A neuro-performance scientist with a penchant for technology and Lonely Planet’s former chief technology officer have been announced as the two keynote speakers for the program that will take place the day before AIME’s show floor opens.
Dr Kristy Goodwin is a neuro-performance scientist with a bevy of performance-boosting strategies to share, created by combining the latest neuroscience and technology research.
“Wellbeing is essential for anyone who wants to continue driving growth in the events industry,” she said.
“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.”
Her keynote, Powered-Up Performers: The Neuroscience of Sustainable Peak Performance in a Digital Age, is sponsored by speaker bureau Ovations! which has Goodwin on their books to offer conference organisers.
Meanwhile in his keynote session, Adapt, former CTO for the travel guide giant Lonely Planet, Gus Balbontin, will challenge attendees to see discomfort as the catalyst for groundbreaking ideas.
“I’m excited to challenge them, to provoke fresh thinking, and help them reconnect with the rebellious mindset that fuels innovation,” sais Balbontin.
“I always say to the audience, if I don’t make you uncomfortable, you’re not going to learn anything new.”
Balbontin’s session is sponsored by ICMI who manage him as a conference speaker.
Goodwin and Balbontin are headlining a program under the theme “We Matter!” which seeks to highlight the importance and impact of business events.
AIME organisers are expecting more than 1,500 delegates to attend the Knowledge Program, with fully hosted, semi hosted and hosted day buyers alongside exhibitors automatically receiving access to the event and visitor buyers able to upgrade their registration.
“We are thrilled to have such inspirational and exciting speakers to launch the Knowledge Program at AIME 2025,” said AIME’s event director, Silke Calder.
“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.
“We will be announcing the full program in the next few weeks, it’s shaping up to be our best yet!”
AIME takes place February 10 -12 at Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC).
Hosted buyer applications are now open and there are some exhibitor spots still available on the show floor.
