With 229,000 people directly employed in the Australian events sector (source: ABEA), early career experience is invaluable. Recognising this, the Asia Pacific Incentives and Meetings Event (AIME) launched two key programs to help new entrants develop their careers: the Accelerate Program and the Next Steps Program.

 

The Accelerate Program

This innovative initiative was designed to assist junior members of the industry who, with less than five years of experience, wouldn’t usually qualify for the Hosted Buyers Program. These emerging buyers, known as “Rockets”, shadowed their managers during Pre-Scheduled Appointments (PSAs) with AIME exhibitors.

The Accelerate Program gave participants crucial introductions to key suppliers and the opportunity to learn directly from their managers on the job. Alongside this, the Rockets enjoyed full access to the Knowledge Program, Ideas Academy, the unforgettable AIME Welcome Event, and many other learning and networking opportunities. They also had access to the Hosted Buyers Lounge, where they could connect with seasoned event professionals.

One of the program’s success stories came from Wilna van Eyssen, Managing Director at EventSmart Conferences and Events, who participated alongside her colleague Fonri Myburgh, Event Coordinator. Wilna found the program to be hugely beneficial:

"The Accelerate Program has fast-tracked Fonri’s development. It’s given her a head start far beyond what could be achieved in the office. She’s ten steps ahead of others who haven’t had this experience. It’s been incredibly valuable."

Fonri shared her own thoughts on the experience:

Q: What insights did you gain from shadowing Wilna?
A: “Thanks to AIME and EventSmart for the opportunity to be an AIME Rocket. Shadowing Wilna gave me invaluable self-development and the confidence, knowledge, and skills to better represent EventSmart.”

Q: How has the program benefited your day-to-day role?
A: “It’s an incredible networking platform that’s opened doors to different venues and destinations globally. This experience has significantly boosted my career.”

Q: Would you recommend this program to other newcomers?
A: “Absolutely! The connections, friendships, and insights gained at AIME have been life-changing. My advice: book as many meetings as possible and learn from the experts. Oh, and don’t miss the AIME Welcome Party—it’s unforgettable!”

 

The AIME Next Steps Program

AIME 2024 also saw the launch of the Next Steps Program, designed for event undergraduates. Three students had the chance to shadow AIME departments, gaining hands-on experience in operations, sales, marketing, and PR. Participants worked with the AIME team in the lead-up to the event and across the show week, learning how a large-scale, complex event is executed.

One of the program’s participants, Natasha Goldsmith, an Event Management undergraduate at the International College of Management Sydney (ICMS), found the experience incredibly valuable:

"Seeing the sheer scale of AIME was eye-opening. From bump-in to show day, it was amazing to watch everything come together. The scale and creativity behind the event were awe-inspiring."

Another standout experience for Natasha was attending the AIME Welcome Event:

"The Welcome Event was a highlight. Seeing Grazeland transformed into a neon carnival was unforgettable, and dancing with industry leaders to Daft Punk was the perfect end to a fantastic night."

Fellow participant, Nicki Coleman, appreciated the networking opportunities:
"Meeting industry professionals was a key highlight. Many were eager to mentor and support the next generation of event managers, which was incredibly inspiring. This experience has boosted my confidence and opened doors for my career."

Wendy Li, the third Next Stepper, was inspired by the thrill of live events:
"For me, the most memorable part was the live show itself. Seeing everything come together and meeting such a diverse range of people was incredibly rewarding. It’s what drives my passion for event management."
 

Looking Ahead
 

Both the Accelerate Program and the Next Steps Program were enthusiastically received, and the AIME team is already planning to enhance them for AIME 2025, which will take place at Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) from 10-12 February 2025. If you’re interested in participating in either program, don’t hesitate to get in touch!