This represents a phenomenal growth of 63% in the number of exhibitors at AIME 2023 – and cements AIME’s position as the premier event for the international business events community in the region.
International destinations attending AIME for the first time since the Covid pandemic include Fiji, Korea, Macau, USA, Canada, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, India, Maldives, Italy, Malta, Norway, Monaco and UK/Ireland. They join countries including Japan, New Zealand, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Singapore and Africa returning again to the AIME show floor.
In total, 33 countries will be represented at AIME in 2024.
Boutique experience makers and DMC Network
For the first time at AIME, in 2024 there will be a dedicated zone for the world’s boutique experience makers. The Boutique will showcase more than 20 operators offering bespoke and highly customisable experiences.
Another new zone for 2024, the DMC Network will bring together Destination Management Companies from all over the world. The hotel zone continues to grow in popularity – a testament to the post-COVID bounce back of travel – and in 2024 occupies a footprint that is 50% larger than AIME 2023. Other show floor features and activations include the Accor Hosted Buyer Lounge, the Ideas Academy presented by Spice and four new interactive breakout spaces to recharge attendees.
Kicking off the three-day event on Monday 19 February, AIME’s Knowledge Program is themed “The 4Ps of GLOCALISATION”, with two keynote speakers: award-winning marketing executive Lisa Ronson and bestselling author, TV host and founder of the 100 Things movement Sebastian Terry. Curated by El Kwang and BEAM with the support of an Advisory Committee consisting of eight industry leaders from the APAC region, the program draws inspiration from the AIME global community’s wish of harmonising the symbiotic relationship between global insights with local nuances. The Knowledge Program will commence with a networking lunch presented by the future Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre.
As always, the hugely anticipated AIME Welcome Event will be another highlight of the three-day show. This exclusive evening is open to Hosted Buyers, Exhibitors, Media Partners, and VIPs. Visitor Buyers can elevate their experience by upgrading their tickets. More details on the not-to-be-missed Welcome Event will be announced soon.
Melbourne Convention Bureau CEO Julia Swanson says she is proud of MCB’s involvement as a key player in the growth of the business events industry through AIME. “For close to a third of a century, as owners of AIME, Melbourne Convention Bureau has been bringing the business events industry together, building connections and sharing knowledge at AIME, right here in Australia’s events capital, Melbourne,” she says.
“Just like the Australian Open is the first tennis Grand Slam of the year, AIME is the first international trade show of the business events sector. And we are delighted to kick start the international calendar for 2024.”
AIME 2024 will run from 19 – 21 February 2024 at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre. For more information or to register to attend AIME visit aime.com.au.
 has today announced that the 2024 event will be the biggest AIME in a decade.){kind=link}