AIME turns spotlight on business events driving economic growth

The Knowledge Program will launch AIME on 10 February 2025, with keynote speakers from AIME’s speaker bureau partners, along with industry business leaders and renowned professionals who will address 1500 global event professionals attending the first day of AIME 2025.

The Knowledge Program is hosted and curated by BEAMexperience Founder El Kwang, who says the team’s ambition is to craft a program that sets new standards in content leadership.

“Our objective is to solidify AIME’s reputation as the quintessential hub for gathering and learning, thereby advancing our industry,” he says.

The theme for the AIME 2025 Knowledge Program is “We Matter!”, which seeks to highlight and celebrate the global business events industry as a powerful catalyst for economic growth.

Kwang says the theme underscores the intrinsic value of each individual within the industry, and “aims to fortify unity among industry stakeholders, empowering us to sustain and strengthen our sector for future generations”.

Knowledge Program Advisory Committee member Max Jantasuwan is the Founder and CEO of Events Travel Asia Group based in Bangkok and says this year’s theme is important as it highlights the breadth and depth of the contribution the industry makes globally.

“It is important because we need governments and policy makers to know that we contribute positively to the global economy,” he says. “On a human front, we must value our energy, intellect and efforts because no one can value us more meaningfully than ourselves.”

Knowledge Program Advisory Committee member Ronald Lim says one of the biggest challenges he sees for the industry is a lack of recognition – something that this year’s Knowledge Program will explore.

“​​The market or our clients do not see us as professionals, (for instance) our industry is not included in the drop-down list in all the forms that we fill,” he says.

The Business Events Strategist for Think Event by Think Tank Productions based in Kuala Lumpur says it’s vital to address this in order to attract the next generation of talent into the industry.

“With our current issue of talent crunch, it is even more vital for us to look into ways to entice and encourage the new generation of event planners to come on board,” he says.

This exposure and education should start at the grassroots level, he says, which is where such initiatives as AIME’s Accelerate Program play an important role.

The AIME Accelerate Program invites junior members of the industry – called “Rockets” – to shadow their Hosted Buyer managers at AIME, providing unparalleled learning and networking opportunities throughout the event.

“AIME’s Accelerate Program can definitely help to inspire the up-and-coming event planners, creating a community that brings this new or younger generation of event planners together,” Lim says.

El Kwang says the role of the AIME Knowledge Program in professional development is critical.

“Beyond learning, it sparks dialogues and explorations of what the future might hold, opening doors to new possibilities and insights,” he says.

“We are committed to creating a dynamic program that encourages both professional growth and personal reflection, ensuring that each participant leaves with valuable perspectives and renewed vigour for their roles within the industry.”

Knowledge Program attendees will experience two standout speakers who will explore the crucial link between personal wellbeing, innovation and industry success.

Neuro-performance scientist and award-winning author Dr Kristy Goodwin is celebrated for turning cutting-edge neuroscience and technology research into performance-boosting strategies. In her keynote sponsored by speaker bureau Ovations!, she will arm attendees with insights to thrive in today’s digitally driven world.

Former executive director and CTO of Lonely Planet Gus Balbontin takes a disruptive approach to innovation. With his unique brand of rebellious thinking, in his keynote sponsored by ICMI, he promises to challenge the audience to embrace discomfort as the starting point for breakthrough ideas.

In her keynote address Powered-Up Performers: The Neuroscience of Sustainable Peak Performance in a Digital Age Dr Goodwin will equip AIME delegates with cutting-edge insights and practical brain-based micro-habits to enhance productivity, manage stress, and maximise energy in today’s digitally intense environment.

Balbontin is equally eager to push the AIME audience out of its comfort zone in his session titled, Adapt.

“I’m excited to challenge them, to provoke fresh thinking, and help them reconnect with the rebellious mindset that fuels innovation,” he says.

“I always say to the audience, if I don’t make you uncomfortable, you’re not going to learn anything new.”