23 February, 2024

AIME returns to Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre with refreshed tradeshow

Edited by Travel Weekly

The Asia Pacific Incentive and Meetings Event (AIME) made a triumphant return to Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) from 19 to 21 February.

AIME 2024 marked a significant milestone, emerging as the largest in a decade. Drawing participants from over 33 countries, the event welcomed more than 600 buyers, 3500 visitor buyers, and featured 570+ exhibitors.

Talk2 Media & Events, in partnership with event owners, Melbourne Convention Bureau (MCB), put on a spectacular event held over three days.

Solidifying its status as the largest international meetings and events industry gathering in the Asia Pacific region, the conference presented a golden opportunity for MCEC to showcase its unique capabilities and reinforce its position as a premier international events venue.

Led by the popular Knowledge Program, themed The 4 Ps of Glocalisation: People, Planet, Purpose and Profit, was sponsored by Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre. The future centre in Geelong is to be operated by Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Trust, current operators of MCEC.

AIME 2024 delivered a diverse entertainment program. Highlights included keynote speakers Adj. Professor, Deakin Business School, Lisa Ronson, and bestselling author, Sebastian Terry alongside an ICCA Diversity, Equity and Inclusion panel, two-day tradeshow, and an abundance of networking opportunities.

This year’s theme perfectly aligned with MCEC’s commitment to creating a positive impact on the environment and local community through our operations and events.

The event also presented an exciting opportunity to showcase the newly launched brand for Nyaal Banyul. Inspired by the name gifted by Wadawurrung Traditional Owners, Nyaal Banyul, meaning ‘open your eyes to the hills’, showcased its new brandmark that draws upon layers of Country that unite to form an eye, symbolising enlightenment and perspective.

AIME 2024. (Supplied)

Unveiling a refreshed tradeshow stand design highlighting both venues, MCEC encouraged attendees to savour the best of Victoria through an interactive food and cocktail activation. Attendees were invited to experience native ingredients like lemon aspen, Davidson plum, and rosella. Expertly crafted, signature beverages added a flavourful and traditional touch to the overall experience.

Natalie O’Brien AM, chief executive of MCEC was proud to once again host AIME, showcasing not only the best of what MCEC has to offer but also the future Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre.

“AIME is a flagship event for the business events industry to come together, network, exchange ideas and forge partnerships,” O’Brien said.

“As Australia’s largest convention centre, MCEC is the perfect venue for an event of this scale and influence.

“As operators of MCEC and the future Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre, AIME is the perfect opportunity to showcase our expertise in creating innovative and memorable experiences for attendees,” she added.

Julia Swanson, chief executive of MCB said AIME is the leading trade event for the meetings and events industry in the Asia Pacific Region.

“AIME is the ideal platform for industry in our region to showcase their products and services to a highly targeted audience, create meaningful connections and drive commercial and social outcomes for all involved across the sector,” she said.

AIME event director, Silke Calder reflected that the event was a fantastic three days of knowledge sharing, networking and business connecting people from across the world,” a show of this scale would not be possible without our fantastic venue partner, and we thank MCEC for their support,” he said.

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aime Julia Swanson Melbourne Conference and Exhibition Centre Natalie O’Brien Silke Calder