BUSINESS traded between exhibitors and buyers at AIME 2024 is estimated to be worth AU$330 million (about US$216m) over the next 12 months – a 65 per cent increase on last year, according to the show’s organisers.
Figures show the Asia Pacific Incentives and Meetings Event in Melbourne was the largest AIME in a decade, with more than 570 exhibitors, 595 hosted buyers and 17,000 meetings occurring on the showfloor across the two days.
More than 4,000 people attended AIME 2024, including 70 media representatives from around the world, and more than 89,500 connections were made across the event, say Talk2Media and Events, which manages the event on behalf of Melbourne Convention Bureau.
Post-show analysis by researchers at Explori also revealed:
- More than 90 per cent of exhibitors were satisfied with their attendance at AIME, resulting in an average that outperforms all respective benchmarks and puts AIME in the top 10 per cent of trade shows around the world
- More than 90 per cent of visitors were satisfied with their attendance at AIME, a statistic that puts AIME in the top 10 per cent of trade shows around the world for visitor satisfaction
- Almost 1 in 2 visitors were first-time AIME attendees
- More than 85 per cent of visitors report that their objectives for attending AIME were met
- More than 9 in 10 exhibitors said they were likely to return next year.
AIME 2024 was the third event delivered by event director Silke Calder and her team from Talk2 Media and Events. She said AIME 2024 cemented its premier status as the event for the international business events community in Asia Pacific.
“The growth of AIME 2024 was just phenomenal, and we are thrilled that these post-show results confirm that success,” Calder said.
“AIME’s winning formula comes down to the unmatched lengths we go to vet our hosted buyers, together with the pre-qualified appointments exhibitors receive through our AI-powered meeting matching platform.
“AIME wouldn’t be the success it is without the great support of the global business events industry and, of course, our incredible sponsors who help us to deliver an outstanding event.
“So many of our exhibitors have reserved their space again for next year so they don’t miss out on the connection-building that AIME’s unique Australian flavour facilitates. We cannot wait to welcome everyone back for 2025.”
Julia Swanson, chief executive of Melbourne Convention Bureau, said the results showed how powerful AIME had become as a platform for the business events industry and for those who did business in the region.
More… AIME on track to be biggest in a decade
“AIME is committed to connecting top-tier buyers and exhibitors from across the globe and this year’s fantastic results solidifies AIME’s position as the go-to event in the APAC region,” Swanson said.
“AIME and its host city Melbourne inspire connection and collaboration, driving commerce for both Australia and the wider Asia-Pacific. Kudos to event managers Talk2 Media and Events for delivering an exceptional 2024 event.”
AIME 2024 was the 31st time AIME has been held and it remains the first trade show on the annual international business events calendar. The show saw a 63 per cent growth on 2023 numbers.
International exhibitors at this year’s show included representatives from Japan, New Zealand, Africa, Fiji, Hong Kong, Macau, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Korea, Singapore, USA, Canada, Germany, Italy, Malta, Norway, Spain, UK/Ireland, Vietnam, India, Maldives, Monaco and Sri Lanka.
More… Swiftenomics and the art of mega events in Melbourne
For the first time, at AIME 2024 there was a dedicated zone for the world’s boutique experience makers – The Boutique – that showcased more than 20 operators offering highly customisable experiences. Another new zone for 2024, the DMC Network, brought together Destination Management Companies.
The annual AIME Welcome Event this year was held at Grazeland with the theme “Neon Carnival” which more than 1,700 people attended, while AIME’s education Knowledge Program, with its theme “The 4 Ps of Glocalisation” attracted more than 1,850 attendees.
Main picuture: Delegates relax during the AIME welcome reception at Grazeland, Melbourne
