A series of intimate interviews with inspiring personalities from around the globe, produced by Saxton Speakers Bureau will be a highlight of the Asia-Pacific Incentives & Meetings Expo (AIME), 23 – 24 February 2016, Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre.

The Saxton Up Close and Personal sessions will provide visitors with in-depth knowledge and first-hand accounts of international business, the meaning of courage, entrepreneurship and technology, connectivity in the world, small business innovation and the high performance team.

Nanette Moulton, Director, Saxton Speakers Bureau said that the line-up of speakers has been thoughtfully curated to deliver an engaging program.

“Set to inspire and delight, these sessions are a unique way for the business events community to get up close and personal with renowned international speakers on topics that really matter.

“We are delighted to showcase the talents of Richard Gerver, who is coming from the UK. His transformative approach to leading change and innovation will offer unique insights for the business events community.

“Plus, Australia's embodiment of inspiration, Turia Pitt, will share her incredible story of drive, determination and persistence after receiving burns to 65% of her body in 2011 and recovering from more than 200 operations. Her 'never give up' motto will inspire change in every visitor,” said Ms Moulton.

Ian Wainwright, Event Director – AIME, Reed Travel Exhibitions is delighted to partner with Saxton to share these incredible stories that will engage, motivate and inspire visitors to AIME 2016.

“The AIME Knowledge Program centres on seven key themes, including Inspiration from Outside; Saxton speakers all come from outside the business events industry and will share challenges, motivations and successes from a variety of personal and professional scenarios.

“We are proud to partner with Saxton to host this exciting line-up of speakers. It is also a great opportunity for those in the business events industry who regularly seek new and inspiring talent for events of all shapes and sizes,” concluded Mr Wainwright.

Saxton Up Close and Personal sessions at AIME 2016 will feature:

Tuesday 23 February 2016
Session 1: International Business
11:30am – 12:30pm
Richard Gerver, UK Business Speaker of the Year, Educator, Advisor to the UK Government and Author of Change: Learn to Love It, Learn to Lead and Craig Davis, one of the world's top creatives, founder of Brandkarma.com and Adjunct Professor at UTS – interviewed by Richard Morecroft

Session 2: Connecting the World
2:15pm – 3:15pm
Saroo Brierley, turned his amazing story of dedication to International Best Seller: A Long Way Home and Remo Giuffre, General Creative and Founder of TedX Sydney and the Iconic REMO General store – interviewed by Mike Munro

Session 3: Small Business Innovation
3:45pm – 4:45pm
Emma & Tom, Founders of one of Australia's most innovative juice companies, Nicole Eckels, Founder of Glasshouse Fragrances, Helen Lennie, serial innovator and Marketing Director of Signature Prints and Andre Eikmeier, CEO and Co-founder of Vinomofo – interviewed by Arron Wood

Wednesday 24 February 2016
Session 4: Entrepreneurship & Technology
11:30am – 12:30pm
Naomi Simson, tech success, star of Channel Ten's Shark Tank and Founding Director of Red Balloon, and Chris Riddell, leading futurist and technology commentator – Interviewed by Kate Mills

Session 5: The High Performance Team
2:15pm – 3:15pm
Jerry Grayson, Rescue Pilot and most decorated peacetime naval pilot in history, and Graeme Joy, leader and navigator of international North Pole expeditions and top inspirational speaker – interviewed by Tracey Curro

Session 6: Courage
3:45pm – 4:45pm
Turia Pitt, remarkable survivor and straight talking high-achiever, and Nadine Champion, courageous and inspiring Martial Arts World Cup Gold Medallist – interviewed by Sara James

All sessions will be held in purpose built theatres on the AIME exhibition floor.

The Saxton Up Close and Personal sessions and the AIME Knowledge Program are free to attend for visitors to AIME. Further information regarding the AIME Knowledge Program is available on the event website www.aime.com.au.

-ends-

Images:

High resolution images available via Dropbox. 

Notes to editors:
Nanette Moulton, Director, Saxton Speakers Bureau, and Ian Wainwright, Event Director - AIME, Reed Travel Exhibitions, are available for interview upon request via the media contacts listed below.

Asia-Pacific Incentives and Meetings Expo (AIME), 23 – 24 February 2016, Melbourne
AIME is where meetings, events and incentives industry decision makers meet for business adventures across Australia, Asia-Pacific and the rest of the globe. AIME is owned by the Melbourne Convention Bureau (MCB), a business development organisation, with its core function to secure international and national conferences, incentive travel reward programs and other business events for the Australian state of Victoria.

AIME is managed by Reed Travel Exhibitions (RTE), the world's leading provider of exhibitions in the travel and tourism industry, with a wide-ranging portfolio of 23 international events in 15 countries throughout the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Asia Pacific and Africa.

www.aime.com.au
#aimeinspo

Media contacts:
Laura Valentine, Account Manager, Zadro
P: +61 2 9212 7867  |  M: +61 4 06 285 077  |  laura@zadroagency.com.au

Elizabeth Williams, Account Director, Zadro
P: +61 2 9212 7867  |  M: +61 4 11 201 354  |  elizabeth@zadroagency.com.au