A NEURO SCIENTIST offering to boost the performance of event planners is one of the first two keynote speakers announced by AIME for the Melbourne show’s 2025 Knowledge Program.
The other is a leadership expert and advocate of “rebellious thinking” in driving innovation. He promises to challenge the Knowledge Program audience into embracing discomfort.
Dr Kristy Goodwin, the neuro-performance scientist and award-winning author, is celebrated for turning cutting-edge neuroscience and technology research into performance-boosting strategies. In her keynote sponsored by speaker bureau Ovations, she will give attendees insights on how to thrive in a digitally driven world.
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Another keynote is being sponsored by ICMI, and sees Gus Balbontin – former executive director and chief technology officer at Lonely Planet – demonstrating his unique brand of rebellious thinking to argue that breakthrough ideas come from embracing discomfort.
Goodwin’s keynote address – “Powered-Up Performers: The Neuroscience of Sustainable Peak Performance in a Digital Age” – shows how practical brain-based micro-habits enhance productivity, manage stress, and maximise energy.
I’ll share simple micro-habits that event professionals can integrate into their daily lives to become a high-res, powered-up version of themselves,” Goodwin said. “Wellbeing is essential for anyone who wants to continue driving growth in the events industry.”
Balbontin’s session is titled “Adapt” – an ability he also wants the audience to do. “I’m excited to challenge them, to provoke fresh thinking, and help them reconnect with the rebellious mindset that fuels innovation,” he said. “I always say to the audience: if I don’t make you uncomfortable, you’re not going to learn anything new.”
More than 1,500 global event professionals are expected at the opening day of AIME 2025, with the Knowledge Program hosted and curated by BEAMexperience founder El Kwang.
AIME Event Director Silke Calder said the keynote speakers reflected the broader aims of the Knowledge Program – to provide unparalleled insights, inspiration and intelligence for event professionals.
We are thrilled to have such inspirational and exciting speakers to launch the Knowledge Program at AIME 2025. Each year the Knowledge Program continues to grow and is a key programming element of AIME, which bolsters our commitment to furthering education and professional growth opportunities for our industry,” Calder said.
“We will be announcing the full program in the next few weeks, it’s shaping up to be our best yet.”
AIME 2025 is scheduled to take place at Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, February 10-12. The Knowledge Program is open to hosted buyers, hosted media, exhibitors, and visitor buyers who upgrade their tickets.
Main picture: Silke Calder (far right) with members of the AIME organising team
