The Asia Pacific Incentives and Meetings Event (AIME) has today revealed the theme and location for its 2025 Welcome Event on Monday 10 February: AIMalfi FESTA at il Mercato Centrale.  

With outposts in Florence, Rome, Turin and Milan, Melbourne is the home of the first il Mercato Centrale outside of Italy and it will be transformed into an AIMalfi FESTA exclusively for the AIME Welcome Event. 

With an Amalfi Coast theme and dress code – think blue, white and yellow – more than 2000 people will enjoy delicious food and drink from the interactive artisan food market.

Guests will also be treated to entertainment throughout the evening by special guest artists guaranteed to delight. 

The highly anticipated annual event marks the opening of the leading business events tradeshow in the Asia Pacific region, and will be attended by AIME Hosted Buyers, Exhibitors, Media Partners and industry VIPs. Visitor Buyers may also attend by upgrading their ticket.   

AIME Event Director Silke Calder says she is thrilled to be able to reveal the event location and theme ahead of the tradeshow’s 32nd year.  

“No AIME experience would be complete without our legendary Welcome Event,” she says.

“This year, we’re transporting attendees to the sun-drenched shores of the Amalfi Coast, with a night of Italian-inspired delights, captivating entertainment, and unforgettable moments. Get ready to say ‘Ciao Bella!’ to the AIMalfi FESTA!” 

AIME 2025 will run 10 – 12 February, 2025 at Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, with the Welcome Event at il Mercato Centrale taking place on Monday 10 February from 7pm to 10pm. 

Il Mercato Centrale Managing Director Gary Patikkis says the team is looking forward to welcoming AIME attendees. 

 “We are honoured to host the AIME 2025 Welcome Event and extremely proud to be representing Victoria and Melbourne’s buzzing and innovative hospitality scene at the tradeshow,” he says.

“With il Mercato Centrale we have set out to create an immersive community hub where each experience, from single patrons to the big event groups, is tailored, authentic and enriching. We truly look forward to welcoming industry leaders from around the globe to discover our own vision of hospitality.” 

 Il Mercato Centrale Melbourne is a 3000 sqm venue in the heart of the CBD, just one minute walk away from Southern Cross Station. Merging the Italian heritage of food with the experience of a contemporary hospitality hub, it is a unique market concept on its own that offers bespoke experiences for private and corporate events alike, with the flexibility to host small groups and large functions of more than 2000 people.

For more information, to register to attend or upgrade, visit aime.com.au