AIME has announced it has once again broken records for show attendance in 2025 and is curating groundbreaking initiatives that both evolve with and reshape business events.
Held once again at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, AIME 2025 has an expanded show floor, with over 675 exhibitors from nearly 30 countries, including first-time pavilions from Thailand and Singapore.
More than 200 exhibitors are new to the show, which will welcome more than 4,500 attendees over three days.
Significantly, of the 170 international buyers and more than 470 domestic buyers, three in four hosted buyers are attending the show for the first time.
“In an environment where there are new (regional) entrants, this growth is testimony to AIME’s track record in delivering the business,” said Matt Pearce, CEO of Talk2 Media & Events. He also highlighted the estimated A$330 million (US$207.3 million) in business conducted last year.
This year will also see AIME partner with AIPC – the International Association of Convention Centres to host a half-day summit on February 12, focused on convention center executives worldwide.
Also for the first time, the Global Exhibition Association UFI will co-locate its 2025 Asia Pacific conference with AIME, immediately following the tradeshow. This will be held from February 13 to 14.
AIME Leaders Forum will be hosted on February 13.
Meanwhile, the Knowledge Program, a regular and popular feature at AIME, will feature notable personalities as keynote speakers. They include former chief technology officer of Lonely Planet Gus Balbotin, and Kristy Goodwin. There will also be 20 breakout sessions covering topics ranging from emerging talent and AI to creativity and consumer experience, as well as a new panel discussion, Global Insights and Business Outlook for 2025, featuring leaders from IMEX Group, ICCA, Grip, and AIPC.
Julia Swanson, CEO of the Melbourne Convention Bureau, emphasised Melbourne’s emerging status as a global leader in business events.
“Last year, a new benchmark was set, and we’re really delighted to see the growth again,” she said, noting 114 business events have been confirmed in Melbourne valued at A$613 million until 2028.
Swanson also announced the launch of the Melbourne Convention Bureau’s Positive Impact Guide, which outlines the impact of business events on the Victorian state.
AIME kicks off today with its evening Welcome Event, themed AIMalfi FESTA, at il Mercato Centrale, with over 2,000 attendees expected.
AIME is owned by the Melbourne Convention Bureau (MCB) and managed by Talk2 Media & Events.
