The Asia Pacific Incentives and Meetings Event (AIME) has been awarded Best Exhibition or Trade Show at the 2023 Australian Event Awards & Symposium. At a gala event held at the Highline Venue in Bankstown, NSW,  on 13 September, AIME received the prestigious award, cementing its position as the flagship trade show for the meetings and events industry in Asia Pacific.

AIME connects international and local buyers with world-class exhibitors from Asia Pacific and around the world. Next year’s three-day event will be held at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) 19-21 February 2024.

The Australian Event Awards & Symposium is the national awards program and conference for the Australian events industry and establishes Australia’s best events and event-related goods, services and innovations over the past 12 months.

AIME Event Director Silke Calder said the recognition was testament to the tireless work of the AIME team to continually deliver an outstanding, world-class event each year.

“We are especially delighted to receive this prestigious recognition after also taking home Australian Event of the Year in 2022.  We congratulate nominees and fellow winners, all who work tremendously hard year-on-year to make their events unforgettable experiences for attendees. Thank you also to our partners and event owner, Melbourne Convention Bureau, for all their support,” she said.

“Recognition from an entity like the Australian Event Awards & Symposium which fosters continued excellence, innovation and unity across the industry, is an honour.  We are truly thrilled.” Talk2 Media & Events runs AIME and CEO Matt Pearce said he was delighted AIME’s role in the business events industry had been recognised by AEA for the second year running.

“AIME is a melting pot for idea generation, knowledge exchange, professional development and advancement of the business events industry. The AIME team’s commitment to industry consultation creates a platform for cohesiveness and ignites connections. It means a lot to be recognised,” he said. Melbourne Convention Bureau CEO Julia Swanson said the award highlighted the importance of  the event, which is celebrating its 31st year in 2024.

“For more than 30 years AIME has been the must-attend event for the business events industry in Asia Pacific, and we are thrilled to have this legacy recognised again in 2023. This award reflects the contribution of the show to our industry, and its ability to create meaningful connections and business opportunities for all stakeholders – not to mention vast economic benefits to our state. We look forward to welcoming everyone back to beautiful Melbourne in February 2024.”

Australian Event Awards Managing Director Ian Steigran said this year’s awards were a celebration of a year in which the events industry recovered from the depths of the Covid-19 crisis. “Every event, individual and company nominated is an inspiration of creativity, flair and steely determination to succeed,” he said.

“On this 15th year of the awards, I also want to thank the industry in the form of our great many judges, partners and thousands of entrants for their contributions to ensure the events industry continues to celebrate and promote itself through the awards.”