
One of the hottest tickets in town during AIME, from 10-12 February 2025, the welcome event brings the events industry together to kick off the annual trade show in Melbourne with frivolity and fun.
The 2025 Welcome Event will be held at il Mercato Centrale (pictured, above) in Melbourne’s CBD, with a theme of Amalfi Coast, a title of “AIMalfi FESTA” and more than 2000 guests in attendance.
With outposts in Florence, Rome, Turin and Milan, Melbourne is the home of the first interactive artisan food market, il Mercato Centrale, outside of Italy and it will be transformed into “AIMalfi FESTA” exclusively for the AIME Welcome Event.
The venue is a 3000-square-metre space in the heart of Melbourne’s CBD that merges Italy’s food heritage with the experience of a contemporary hospitality hub – a unique market concept that offers bespoke experiences for private and corporate events, with flexibility to host small groups and large functions of more than 2000 people.
The AIME Welcome Event’s guests are encouraged to wear blue, white and yellow as they enjoy incredible food, drinks and entertainment.
The Welcome Event launches the Asia Pacific region’s leading business events trade show – which is now in its 32nd year – at Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre.
It will be attended by AIME hosted buyers, exhibitors, media partners, industry VIPs and visitor buyers.
“The AIME experience would not be complete without our legendary Welcome Event,” says AIME’s event director, Silke Calder.
“This year, we’re transporting attendees to the sun-drenched shores of Amalfi Coast, with a night of Italian-inspired delights, captivating entertainment and unforgettable moments.
“Get ready to say, ‘Ciao Bella!’ to the ‘AIMalfi FESTA’!”
The Welcome Event at il Mercato Centrale will take place on Monday 10 February from 7pm to 10pm.
“We are honoured to host the AIME 2025 Welcome Event and are extremely proud to be representing Victoria and Melbourne’s buzzing and innovative hospitality scene at the trade show,” says il Mercato Centrale’s managing director, Gary Patikkis.
“With il Mercato Centrale, we have set out to create an immersive community hub where each experience – from single patrons to big event groups – is tailored, authentic and enriching.
“We look forward to welcoming industry leaders from around the globe to discover our own vision of hospitality.”
For more information, to register to attend AIME, or upgrade, visit aime.com.au.