events Marketing and Social Media, Trends in Event Design, and Harnessing the Potential of AI. Ideas Academy sessions will run throughout Tuesday 11 and Wednesday 12 February and are free for all attendees.