THE FIRST overseas outpost of an Italian market with a flair for hosting artisanal-food events is the location for this year’s AIME Welcome Event.
Il Mercato Centrale, a 3,000 square metre venue in the centre of Melbourne is planning to welcome 2,000 guests on February 10 at “Al Mafi Festa” to help kick start the Asia Pacific Incentives and Meetings Event (AIME 2025).
With outposts in Florence, Rome, Turin and Milan, Melbourne is the home of the first il Mercato Centrale outside of Italy. The market venue will be transformed into an “AIMalfi FESTA” exclusively for the AIME Welcome Event.
The welcome party will have an Amalfi Coast theme and dress code based the colours blue, white and yellow.
AIME Event Director Silke Calder said she was thrilled to be able to reveal the event location and theme ahead of the trade show’s 32nd year.
“No AIME experience would be complete without our legendary Welcome Event,” she said.
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“This year we’re transporting attendees to the sun-drenched shores of the Amalfi Coast, with a night of Italian-inspired delights, captivating entertainment, and unforgettable moments. Get ready to say ‘Ciao Bella!’ to the AIMalfi FESTA!”
AIME 2024 will run from February 10-12 at Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, with the Welcome Event at il Mercato Centrale taking place on the Monday from 7pm to 10pm.
Il Mercato Centrale managing director Gary Patikkis said: “We are honoured to host the AIME 2025 Welcome Event and extremely proud to be representing Victoria and Melbourne’s buzzing and innovative hospitality scene at the tradeshow.
“With il Mercato Centrale we have set out to create an immersive community hub where each experience, from single patrons to the big event groups, is tailored, authentic and enriching. We truly look forward to welcoming industry leaders from around the globe to discover our own vision of hospitality.”
Il Mercato Centrale Melbourne merges Italian food heritage with a contemporary hospitality by offering bespoke experiences for private and corporate events with the flexibility to host small groups and large functions of more than 2,000 people.
For more information, to register to attend or upgrade your ticker the join the Welcome Event, visit aime.com.au
Main picture… Tasting the delights from the food vendors at the AIME 2024 Welcome Event
