AIME 2025 will run from 10-12 February at Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, with the Knowledge Program taking place on the first day, followed by the exhibition across two days, which includes the AIME Ideas Academy presented by Spice on the showfloor.
The 2025 Knowledge Program theme is “We Matter!”, which focuses on the global business events industry as a driver of economic growth and innovation.
Headlining the program as keynote speakers are neuro-performance scientist and author Dr Kristy Goodwin, and former executive director of Lonely Planet Gus Balbontin.
The duo will explore the link between personal wellbeing, innovation and industry success.
Curated by BEAMexperience founder El Kwang, in conjunction with an eight-member advisory committee of industry experts from across Asia Pacific, the Knowledge Program will deliver keynote presentations and 20 breakout sessions, equipping delegates with fresh perspectives and actionable strategies for success in an evolving landscape.
Attendees can choose from 20 breakout presentations across two 60-minute sessions covering the four categories of upskilling, workplace management, industry matters and self-leadership.
With workshops, panel discussions and presentations from more than 30 leading industry figures, topics include the importance of emerging talent in shaping the future of the industry; the impact of consumer experience on event outcomes; maximising the AI-human synergy; and safeguarding creativity in the digital era.
Speakers include Melissa Brown, CEO, Australian Business Events Association; Sheila Vijeyarasa, author, Brave: Courageously Live Your Truth; Toni Brearley, CEO, Australasian Society of Association Executives; and Brooke Byrne, signature events and strategic programs leader, IBM Asia Pacific.
Dr Goodwin is celebrated for turning cutting-edge neuroscience and technology research into performance-boosting strategies.
In her Knowledge Program keynote address, “Powered-Up Performers: The Neuroscience of Sustainable Peak Performance in a Digital Age”, she will deliver insight on how to thrive in the digitally driven world through practical brain-based micro-habits that enhance productivity, manage stress and maximise energy.
“I’ll share simple micro-habits that event professionals can integrate into their daily lives to become a powered-up version of themselves,” she says.
“Wellbeing is essential for anyone who wants to drive growth in the events industry.”
Balbontin takes a disruptive approach to innovation and promises to challenge the AIME audience to embrace discomfort as the starting point for breakthrough ideas in his keynote, “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.”
The AIME Knowledge Program will attract more than 1500 global event professionals.
“We are thrilled to have such inspirational and exciting speakers to launch the Knowledge Program at AIME 2025,” says AIME event director Silke Calder.
“Each year, the Knowledge Program continues to grow and is a key programming element of AIME, which bolsters our commitment to furthering education and professional growth opportunities for our industry.
“We will be announcing the full program in the next few weeks, and it is shaping up to be our best yet!”
After successfully presenting the Ideas Academy at AIME 2024, Spice is again partnering with AIME to deliver two days of keynote speaker sessions and panel discussions delivering expert information and knowledge sharing about the events industry.
Held on the AIME showfloor at MCEC, on 11-12 February, 2025, the AIME Ideas Academy presented by Spice sessions will be delivered silently via individual headphones, with high-quality, informative content providing practical takeaways for attendees to implement in their businesses.
Sessions are free for all AIME attendees without booking, and the line-up of panellists and keynote speakers will be revealed soon.
