FOUR new national exhibitors – South Africa, the United Arab Emirates, Uganda and Egypt – are set to join AIME 2026 in Melbourne, reflecting the rising profile of business event and corporate travel offerings from the African continent and the Middle East.
The Asia Pacific Incentives and Meetings Event (AIME), scheduled for February 9-11 at Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, opens with the Knowledge Monday conference and education sessions followed by a two-day trade show featuring suppliers from 36 countries.
More than 5,000 attendees are expected, with some 750 exhibitors representing convention bureaus, hotels, destination management companies, airlines, cruise operators, event-tech and production specialists.
The countries debuting at AIME 2026 will be joining the show’s regular exhibitors such as New Zealand, Singapore, Thailand, India, Japan, Korea and the United States.
Event Director Silke Calder and her team at Talk2 Media & Events, which manages AIME, are preparing for the 2026 edition to be the largest yet. Talk2 Media and show owners Melbourne Convention Bureau said this would reinforce the event’s 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 said. “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.”
More… Tap into expert guidance at AIME 2026
Organisers say the show is also operating as a UFI‑approved event, signalling compliance with international trade show standards.
A highlight will be the hosted-buyer model, with more than 700 vetted buyers set to participating in more than 20,000 pre‑scheduled meetings across the two‑day trade show. Calder said the AI-supported meeting matching system would be central to delivering strong outcomes for buyers and sellers.
ZONE IN ON NETWORKING
AIME 2026 introduces a 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 have been designed to enrich the experience, including the Hosted Buyers Lounge and the AIME Ideas Academy presented by Spice magazine, offering practical insights and live industry conversation.
On February 10, the An Eventful Life podcast will record a live episode from the show floor.
“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 said.
AIME is again partnering with the International Association of Convention Centres (AIPC) to host AIPC @ AIME on February 11, following its 2025 debut. The ABEA Leaders Forum on 9 February brought senior executives together to discuss broader industry issues.
Knowledge Monday, under the theme “Expertise Matters, will see keynotes from performance coach Dan Haesler, behavioural scientist and futurist Milo Wilkinson, and entrepreneur Kristina Karlsson. Twenty breakout sessions ranging from business strategy and event management to technology, talent and sustainability are being organised. BEAMexperience founder El Kwang has curated content with input from an advisory committee of regional leaders.
The opening day climaxes with the Welcome Event on the evening of February 9.
For more information or to register, visit aime.com.au.
