AIME 2018 kicks off in Australia’s host city, Melbourne

The Asia-Pacific Incentives and Meetings Expo (AIME) officially opened in Melbourne, 20 February, welcoming event professionals and exhibitors from over 20 countries to connect, learn and be inspired over two days of networking, exhibition and meetings. Held at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC), AIME claims to be the largest show of its kind in the Asia-Pacific region. The show continues 21 February 2018. At the official AIME opening press conference on 19 February, John Eren, MP, minister for Tourism and Major Events, welcomed attendees to the host city. Karen Bolinger, CEO of the show owners Melbourne Convention Bureau, said that the region’s business events industry continues to evolve. On the eve of event, Melbourne greeted attendees at The Welcome Event, which was held in the Ormond Collective by The Big Group. Come the day of opening and the show floor came alive with interactive technology, including a roaming selfiebot. Angela Sciacca, project manager, AIME, said the quality of the education programme revealed the complex issues event managers are concerned with. Saxton Speakers Bureau’s ‘Up Close and Personal’ sessions provided insights into the future of the industry, with speakers including Dr Jordan Nguyen, Casey Hyun, Fill Kelly and Holly Ransom. The AIME Knowledge Programme included industry leaders talking on topics like human behaviour and the global meeting and events forecast and the evolution of pop culture. “These sessions provide critical information to our delegates who come to AIME,” said Sciacca. Stay posted for updates on CMW.