Opening AIME 2025 at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) on 10 February, the highly anticipated program themed We Matter!, focuses on the global business events industry as a powerful driver of economic growth and innovation.
Curated by BEAMexperience Founder El Kwang in conjunction with an eight-member Advisory Committee of leading industry experts from across Asia Pacific, the Knowledge Program will deliver impactful keynote presentations and insightful breakout sessions, equipping delegates with fresh perspectives and actionable strategies for success in a rapidly evolving landscape.
Attendees can choose from 20 breakout presentations across two 60-minute sessions, tailored to develop skills in four key categories: Upskilling, Workplace Management, Industry Matters, and Self-Leadership.
Topics range from the importance of emerging talent in shaping the future of the industry and the impact of consumer experience on event outcomes, to maximising AI-human synergy and safeguarding creativity in the digital era.
Across a range of formats including workshops, panel discussions and presentations, more than 30 leading industry figures, including Melissa Brown (CEO Australian Business Events Association), Sheila Vijeyarasa (The Brave Leader), Toni Brearley (CEO Australasian Society of Association Executives) and Brooke Byrne (IBM APAC Signature Events) will host these breakout sessions.
Beforehand, two feature keynote speakers, Gus Balbontin and Dr Kristy Goodwin, will open the day, exploring adaptability, performance and well-being as crucial elements in industry resilience.
Drawing from his experience as CTO at Lonely Planet, Balbontin will deliver his keynote ADAPT, presented by ICMI, sharing practical insights on how businesses can stay agile and innovative amid the relentless pace of change.
Dr Goodwin, supported by Ovations!, will present her keynote, Powered-Up Performers: The Neuroscience of Sustainable Peak-Performance in a Digital Age featuring science-backed strategies to optimise productivity, manage stress, and sustain energy in the high-pressure world of business events and incentives.
Opportunities for education and inspiration continue for all attendees on the following days of AIME, with the Ideas Academy presented by Spice, returning to the AIME show floor. The Ideas Academy is an intimate space providing visitors access to short, thought-provoking panel discussions and sessions on 11 and 12 February.
The Knowledge Program is included in the hosted buyer package, exhibitors receive two passes, and visitor buyers may upgrade their ticket to attend.
For full Knowledge Program details, visit aime.com.au/program.