The welcome function for Asia Pacific’s largest business events trade show will be held at il Mercato Centrale, which brings together a variety of artisan food producers specialising in Italian cuisine in a large footprint space.
The venue is located in the heart of Melbourne’s CBD, close to the convention centre, at the Spencer St end of Collins St.
The event will be themed “AIMalfi FESTA” with guests encouraged to dress in blue, white and yellow in a nod to Italy’s Amalfi Coast. Organisers of AIME are expecting more than 2,000 attendees at the evening soiree next Monday.
The venue is a new addition to Melbourne, opening last September, as the first il Mercato Centrale outside Italy. Currently the concept operates in Florence, Rome, Turin and Milan.
“No AIME experience would be complete without our legendary welcome event,” said AIME’s event director, Silke Calder.
“This year, we’re transporting attendees to the sun-drenched shores of the Amalfi Coast, with a night of Italian-inspired delights, captivating entertainment and unforgettable moments. Get ready to say ‘Ciao Bella!’ to the AIMalfi FESTA!”
Melbourne has a significant Italian community, with the state of Victoria overall home to the largest number of Italians in Australia.
Following its hosting of the welcome event, il Mercato Centrale will exhibit on the AIME show floor to drum up more event business for its 3,000m2 space.
“We are honoured to host the AIME 2025 welcome event and extremely proud to be representing Victoria and Melbourne’s buzzing and innovative hospitality scene at the trade show,” said Il Mercato Centrale managing director Gary Patikkis.
“With il Mercato Centrale we have set out to create an immersive community hub where each experience, from single patrons to the big event groups, is tailored, authentic and enriching. We truly look forward to welcoming industry leaders from around the globe to discover our own vision of hospitality.”
The welcome event will be attended by hosted buyers and media and exhibitors. Visitor buyers can upgrade their registration to include the welcome function.
Following the welcome event next Monday, 10 February, 640 hosted buyers are expected to meet with 660 exhibitors over two days on the AIME show floor, in addition to appointments between exhibitors and visitor buyers.
