Whether it be the 2023 or 1993 trade show, AIME has always aspired to bring together the best of the global business events industry to build connection, community and commerce. Over its 30 years, AIME has become a significant business platform with far-reaching commercial outcomes not just for Victoria, but for the wider Asia Pacific Region as well  – it’s a place for the industry to reflect, reinvigorate and strategise.

Event Director, Silke Calder reflects on the challenges of delivering an event for the global events industry and the outcomes achieved at AIME’s 30 Year event.

The challenges

Delivering a trade show for the business events community itself (an event for event organisers!), who have the highest of standards, and who want to be presented with the latest and greatest, is no easy feat. Part of this challenge means providing both a platform that supports business outcomes and a space for nurturing the industry. For AIME to remain relevant, the team must keep their finger on the pulse, address hot topics and foster important dialogue where the future of the industry can be tabled.

AIME must also inspire. Implementing trailblazing technology within the trade show is key to enhancing the visitor experience which means it’s important for the team to uncover new innovations and to lead best practice in these areas. Attendees should leave AIME with fresh ideas and a renewed energy that stimulates their personal and professional growth.

The event

The much-loved Knowledge Program launched AIME on 13 February and saw a stirring keynote from Australian tennis star, Jelena Dokic. The program addressed industry hot topics around the future of work including how to build a more resilient events community.

Comprised of industry thought leaders, a Knowledge Program Advisory Committee was established for AIME 2023 further cultivating this important industry discourse.

WIth its bespoke AI-powered platform helping to facilitate some 12,000 plus meetings, AIME spearheaded business event technology and innovation. New zoning on the show floor, the Accor Hosted Buyers Lounge, a dedicated ‘Tech’ area and Wellness Café were just a few features which also improved the delegate experience. A commitment to sustainability was reflected in our ongoing partnership with Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre (MCEC) and new partner Cardboard Mill who fashioned cardboard furniture and a huge kangaroo tributing Australia. A special anniversary lanyard featuring First Nations’ artwork was another ‘touch of Australia’ delegates were treated to.

AIME’s 30-year legacy was commemorated at a Welcome Event co-hosted by the Melbourne Convention Bureau (MCB) on the Marvel Stadium oval. State-of-the-art pearl theming, entertainment from Hot Dub Time Machine and fireworks popping against the Melbourne skyline set the tone for an extraordinary night of celebration.

The results

Over 400 hosted buyers and media outlets, 3,000 visitors and more than 350 exhibitors attended AIME – hitting all targets. The show was a resounding success with impressive feedback from all involved. When it came to commerce, a post show analysis revealed that AIME will generate an astonishing $200 million in business over the next 12 months – a near 70% increase on 2022. Almost 90% of visitors were satisfied with their attendance, placing AIME firmly in the top 10% of trade shows globally for visitor satisfaction.^[1] In other words, it was one helluva of a show!

Outstanding business outcomes are one thing, but the business events industry coming together at a business event to celebrate itself? Incomparable! AIME 2023 will be hard to beat.

^[1] Based on the tradeshows Explori survey 2023