AusLeisure

Asia Pacific Incentives and Meetings Event (AIME) has announced an innovative partnership with Australian charity, Guide Dogs Victoria (GDV), to launch a pop-up sensory experience workshop.

In an industry first, GDV will run its award-winning program, Dialogue in the Dark, as part of AIME’s refreshed Knowledge Program, sponsored by the Melbourne Convention Bureau.

Participants can expect an immersive experience designed to offer them the opportunity to kick-start AIME by challenging their own limits, overcoming boundaries, and discovering their hidden potential – all while being led through tasks in complete darkness by facilitators who are blind and vision impaired.

“The Knowledge Program is all about community, diversity, innovation and inclusivity, and we’re thrilled to partner with GDV. Between us, we can highlight the extraordinary ability rather than the disability within this community and how we can learn from them.”

“Inclusivity and accessibility must always remain top of mind in the meetings and events industry, across employment considerations and for those attending the event. By working closely with GDV, we are able to demonstrate how straightforward it is to be inclusive for the visually impaired – and not just talk about it,” said Matt Pearce, Director, Talk2 Media & Events.

Founded by social entrepreneur Andreas Heinecke in Hamburg in 1988, Dialogue in the Dark has been experienced by more than 10 million visitors across 39 countries and employed upwards of 10,000 people with blindness or partial blindness.

“It’s extremely rewarding seeing people’s reactions after they experience Dialogue in the Dark for the first time. Through this encounter, they often find a new appreciation of the unique skills of people with a disability, and they challenge their own personal perceptions and values.

To be able to run an industry first experience at an event founded on connections and community is really special,” said Charlie Spendlove, Genreral Manager Marketing and Communications, GDV.

Dialogue in the Dark will be held exclusively for participants at AIME 2019, running across four sessions throughout the Knowledge Program on Monday 18th February.

Running from 18th to 20th February, AIME is the first event to kick off the 2019 MICE calendar and will take place at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre.

For more details on Dialogue in the Dark, visit dialogueinthedark.com.au, or to submit interest in attending AIME in 2019, visit aime.com.au.

Related Articles

12th October 2018 - AIME 2019 looks to increase international buyer attendance

15th February 2018 - New Zealand to have high profile at AIME 2018

2nd May 2018 - Guide Dogs Australia recognise Etihad Stadium for community accessibility

30th June 2017 - Talk2 Media and Events to manage AIME from 2019

2nd May 2017 - AIME attracted large number of new buyers in 2017

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