AIME launches 30-year celebratory event at MCEC

February 13, 2023

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/

 

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Quotes attributable to Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos:

“AIME gives Victoria a huge opportunity to harness the benefits that business events can deliver for the economy now and into the future.”

“International business events like AIME bring thousands of visitors to Melbourne, providing a boost to local hotels, restaurants and shops, while also showcasing our city’s strength as a world-class events destination.”

 

Quotes attributable to Talk2 Media & Events CEO Matt Pearce:

“From humble beginnings with only domestic destinations and local suppliers to becoming the flagship trade show for the APAC region, AIME has blossomed over the years and its 30th anniversary event is not to be missed.”

“The last time we were here the world was still tentative, emerging cautiously from an extraordinarily testing time. Whilst our industry has bounced back strongly, the need to future-safe and inspire events of the future has brought with it an unprecedented workload. For many of us, this has been our biggest year yet.”

“We are bringing these vast learnings to a jam-packed AIME 2023 program guaranteed to leave attendees inspired and to drive more positive commercial outcomes than ever before.”

Quotes attributable to Melbourne Convention Bureau CEO Julia Swanson:

“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 proud of the achievements to date in bringing AIME to you, for three decades and this is the fifth year in partnership with Talk2 Media & Events.” “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.”

 

Quotes attributable to MCEC CEO Natalie O’Brien AM:

“Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) is the home of AIME. We’re proud to have supported this flagship event since MCEC first opened its doors, connecting people, fostering partnerships and creating memorable experiences.”

“AIME 2023 is the perfect forum for the business events industry to come together, to celebrate our resilience, and to confidently look to the future. And MCEC is the perfect venue for an event of this scale and influence.”

“As Australia’s largest convention and exhibition space, we’re well placed to create spaces for people to connect, collaborate and learn. And, of course, our riverside location makes for spectacular settings to celebrate 30 years of AIME.”

CORRECTION: At this morning’s press conference, Natalie O’Brien AM said the new Geelong Convention Centre would be opening in 2024. The Centre will open in 2026. Apologies for the miscommunication.

 

Quotes attributable to Tourism Australia Managing Director Phillipa Harrison:

“AIME provides a platform for the Australian industry to connect with international buyers from around the world and to showcase Australia’s exceptional business events offering first-hand.

“We congratulate AIME on 30 years, and for continuing to encourage business events buyers to choose Australia for their next business event.”

 

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About AIME

The Asia Pacific Incentives and Meetings Event (AIME) is owned by the Melbourne Convention Bureau and managed by Talk2 Media & Events. 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. AIME 2023 will be held at the

Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre from 13-15 February and will see the industry coming together to celebrate AIME’s 30th Anniversary.

 

About Melbourne Convention Bureau

Melbourne Convention Bureau (MCB) is Victoria’s leading full-service agency in acquiring and delivering international and national conferences, incentive travel reward programs and corporate business events. As an economic development organisation MCB partners with all levels of government, and strategic industry partners including; accommodation, venues, event support, restaurants and tour providers to bid, win and host international business events, as well marketing Melbourne and regional Victoria as a leading business events destination. MCB has representation in five countries, across key international source markets including North Asia, South Asia, Europe, North America and Oceania.

 

About Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC)

Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) is the home of unconventional. At MCEC they do things a little differently. They bring fresh ideas and imagination to every event. They happily turn concepts on their head to make each experience momentous. They welcome events of all shapes and sizes, from meetings and conferences to exhibitions, concerts, and galas, whether in-person, virtual or hybrid. And the city is MCEC’s inspiration. Melbourne is on show at MCEC – in the architecture and design, food and hospitality, location, and views. Discover the difference at MCEC.

 

About THE LUME, Melbourne

THE LUME Melbourne helps deliver the wow factor at events. It's the most creative and unique event space in the southern hemisphere. The venue features 150 projectors across 4 storeys for a customisable immersive experience. It's perfect for an unforgettable networking breakfast, gala dinner or cocktail party.

 

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

 

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