Following the departure of John Wilson, Monica Kent-Giles has been appointed AIME’s marketing director.
Kent-Giles brings decades of experience to Australia’s business events trade show, having worked for Melbourne Convention Bureau – AIME’s owner – in the late 1990s, followed by a variety of senior and leadership marketing, promotion, brand and event roles with news organisations as well as the Australian Grand Prix Corporation, the Recruitment, Consulting and Staffing Association Australia and New Zealand and Melbourne Airport.
She started with AIME in July, moving over from PMY Group, which provides technology for “live environments” including sporting and major events, venues and other sectors.
Kent-Giles’ appointment follows that of Brooke Campbell to the new role of buyer engagement director at AIME, previously reported by micenet.
“Having attended AIME over many years, I’ve experienced firsthand the energy, incredible connections and value the show delivers to the business events industry,” said Kent-Giles.
“Stepping into the role at such a pivotal moment is a privilege and I look forward to further elevating its global presence.”
AIME’s event director, Silke Calder, says both Kent-Giles and Campbell’s appointments will help the show keep developing.
“AIME continues to grow in both scale and impact, with more of the global community across Asia Pacific and beyond coming together each year to connect and do business,” said Calder.
“Every year we set ourselves the challenge to raise the bar for the industry.
“Expanding our executive team with leaders of Monica and Brooke’s calibre ensures we can further elevate the quality of our show floor connections and deliver an unrivalled experience for our global community.
“[Monica and Brooke] are already making their impact felt, bringing new inspiration and specialised skills that strengthen our overall leadership team as preparations for AIME 2027 continue at pace.”
AIME has grown significantly since returning from a pandemic-induced hiatus in 2022, more than doubling in size, to around 765 exhibitors and 1,500 vetted buyers in 2026, with a further expansion targeted for the 2027 show, which will take place February 15-17 at Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre.
