From networking and the show floor to AIME Knowledge, this is what you can expect from AIME 2015.

AIME 2015 offers more networking opportunities

Professionals in the business events industry can expect a brand new AIME (Asia-Pacific Incentives and Meetings Expo) this year, with the 2015 show program promising to provide increased opportunities for networking and professional development.

Taking place at Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre (MCEC) on 24 and 25 February, AIME will showcase more than 700 Exhibitors from around the world, representing events, global destinations and travel and more than 3,000 visitors are expected to attend across the two-days.

AIME Knowledge

The refreshed AIME Knowledge Program will host a range of professional and personal development sessions hosted by world renowned speakers. They will cover topics such as innovation, creativity, technology, industry trends and the global business events industry.

Jacqui Timmins, CIBTM and AIME Exhibition Director, said “This year’s Knowledge program promises to deliver the AIME community access to the best speakers and education sessions on offer from around the world.  It has been refreshed to provide attendees with knowledge and insight to help enlighten and better improve their personal and professional lives.”

Chris Riddle, renowned digital strategist, technology futurist and progressive thought leader, will present at this year’s Knowledge sessions. Having worked with some of the largest and most successful companies and brands across the globe, Chris will be able to provide Visitors with an invaluable insight into the minds of some of the world’s most creative and innovative thinkers.

Craig Davis, creative leader, digital strategist and social commentator, will provide present at AIME 2015.  His focus for AIME Knowledge will be creativity, and how it can generate new ways for companies to do business – arming his audience with skills, tips and tricks to work more effectively and creatively.

New AIME show floor

A brand new interactive networking centre, aptly named the Community Hub, will feature at the heart of the AIME show floor. Covering an expansive 600sqm, the Hub will offer a central area for Visitors to connect and network with relevant suppliers and buyers from across the world. The Hub will be broken into four key areas to ensure attendees find what they need in terms of – Business, Knowledge, Inspiration and Networking.

The entire show floor has also been redesigned for ease of access and a greater experience for attendees. Specific sections including geographic regions, hotels, venues, and products and services have been allocated to different ‘zones’ so that all attendees are able to easily and quickly find what they are looking for.

In addition, AIME has partnered with communication technology company Entegy to introduce interactive touch-screen maps around the show floor, allowing Visitors to navigate and find their way around AIME with ease.

As an AIME first, a number of striking 46inch and 21inch touch screens will be displayed around the show floor, allowing visitors to select the stand they’re looking for and easily find their way to it. The interactive navigation option will present attendees with a detailed map and instructions on how to get to their destination.

Networking at AIME

AIME has also added a number of social events to its 2015 program to provide even stronger networking opportunities for all attendees.

As part of the new social program, more than 1,200 Hosted Buyers and Exhibitors will gather together on the first night of AIME for the Movers and Shakers Event, to network informally at the start of the two day exhibition. Winners of the AIME Awards for best Exhibitor stands will also be announced and celebrated on the night, ensuring delegates don’t miss out on visiting the award winning stands before the show concludes.

The highly anticipated AIME Gala Dinner is another new addition to the action-packed social schedule, with Hosted Buyers, Media and Exhibitors treated to an entertaining and fun night out at a distinctly Melbourne, yet-to-be-revealed waterfront events hub.

Networking Hours have also been introduced onto the show floor where delegates can enjoy informal networking drinks and performances with Exhibitors at their stands.

Visitors are encouraged to register now to avoid missing out on the best AIME yet. To register as a Visitor or find out more information about AIME 2015, visit www.aime.com.au.