LATEST figures from organisers of Asia Pacific Incentives and Meetings Event (AIME) indicate that the 2024 show in Melbourne will be its biggest in a decade.
More than 600 buyers from around the world, along with 3,500 visitor buyers and 570 exhibitors are expected at Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, February 19-21.
The statistics represent a growth of 63 per cent on the number of exhibitors at AIME 2023 – and bolsters the show’s position as a premier event for the international business events in the region.
A total of 33 countries and regions will be represented at AIME in 2024. International destinations attending AIME for the first time since the Covid pandemic include Fiji, Korea, Macau, USA, Canada, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, India, Maldives, Italy, Malta, Norway, Monaco and UK/Ireland. They join Japan, New Zealand, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Singapore and Africa among others whose representatives are returning again to the AIME showfloor.
“Off the back of our incredible 30th anniversary AIME in 2023, this year we return even bigger and better than ever,” said AIME event director Silke Calder
“We are excited to welcome the business events community back to Melbourne and are thrilled with the incredible support we’ve received from international destinations along with Australia’s convention bureaus – every state in Australia will be represented at AIME next month,” Calder said.
“More than 600 Hosted Buyers will attend AIME 2024, which is an amazing growth of 51 per cent on 2023. It sets the scene for a truly amazing 31st AIME.”
An official AIME podcast will also be launched with episodes recorded live at AIME 2024 in collaboration with Connected Event Group at its podcast studio on the show floor.
“The podcast aims to take listeners behind the scenes of the dynamic and ever-evolving world of events. Join us as we delve into the latest trends, share expert insights, and explore innovative approaches shaping the future of the industry,” Calder said.
For the first time at AIME, in 2024 there will be a dedicated zone for the world’s boutique experience makers, which will showcase more than 20 operators offering bespoke and highly customisable experiences.
Another new zone for 2024, the DMC Network will bring together Destination Management Companies from all over the world.
More… Going global and local at AIME
The hotel zone continues to grow in since the lifting of pandemic travel restriction – and in 2024 occupies a footprint that is 50 per cent larger than AIME 2023.
Kicking off the three-day event on February 19, AIME’s Knowledge Program is themed “The 4Ps of GLOCALISATION”, with two keynote speakers: award-winning marketing executive Lisa Ronson and bestselling author, TV host and founder of the 100 Things movement Sebastian Terry.
Curated by El Kwang and BEAM with the support of an Advisory Committee consisting of eight industry leaders from the APAC region, the program draws inspiration from the AIME global community’s wish of harmonising the symbiotic relationship between global insights with local nuances.
Backgrounder… Meet AIMEbassador El Kwang
Melbourne Convention Bureau CEO Julia Swanson, said: “For close to a third of a century, as owners of AIME, Melbourne Convention Bureau has been bringing the business events industry together, building connections and sharing knowledge at AIME, right here in Australia’s events capital, Melbourne.
“Just like the Australian Open is the first tennis Grand Slam of the year, AIME is the first international trade show of the business events sector. And we are delighted to kick start the international calendar for 2024.”
For more information or to register to attend AIME visit aime.com.au
