Melbourne will welcome the global business events community from 9–11 February 2026 for the Asia Pacific Incentives & Meetings Expo (AIME), the premier trade event connecting event professionals, suppliers, and international buyers. Returning to the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC), AIME 2026 is set to be the largest show yet delivered by Event Director Silke Calder and her team at Talk2 Media & Events, reinforcing its position as the leading platform for meetings, incentives, conferences and events across the Asia-Pacific region.
“AIME continues to be a catalyst for connection, ideas and long-term partnerships,” Calder says. “We are creating the biggest show yet delivered by our team, and that growth is driven by a community that recognises the importance of coming together.”
Expected to draw more than 5000 attendees from across the globe, AIME 2026 offers a unique opportunity for Australian and international business events professionals to meet suppliers, network with peers, and gain insights into emerging trends. More than 750 exhibitors will be on the show floor, including convention bureaux, hotels, unique venues, destination management companies, airlines, cruise operators, event technology providers and production specialists. Attendees will engage with exhibitors from 36 countries, with new exhibitors in 2026 including South Africa, the United Arab Emirates, Uganda and Egypt, alongside established markets such as New Zealand, Singapore, Thailand, India, Japan, Korea and the United States.
AIME is a UFI-approved event, highlighting its global recognition and adherence to international trade show standards.
At the heart of AIME is its robust hosted buyer program. More than 700 carefully vetted buyers will participate in over 20,000 pre-scheduled meetings across the two-day tradeshow. Calder says the sophistication of the AI-supported meeting matching system has been key to delivering strong outcomes for buyers and sellers.
“As a team, we are always striving for perfection, and we have been working hard to finesse our meeting matching methodology for our buyers and sellers, using the latest advances in AI, blended with our team’s expertise and knowledge,” she explains.
AIME 2026 introduces an expanded and refreshed show floor with zoning designed to enhance discovery and networking. Returning zones have expanded, including The Boutique, showcasing more than 40 exhibitors offering venues and experiences, and the DMC Network, featuring over 30 destination management companies. The Tech Zone and Hotel Zone have also grown, reflecting strong demand across technology and hospitality sectors. Interactive activations continue to enrich the experience, including the Hosted Buyers Lounge, themed as an airport lounge this year, and the AIME Ideas Academy on the Floor, presented by Spice Magazine, offering practical insights and live industry discussion. On 10 February, the An Eventful Life podcast will record a live episode from the show floor.
Following the success of the inaugural AIPC @ AIME in 2025, AIME and the International Association of Convention Centres (AIPC) are partnering again to deliver a focused summit for convention and exhibition centres on Wednesday 11 February. Alongside this, the ABEA Leaders Forum on 9 February will bring senior executives together to discuss sector challenges, trends and opportunities.
Knowledge Monday, held on 9 February, sets the educational tone for the week. Under the theme Expertise Matters!, keynote speakers include performance coach Dan Haesler, behavioural scientist and futurist Milo Wilkinson, and entrepreneur Kristina Karlsson. Following the keynotes, 20 breakout sessions across five streams—Business Strategy and Leadership; Event Management and Experience Design; Technology, AI and Data; Humanity, Talent and Skills Development; and Sustainability and Legacy—provide actionable takeaways for busy professionals.
Capping Knowledge Monday is AIME’s highly anticipated Welcome Event on the evening of 9 February. Long regarded as one of the week’s highlights, it combines a relaxed atmosphere with structured networking, allowing delegates to reconnect with colleagues and forge new connections before the tradeshow on 10 and 11 February.
With its combination of global participation, education, innovation and networking, AIME 2026 positions business events professionals at the forefront of the Asia-Pacific industry. From AI-driven meeting matching to immersive learning experiences, the event demonstrates how strategic connections, shared expertise, and international perspectives can drive business outcomes and inspire future events.
