AIME 2025 has officially opened its doors in Melbourne – and it’s already making history. This year’s Asia Pacific Incentives and Meetings Event (AIME) is the biggest ever, boasting record numbers of hosted buyers, exhibitors and attendees, according to organisers.
Over three days at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC), AIME will connect over 640 buyers from across the globe with more than 675 exhibitors. A remarkable 200 exhibitors are brand new to AIME, and the event welcomes new international pavilions from Singapore and Thailand, joining 30 other countries and territories.
Over 4,500 attendees are expected, including 170 international and 470 domestic hosted buyers. An impressive 75% of these hosted buyers are attending AIME for the first time. This growth builds on the success of AIME 2024, which generated forecasts of over $330 million in business.
In total, AIME 2025 is set to host over 20,000 meetings, including 15,000 pre-scheduled appointments between buyers and exhibitors.
The official opening press conference featured industry leaders like Melbourne Convention Bureau CEO Julia Swanson, Tourism Australia Managing Director Phillipa Harrison and Matt Pearce, CEO of AIME organiser Talk2 Media & Events.
Pearce announced this is the largest AIME to date, with 100 more exhibitors than last year and the biggest New Zealand contingent ever.
He also noted the five-fold growth of AIME’s Knowledge Program, now with over 1,500 participants.
AIME 2025’s “We Matter!” themed Knowledge Program features keynote speakers like Gus Balbotin and Dr Kristy Goodwin, plus a new ‘Global Insights and Business Outlook’ panel featuring IMEX Group CEO Carina Bauer, International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) CEO Senthil Gopinath, Grip CEO and Founder Tim Groot and AIPC CEO Sven Bossu.
This morning, Swanson also unveiled the Melbourne Convention Bureau’s “The Positive Impact of Business Events Report”, highlighting the enormous value these events bring to Victoria.
“AIME provides the best opportunities in our region for industry to share knowledge, create meaningful connections and drive economic and social outcomes across our sector,” Melbourne Convention Bureau CEO Julia Swanson said.
“It’s the perfect platform for the entire business events industry to showcase their products and services to a targeted and informed audience.
“As demonstrated in our new Positive Impact of Business Events report, the value that business events bring in inspiring change, fostering social connection, driving economic growth, and creating enduring legacies is undeniable.
“Business events are transformative, both for everyone involved and the cities they take place in, and this report presents a fantastic opportunity to highlight the many advantages that decades of events have had on Melbourne and Victoria.”
Tourism Australia Managing Director Phillipa Harrison echoed Swanson, saying,“AIME remains a key opportunity for global buyers to connect with the Australian industry, and to experience first-hand Australia’s exceptional business events offering”.
“We congratulate MCB and Talk2 Media & Events on a record-breaking AIME this year, and for the event’s role in encouraging international buyers to choose Australia for their next business event,” she added.
Pearce said he was thrilled that AIME 2025 would be the biggest event yet.
“In an environment where there are new entrants and regional events this is testament to AIME’s track record of delivering meaningful business outcomes,” he stated.
“Last year more than $330 million of business was generated at AIME and we are confident that figure will be higher again this year.”
“AIME is about more than just impressive numbers. It’s about creating an experience that exceeds expectations, fosters meaningful connections, and drives the business events industry forward. And this week Melbourne and AIME truly is where the business events world meets in Asia Pacific.”
The welcome event, the AIMalfi FESTA, hosted over 2,000 attendees at il Mercato Centrale.
For more information on AIME 2025, visit aime.com.au
