Knowledge Program Speaker FAQs

AIME will be held at the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre (MCEC). The program commences on 10 February until 12 February:

• Monday 10 February – Knowledge Program (11.30am - 5.30pm) & Welcome Event (7pm - 10pm)
• Tuesday 11 February – Day 1 Tradeshow including the Ideas Academy (9am to 5:30pm)
• Wednesday 12 February – Day 2 Tradeshow including the Ideas Academy (9am to 5pm)

You can view the program here

Click here for information outlining transport and parking options at the MCEC.

The dress code across all days will be business casual.

The MCEC has large cloaking facilities. Please feel free to use these services throughout the show or on Wednesday morning for luggage if you are departing immediately at the conclusion of the event on Wednesday afternoon. Alternatively, all hotels have storage facilities if you prefer to store your luggage at the hotel either prior to check-in or after check-out.

Travel restrictions and Covid-19 requirements have been relaxed across Australia. It is no longer mandatory to be vaccinated against Covid-19 in order to enter, Australia, the state of Victoria or the AIME 2025 venue, Melbourne Exhibition & Convention Centre. It is also no longer mandatory to wear masks, however, we recommend you make your own judgement on whether you would prefer to wear a mask. We also recommend keeping this in mind if you have an upcoming event in the weeks immediately leading up to or following AIME. As AIME 2025 gets closer, please also keep up with developments via the https://www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/

The Australian government website contains a range of information for those who wish to enter the country on a temporary basis, and you will find answers to many of your questions on their site.

Please check your passport is valid before applying to become a hosted buyer. As we’ve seen around the world in recent times, there are long delays to have passports reissued. The Australian government does not impose six month passport validity for travellers entering the country, however, some airlines insist on the validity as part of their terms and conditions to board a flight – please ensure you have checked this.

Please check visa requirements for entering Australia on this site - visas are dependent on which country issued your passport.

From the list on the government site the main purpose of your visit is ‘attending a conference or expo’ which is about halfway down the list on the link above.

Visas applications must be covered at your own expense, and you should apply once your hosted buyer status has been confirmed. Please be advised that, due to high demand, visas are taking longer to process and can take months in some cases.  Please book early to avoid disappointment.

If you require a letter to support your visa application, please advise the Hosted Buyer Manager ASAP.

The Spice team will be your primary source of contact and guide you on your journey to AIME, The AIME team will also invite you to the Knowledge Program Hub.

The Hub is your go-to resource for all things AIME. Within the Hub you’ll be able to access information to assist you with presenting at AIME, upload your presentation as well as download customisable banners that you can share across your digital channels.

Whilst we do take photos of the event, we cannot guarantee we will take photos of your specific presentation. If you are wanting professional photos or video content of your presentation, it’s best to organise your own production crew.

Unfortunately, we do not currently offer expense reimbursement for speakers.

Unless confirmed otherwise, speakers are responsible for booking and paying for their own accommodation. You will find a list of hotel partners with discounted rates for AIME within the Hub.

Knowledge Program speakers are invited to attend the Knowledge Program Networking Lunch on Monday 19 February. All speakers are invited to attend the Welcome Event on Monday 19 February and the two-day tradeshow on Tuesday 20 and Wednesday 21 February. Speaker access to the tradeshow includes morning, afternoon tea and lunch in the Accor Hosted Buyer Lounge on both days of the trade show.

Yes, everyone who attends AIME is required to register and wear a name badge. Once the AIME team has your details, we will take care of your registration and email you a confirmation. Your name badge is what allows you entry to the showfloor, feature areas as well as the Knowledge Program and Welcome Event on Monday 19 February.

Speakers will be automatically registered by the AIME team. You will receive an email confirming your attendance. Please bring a copy of this confirmation with you to AIME. Once onsite, you will be able to collect your pre-printed badge from the AIME Registration desk (located outside Door 8 on the Concourse).

When you arrive at MCEC head towards door 8 and you will find the AIME Registration Desk. Proceed to the self-serve computer, scan your QR Code and print your badge. Staff are available to assist with any questions.

You will receive an email with your confirmation number and a link to access your registration. Click the link in this email to modify your registration.

If you did not receive the confirmation email within a few minutes of submitting your registration form, please check your 'junk mail' folder or contact the AIME team here.

The Knowledge Program Hub is your go-to-resource for all things AIME.

After the AIME team has registered you as a speaker for AIME, you will receive an email via Xpobay with login details for AIME’s Knowledge Program Hub.

You will be able to download the AIME Event app via the Google Play or Apple Store from 8 February 2024. The app is your guide to the AIME 2024 event program.