NEW ZEALAND is bringing its strongest team to date to AIME 2026 in Melbourne, including representatives from the All Blacks and the Black Ferns – the legendary national rugby teams.
In partnership with Tourism New Zealand, the All Blacks Experience is coming to Asia-Pacific Incentives and Meetings Event (AIME) with an immersive activation featuring former All Blacks Ian Jones, Josh Kronfeld, and Black Fern Monalisa Codling.
Attendees can also feel the power of the haka tribal ritual, witness the dedication required of players and connect with New Zealand’s sporting and cultural heritage.
Penelope Ryan, Tourism New Zealand Global Manager for Business Events, said: “The All Blacks Experience is not only a unique attraction – the team’s deep cultural roots and emotional connection to New Zealand translate into a transformational experience.”
Ian Jones, the All Blacks Experience General Manager and himself a former All Black, said: “Legacy, leadership, and belonging are at the core of the All Blacks’ global success. The stories of discipline and teamwork offer powerful insights that resonate far beyond the rugby field.”
AIME attendees who visit the experience can enter the draw to win a trip for two to Auckland with flights sponsored by Air New Zealand.
More… Tap into expert guidance at AIME 2026
Next to the activation on the show floor, Tourism New Zealand’s “100% Pure New Zealand” stand will feature 41 business events partners – New Zealand’s largest contingent since AIME began.
Ryan added: “With the New Zealand International Convention Centre (NZICC) opening, and new flights making New Zealand even more accessible from Australia, it’s a great opportunity to showcase New Zealand’s excellent events offering.”
Exhibitors include Auckland Convention Bureau, New Zealand International Convention Centre, Auckland Conventions, Venues & Events, RotoruaNZ, Hamilton & Waikato Tourism, Destination Queenstown & Lake Wānaka Tourism, ChristchurchNZ Business Events, Venues Ōtautahi, Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre, Business Events Wellington, Tākina Events, and Venues Wellington.
Unique event experiences on offer include those from Shotover Jet and Dart River Adventures, Explore Group, Auckland War Memorial Museum, Hobbiton Movie Set, AJ Hackett Bungy NZ, Oxbow Adventure Co, KJet Queenstown, and the All Blacks Experience.
More… Biz events can chill in New Zealand
Accommodation providers signed up for the stand include Sudima Hotels, Cordis Auckland, Pullman Auckland Hotel and Apartments, IHG Hotels & Resorts, EVT Hotels & Resorts, Rosewood Hotels, Millennium Hotels & Resorts NZ, and Millbrook Resort.
DMCs and suppliers include Attend New Zealand, Time Unlimited, Team Up Events New Zealand, The Production Agency, Exhibition Hire Services New Zealand, NW Group, Urban Gourmet, Delegates Discover New Zealand, RealNZ, TomTom Productions, ROAM, and NZ Bespoke.
