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Meet Geelong Reflects on AIME 2025: A Record-Breaking Event for the Business Events Industry

The Asia Pacific Incentives and Meetings Event (AIME) 2025 was an extraordinary success, setting new records and affirming its status as the premier business events showcase for the Asia Pacific region. Held at the Melbourne Convention and Event Centre (MCEC), the three-day event attracted over 4,500 attendees, 675 exhibitors, and 640 buyers from around the world. AIME 2025 once again highlighted why it remains the must-attend event for the global business events community.

Meet Geelong was proud to take part in this landmark event, alongside six of our business event members, showcasing the many reasons why Geelong and The Bellarine is a top-tier destination for conferences, meetings, events and corporate incentives. Over the course of the two-day trade show, the Meet Geelong team engaged in more than 40 productive meetings with buyers, all of whom showed a strong interest in our region’s unique offerings.

Showcasing Geelong & The Bellarine in Pre-AIME Famils

Ahead of the main AIME event, Geelong and The Bellarine had the privilege of hosting three Pre-AIME famils, welcoming over 80 buyers to experience the very best in accommodation, conference venues, and unique local experiences. These familiarisation tours showcased why Geelong and The Bellarine is a standout destinations for business events, from waterfront stays to innovative event spaces, leaving a lasting impression on international and domestic buyers alike.

Our Exhibiting Members: The Perfect Venues for Business Events

At AIME 2025, six of our valued business event members joined Meet Geelong on the exhibition floor, each offering exceptional venue choices to hosting your next business event. Here’s a closer look at each of them:

Bayside Geelong Hotel and Apartments: Located just steps away from the picturesque Geelong waterfront, Bayside Geelong is an ideal choice for corporate travellers looking for modern accommodation and meeting facilities in a central location. Its proximity to key attractions and business hubs makes it a prime venue for business events.

Novotel Geelong: With panoramic views of the stunning Corio Bay, Novotel Geelong offers contemporary conference spaces and premium accommodation, perfect for events ranging from intimate meetings to larger corporate gatherings. Its waterfront setting provides the ideal backdrop for both work and relaxation.

R Hotel Geelong: Offering a sophisticated blend of boutique accommodation and function spaces, R Hotel is a great option for smaller corporate events and executive retreats. Its stylish interiors and premium amenities create a relaxed yet professional environment for business travellers and event organisers.

GMHBA Stadium – Higher Mark: As one of the largest event spaces in the region, GMHBA Stadium’s Higher Mark offers versatile function rooms and state-of-the-art facilities that can cater to conferences, exhibitions, and gala events of all sizes. The stadium’s iconic status in Geelong ensures an unforgettable experience for attendees.

Holiday Inn and Suites Geelong: The newest addition to Geelong’s business event landscape, Holiday Inn and Suites Geelong combines modern accommodation with flexible meeting spaces that are ideal for both small meetings and larger corporate events. Its contemporary design and central location make it a standout choice for business travellers.

A Hub of Opportunity for Business Events

The main AIME event itself was a vibrant hub of activity, with more than 20,000 pre-scheduled meetings taking place on the show floor.

At the Meet Geelong stand, our team and exhibiting members showcased the unique advantages of hosting business events in our region, from world-class venues to exclusive incentive experiences. The tailored solutions we presented were met with enthusiasm by buyers, who were impressed by the variety and quality of what Geelong and The Bellarine has to offer.

 

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Forging Connections and Securing Future Business

Throughout AIME 2025, we engaged with buyers from corporate, association, and government sectors, many of whom were attending the event for the first time. The meetings we held were highly productive, sparking new opportunities for Geelong to host major business events in the coming years.

The forecasted $330 million in business to be traded following AIME 2025 presents exciting possibilities, and we are confident that Geelong will continue to grow as a sought-after destination for conferences, meetings, events, and incentives.

Looking Forward

AIME 2025 was a resounding success, and the connections we made will continue to benefit Geelong’s business events industry well into the future. We extend our thanks to our exhibiting members – Bayside Geelong Hotel and Apartments, Novotel Geelong, GMHBA Stadium Higher Mark, R Hotel, and Holiday Inn and Suites Geelong – for their collaboration and contributions in showcasing the best of Geelong and The Bellarine. We can’t wait for what’s to come as we continue to position our region as a premier destination for business events in the Asia Pacific.

Stay tuned for what’s next, and we look forward to seeing you at AIME 2026!