10 - 12 February 2025 • MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA

Hosted Buyer Applications Open
Hosted Buyer Applications Open
Hosted Buyer Applications Open
Hosted Buyer Applications Open

Hosted Buyer Program

CREATING MEANINGFUL CONNECTIONS

If you are a senior level decision maker and interested in placing business with high quality meeting and events suppliers, venues and destinations you may be eligible to attend AIME as a Hosted Buyer.

Hosted Buyers have the option of customising their AIME experience and applying for one of three options:

  • Fully-hosted buyer
  • Semi-hosted buyer
  • Hosted day buyer

Whatever buyer type you choose, you’ll receive a VIP experience at AIME which includes access to our unique AI powered meeting platform where we’ll pre-schedule appointments with exhibitors of your choosing from all around the world – saving you time and money!

An overview of each of the buyer categories is provided below and further details can be found in our Hosted Buyer FAQs

APPLICATIONS FOR THE 2025 HOSTED BUYER PROGRAM ARE NOW OPEN.

Who are AIME Buyers?

We expect to host 650 buyers from various industry sectors including:

  • Professional Conference Organisers (PCOs)
  • Event management agencies
  • Corporate in-house planners
  • Association planners – national and international
  • Incentive agencies
  • Government event planners
  • Educational institution event planners
  • EAs and PAs with an event management focus

500 buyers are from Australia and 150 buyers are from international destinations including:

  • New Zealand
  • India
  • North Asia (China, Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan)
  • S.E Asia (Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam)
  • UK & Europe (France, Germany, Israel, Italy)
  • The Americas (USA & Canada)

Who are AIME Exhibitors?

Exhibitors you can expect to meet are:

  • Destinations – convention bureaus or tourism offices with a business events focus
  • Convention centres
  • Hotels and Resorts with conference and function space
  • Unique venues
  • Attractions and activities relevant for groups
  • Caterers – many offering unique venues as part of their portfolio
  • Event technology companies inc. registration platforms, apps
  • Production and AV companies
  • Destination Management Companies (DMCs)
  • Travel and tour operators
  • Airlines
  • Cruise companies
  • Support services for events. E.g. promotional goods, photography, florists

70% of exhibitors showcase Australian product and 30% are international suppliers.

 

BUYER TYPES

FULLY HOSTED BUYER

32 Pre-Scheduled Appointments

Like to go all-in and maximise your time?

Fully hosted buyers commit to 32 x 15-minute Pre-Scheduled Appointments (PSAs) with exhibitors.

In return AIME will provide:

  • Return economy flights to Melbourne from a major city location
  • Group coach transfers to/from Melbourne airport to your hotel
  • Two or three nights accommodation in a 4 or 5-star hotel in Melbourne (4 nights accommodation for international buyers)
  • Buffet breakfast each morning
  • Invitation to participate in the MCB Uncover Melbourne experience on Sunday 9 February – showcasing hidden gems and unique event experiences*
  • A ticket to the Knowledge Program on Monday 10 February*
  • A ticket to The AIME Welcome Event on Monday 10 February
  • Morning, afternoon tea and lunch on show days – Tuesday 11 & Wednesday 12 February
  • Tickets to ‘Invite Only’ exclusive events
  • Access to the ‘Hosted Buyers Lounge’
  • An online meeting platform providing flexibility and control over your meetings
  • An open diary to schedule additional appointments with exhibitors
  • Access to the AIME Hosted Buyer Hub

*The Uncover Melbourne Experience and Knowledge Program are no longer mandatory events for Australian and New Zealand buyers

SEMI-HOSTED BUYER

20 Pre-Scheduled Appointments

Prefer some flexibility in your schedule?

Semi-hosted buyers commit to 20 x 15-minute Pre-Scheduled Appointments (PSAs) with exhibitors.

In return AIME will provide:

  • Two or three nights accommodation in a 4 or 5-star hotel in Melbourne (4 nights accommodation for international buyers)
  • Buffet breakfast each morning
  • Invitation to participate in the MCB Uncover Melbourne experience on Sunday 9 February – showcasing hidden gems and unique event experiences*
  • A ticket to the Knowledge Program on Monday 10 February*
  • A ticket to The AIME Welcome Event on Monday 10 February
  • Morning, afternoon tea and lunch on show days – Tuesday 11 & Wednesday 12 February
  • Tickets to ‘Invite Only’ exclusive events
  • Access to the ‘Hosted Buyers Lounge’
  • An online meeting platform providing flexibility and control over your meetings
  • An open diary to schedule additional appointments with exhibitors
  • Access to the AIME Hosted Buyer Hub

Note: semi-hosted buyers are NOT provided with flights or airport transfers

*the Uncover Melbourne Experience and Knowledge Program are no longer mandatory events for Australian and New Zealand buyers

HOSTED DAY BUYER

10 Pre-Scheduled Appointments

Time poor but love the VIP treatment?

Hosted day buyers commit to 10 x 15-minute Pre-Scheduled Appointments (PSAs) with exhibitors on Wednesday, 12 February.

In return AIME will provide:

  • An invitation to participate in the MCB Uncover Melbourne experience on Sunday 9 February – showcasing hidden gems and unique event experiences
  • A ticket to the Knowledge Program on Monday 10 February
  • A ticket to The AIME Welcome Event on Monday 10 February
  • Morning, afternoon tea and lunch on Wednesday 12 February
  • Access to the ‘Hosted Buyers Lounge’
  • An online meeting platform providing flexibility and control over your meetings
  • An open diary to schedule additional appointments with exhibitors
  • Access to the AIME Hosted Buyer Hub

Note: Hosted day buyers are welcome to attend the tradeshow on Tuesday 11 or Wednesday 12 February and meet as many exhibitors as you wish, however PSAs will be scheduled on Wednesday only.

Your hosted buyer journey

Our goal is for buyers to be inspired to connect, do business, learn and exchange ideas.

APPLICATIONS

Applications are now open so apply today to avoid missing out!

Your hosted buyer journey begins when you fill out your application.

MEETING PREFERENCE SELECTIONS

December 2024.

Your exhibitor preference selection is a key component of your success at AIME. We encourage you to think strategically about the exhibitors you need to meet to perform in your role. The preferences you select play an integral role in curating your diary of pre-scheduled appointments (PSAs).

Your preferences and exhibitor preferences are then matched utilising the latest artificial intelligence (AI) technology, to produce a suggested list of exhibitors you could meet in your PSAs. You then have the option to accept or reject the suggestions (to a certain extent!) to produce a diary full of great appointments.

MEETING DIARY

Available January 2025.

100% of your PSAs will be allocated into your show diary and you will then have the option to self-schedule as many additional appointments as you like from the full exhibitor list.

Your hosted buyer team

Our dedicated Hosted Buyer team will be here to help and guide you on your AIME journey.

For further information please check out our FAQ page or contact the team directly via aime.buyers@talk2.media

Being at AIME is just a great opportunity for thought leaders, exhibitors and clients to connect, understand each others needs and find ways to serve the industry better

CHANEL PEARSON

CHIEF OF STAFF, VICTORIAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE & INDUSTRY

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