The 10th staging of the popular event that brings together young industry professionals from the Asia Pacific region, the ICCA Youth Forum, will be hosted at next year’s AsiaPacific Incentives and Meetings Expo (AIME), in Melbourne, Australia next February.

“We are delighted that the ICCA Youth Forum will again be taking place at AIME complementing the established tradition and support given by EIBTM. ICCA is one of the most prominent meetings organisations in the world and the Forum is important to the development of young industry members,” said Elizabeth Sarian, AIME’s acting event director.

Meanwhile, forum manager Elizabeth Rich urged those interested to apply.

“This is a fast-track learning opportunity where you can hear from senior international practitioners in a small group environment,” she said. “The ICCA Youth Forum is renowned for injecting passion for a career in the industry and for providing participants with an ideal opportunity to network with their peers and establish valuable industry contacts.”

The Forum programme, which includes two days of presentations and discussions, will be held on Sunday 15 February and Monday 16 February at the Melbourne Exhibition Centre. Participants also attend the AIME Welcome Reception on Monday evening and the AIME 09 exhibition on 17 and 18 February.

The forum is open to people under 30 currently working in the business events industry. It is free of charge to employees of ICCA members. Non-ICCA members pay a nominal registration fee of AU$220.

Rich explained that the ICCA Youth Forum would be opened by ICCA president Leigh Harry, the chief executive of the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC), who will give an address on the outlook for 2009. Rich also acknowledged the support given by MCEC in providing the venue for the forum for many years.

“What better time to hear about the global outlook for the industry from one of our most respected industry leaders,” she said. “Other sessions will focus on technology, research, case studies and career paths in the industry.”

For further information, visit www.aime.com.au