PREPARATIONS for AIME 2026 are in full swing with at least 80 per cent of exhibition space already booked and applications for hosted-buyer spots now open.
Talk2Media & Events, the management team that operates the annual Asia-Pacific Incentive and Meetings Event on behalf of owners Melbourne Convention Bureau, announced that the 2026 show will expand to cover 16,500 square metres over 700 exhibitors and 700 hosted buyers.
Silke Calder, Event Director at Talk2 Media & Events, said that with more than 20,000 pre-scheduled appointments expected, the February 9-11 event will be the largest AIME to date.
“AIME 2025 was an incredible success, and we’re confident 2026 will raise the bar even higher,” said Calder. “The early demand from exhibitors highlights the essential role AIME plays in driving business outcomes across Asia Pacific.”
International and domestic buyers are invited to apply for the three-day Hosted Buyer Program aimed at fostering commercial connections and introducing new destinations and suppliers.
The Hosted Buyer Program includes scheduled meetings, access to a dedicated lounge, flexible meeting options, and live activations on the show floor at Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre.
Hosted buyers will also have the opportunity to participate in the Uncover Melbourne Experience on February 8, organised by Melbourne Convention Bureau. The showcase is designed to highlight Melbourne’s capabilities as a business events destination.
More… AIME eyes A$400m in record-breaking deals
Organisers emphasise that AIME is the longest-running and most influential business events trade show in the region.
“We are incredibly proud of the ongoing success of AIME, which has become a key event for the global business events community,” said Julia Swanson, CEO of the Melbourne Convention Bureau.
“AIME brings people together from around the world to our amazing city of Melbourne, and as always we look forward to the new partnerships, connections and opportunities that will come out of the 2026 event,” Swanson said.
The trade show floor will be active on the second and third days of the event, featuring scheduled appointments, networking sessions, and experiential showcases from across the global events sector.
Main image… Traditional dancers from Fiji were among the showfloor highlights at AIME 2025 in Melbourne
For further details about AIME 2026 and to apply for the Hosted Buyer Program go here
