AIME wrap-up
The show must go on T
he 28th installment of the Asia Pacific Incentives and Meetings Event (AIME) took place on 17-19 February this year, scraping in just before COVID-19 claimed Australia’s event sector. While there were whispers of a cancellation, the event went ahead to the delight of more than 2,500 visitors and 300 exhibitors at Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC). According to organisers Talk2 Media & Events, some 10,000 meetings took place over the two days and overall registrations saw a 20 per cent uplift, however some international travellers were unable to attend due to the virus outbreak. “The beginning of 2020 has seen our industry faced with many challenges, both locally and abroad, however the community spirit imbued AIME 2020 and has never been stronger,” said Talk2 Media & Events CEO Matt Pearce. The Knowledge Exchange was among the event highlights, kicking off AIME with a day of education and community-building workshops, while the Associations Roundtable brought together C-suite executives from over 30 global organisations to discuss challenges and opportunities in an industry-first. On the show floor, there was a noticeable presence of regional destinations, eager to build their networks and attract new business to areas that had been affected by the 16 Spice Winter 2020
devastating bushfire season. Business Events Australia also stepped up its presence at AIME 2020, with Tourism Australia managing director Phillipa Harrison saying it was a critical time to support the industry. “With the effects of the bushfires on our sector and the ongoing impact of the coronavirus on travel globally, it’s more important than ever for us to take every opportunity to proactively engage both with Australian industry and international buyers and stakeholders,” she said. Networking was once again a highly anticipated component of AIME, and once again, the AIME Welcome Event delivered. This year, the event took on a more casual feel, with a beach-themed soirée at Port Melbourne Yacht Club. With lobster and fresh sashimi on the menu, beachside DJs spinning party tunes and the Aperol spritz flowing, AIME delegates embraced the barefoot affair. The following night, MCEC hosted a networking event complete with interactive cooking stations and a real-life dessert garden. Despite the current uncertainty around the return of business events, Talk2 Media & Events have confirmed plans are underway for AIME 2021, set to take place in Melbourne on 22-24 February. The Knowledge Program is also on the cards again for next year, and you can expect even more amazing networking opportunities if 2020 was anything to go by. n
AIME 2020 welcome event
AIME delivered another action-packed two days of learning and networking this year, just weeks before the COVID-19 crisis took hold.
WATCH Knowledge Exchange Welcome Event Show Floor Highlights Networking on the show floor
AIME in numbers 2,500 visitors and 300 exhibitors 10,000 meetings over 2 days
20% year-on-year increase in registrations
