The Asia Pacific Incentives and Meetings Event (AIME) 2024, marking the largest gathering in a decade, commenced at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC).
Spanning three days, AIME connects over 600 buyers with 570 exhibitors from around the world, showcasing a 63% increase in exhibitor participation from the previous year.
Projected to generate over $200 million in business, AIME 2024 introduces new zones like The Boutique for bespoke experiences and the DMC Network for global Destination Management Companies.
Matt Pearce, CEO of Talk2 Media & Events, highlighted AIME’s growth, “We have more exhibitors on the show floor than AIME has in over a decade… The care and curation we take in making sure that the right buyers are meeting the right sellers will drive results that we can be proud of.”
AIME’s commitment to sustainability is evident through joining the Net Zero Carbon Events Initiative. The Melbourne Convention Bureau also launched the First Peoples Engagement Guide, aiming to integrate Indigenous culture into event planning.
Julia Swanson, CEO of the Melbourne Convention Bureau, emphasized the cultural enrichment, “Melbourne and Victoria boast thousands of years of Aboriginal culture, providing a profound backdrop to enrich delegate experiences.”
Natalie O’Brien AM, Chief Executive of MCEC, called AIME a flagship event, praising its role in showcasing MCEC as a dynamic space for industry innovation.