The first show of the year supporting trade for the global business events community, the Asia Pacific Incentives and Meetings Event (AIME) is set to be the largest in ten years, according to Talk2 Media and Events, which organises the show on behalf of its owner, the Melbourne Convention Bureau.
The number of exhibitors locked in to showcase at AIME 2024 represents growth of 63 per cent compared to the number of exhibitors for last year’s event.
In 2024, several countries are returning to the show floor for the first time since the pandemic began. Among them are Fiji, Korea, Macao, Canada, the United States, Vietnam, India, the Maldives, Monaco and the United Kingdom.
Altogether, 33 countries will be represented in AIME’s exhibition.
A new section on the show floor, The Boutique, is set to feature more than 20 operators of bespoke and highly customisable experiences. Meanwhile, in 2024, the hotel zone will have a footprint 50 per cent larger than in 2023
“Off the back of our incredible 30th anniversary AIME in 2023, this year we return even bigger and better than ever,” said AIME’s show 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.
“More than 600 hosted buyers will attend AIME 2024, which is an amazing growth of 51 per cent on 2023. We will host buyers from Australia, New Zealand, Southeast Asia, North Asia, India, the USA, Canada, Europe and the UK.
“It sets the scene for a truly amazing 31st AIME.”
Alongside the hosted buyers, 3,500 visitor buyers are expected to attend.
The event will also have its own podcast for the first time, recorded live at AIME in a podcast studio on the show floor. The podcast is being produced by Connected Event Group, who also deliver the Professional Conference Organisers Association’s (PCOA) industry podcast.
“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,” said Calder.
AIME will run from February 19-21 at Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre.
