HOW TO avert the talent crunch facing the events industry is one of the topics planned for AIME’s Knowledge Program.
Ronald Lim, of Kuala Lumpur-based Think Event by think Tank Productions, says a lack of recognition for the business events industry makes it a challenge to attract the next generation of talent.
“With our current issue of talent crunch, it is even more vital for us to look into ways to entice and encourage the new generation of event planners to come on board,” Lim, who is also on the Knowledge Program advisory committee, said.
Exposure to the work of conference and incentive planners should start at the grassroots level, said Lim, with initiatives such as AIME’s Accelerate program playing a key role.
The AIME Accelerate Program invites junior members of the industry – called “Rockets” – to shadow their hosted buyer managers at AIME to benefit from learning and networking opportunities during the February 2025 event.
“AIME’s Accelerate Program can definitely help to inspire the up-and-coming event planners, creating a community that brings this new or younger generation of event planners together,” Lim said.
The Knowledge Program will launch AIME on February 10, with keynote speakers from the show’s speaker bureau partners, along with industry business leaders who will address 1,500 global event professionals expected to attend the first day of AIME 2025.
Knowledge Program attendees will experience two keynotes exploring the link between personal wellbeing, innovation and industry success.
Neuro-performance scientist and award-winning author Dr Kristy Goodwin is celebrated for turning cutting-edge neuroscience and technology research into performance-boosting strategies. In her keynote sponsored by speaker bureau Ovations!, she will arm attendees with insights to thrive in today’s digitally driven world.
Dr Kathy Goodwin and Gus Balbontin
Former executive director and CTO of Lonely Planet Gus Balbontin takes a disruptive approach to innovation. With his unique brand of rebellious thinking, in his keynote sponsored by ICMI, he promises to challenge the audience to embrace discomfort as the starting point for breakthrough ideas.
BEAMexperience founder El Kwang is the Knowledge Program’s host and curator. He said the team’s ambition is to craft a program under the theme of “We Matter” that would set sets new standards in content leadership. The theme also seeks to highlight he global events industry as a powerful catalyst for economic growth.
“Our objective is to solidify AIME’s reputation as the quintessential hub for gathering and learning, thereby advancing our industry,” Kwang said.
Sarah Markey-Hamm, CEO of ICMS and president of the International Association of Professional Congress Organisers (IAPCO), said the theme was also vital in emphasising the level of professionalism in the industry.
“It underscores the complexities of our sector and the importance of expertise in executing successful events,” Markey-Hamm said.
“This concept highlights the necessity of maintaining industry standards, staying updated with trends, and cultivating a culture of professionalism within the sector.”
She said AIME continued to “punch above its weight” as an event from a global perspective.
“When we look at the size of our sector and size of our population, we put on a really good show, there’s a lot of business written,” she said.
“AIME is important because it brings people together and is passionate about making sure that we are globally putting our best foot forward. It’s like our meeting place to connect and that’s an essential thing for the industry.”
AIME 2025 will run February 10-12, 2025 at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre. The AIME 2025 Knowledge Program is open to Hosted Buyers, Hosted Media, Exhibitors and Visitor Buyers who upgrade their tickets.
