Let’s face it AIME has had its ups and downs over the previous 30 years (as I reflected in the lead up) so it was great to feel such a positive vibe last week.

The buyers from around the world were back and the exhibitor space increased by 40% over the 2019 show.

Worst quote of AIME – “Gathering together again is infectious” (OK I won’t name who said it in a media presentation)

Of course ASE will have a report later this week on the welcome function produced by Peter Jones at Marvel Stadium, but first.

ASE sat down with representatives from the three key stakeholders of AIME. Julia Swanson CEO of MCB (the owner), Matt Pearce, CEO of Talk2Media & Events (the producer) and Natalie O’Brien, CEO of MCEC (the venue).

Please enjoy their insights.

Julia Swanson CEO of MCB has been attending AIME as an exhibitor long before she became CEO of the Bureau. (4 min)

Talk2Media & Events took over the running of AIME five years ago and CEO Matt Pearce talks through the evolution of AIME, its growth and shrinking, and the show’s relevance today. (12 min)

Natalie O’Brien became CEO of MCEC only three weeks ago. Unusually for someone selected for the CEO role her background is not in venues. In fact she spent 15 years running the Melbourne Food & Wine Festival. So we chatted about that and her family background in hospitality. And AIME. (10 min)

And now for a photo gallery of our observations