The event promises to be
a game-changer in the world of business events,
attracting over 700 exhibitors, hundreds of international buyers, and top-tier decision-makers from
countries like Malaysia, Singapore, China, and
even the UK, Germany, and France. Australia’s leadership in hosting this monumental
event will set the stage for unprecedented global
collaboration.
As Australia welcomes representatives from around the globe, AIME 2026 offers an unparalleled opportunity for professionals to explore cutting-edge products, forge meaningful connections, and take part in high-powered networking.
The Asia Pacific Incentives and Meetings Event (AIME) is back for its largest edition ever! Hosted at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) from 9th to 11th February 2026, AIME 2026 is set to leave an indelible mark on the global business and meetings industry. Led by Event Director Silke Calder and the Talk2 Media & Events team, this event promises to push the boundaries of what we know about the meetings and incentives sector.
With over 4,500 attendees and 700 exhibitors, AIME 2026 will bring together an
international and local audience of buyers, exhibitors, and
decision-makers. This high-profile event is
poised to be the epicentre for collaboration, innovation, and
networking. The standout feature? Knowledge Monday,
where experts from across the globe will share practical
insights and actionable strategies to
excel in a world that demands high performance under pressure.
Pressure as a Key to Success: The AIME 2026 Narrative
AIME 2026’s Knowledge Monday kicks off with a theme that’s
sure to resonate: “Expertise Matters!” This
isn’t just a catchphrase. It’s a reflection of how pressure and high expectations are
reshaping the way we work and perform in the events industry. Performance and Leadership Coach Dan Haesler will
show just how pressure can drive peak
performance. As he puts it, “There is no high performance
without pressure.”
For those attending AIME 2026, the stakes are high. As businesses across the globe face mounting pressure to deliver excellence amidst economic uncertainty, the events industry must adapt and evolve. Haesler’s insights on mindset, pressure, and sustained excellence will challenge attendees to rethink how they approach their work, emphasizing that true growth occurs when professionals embrace pressure, rather than shy away from it.
The Power of
Expertise: Why AIME 2026 Is a Game-Changer for the Meetings Industry
What makes AIME 2026 stand out from other global events?
The power of expertise. As the events sector continues to grow, the demand for professionals who can thrive
under pressure is at an all-time high. But what does expertise
really mean in today’s world? Kristina Karlsson,
founder of kikki.K and Dream Life, will explore just that. Her story is one
of resilience, reinvention, and purposeful expertise—values
that will be at the heart of AIME 2026’s Knowledge Monday program.
Karlsson’s approach focuses on
the often invisible moments where expertise is built—the
times no one sees but are fundamental to
long-term success. She will challenge AIME’s attendees to adopt a new
perspective on expertise: one that is about personal sustainability and building meaningful habits, rather than just working
hard when the spotlight is on.
Meanwhile, Milo Wilkinson, a Behavioural Scientist and Futurist, will dive into the human side of expertise. In an increasingly competitive landscape, understanding the psychology of
performance and future-proofing careers will
be essential for all professionals in the events sector. The discussions
around sustained excellence and habits of high achievers will ensure that AIME
2026 attendees leave with tangible strategies they can apply immediately.
The Thrills
and Pressure of AIME 2026: What You Need to Know About Knowledge Monday
Knowledge Monday at AIME 2026 is not your typical conference session. This action-packed program will offer real-world insights from the industry’s best, equipping attendees with strategies
that can be immediately applied. Event planners, who are more pressured than ever to deliver top-tier
events and manage complex relationships, will
benefit greatly from these high-value sessions.
The event’s refreshed format is designed to meet the needs of
today’s events professionals who have little time to spare
but need to walk away with actionable insights. Calder explains that “the quality of the content has to be on point”—and
this year’s sessions will undoubtedly meet that standard. The keynote speakers
are renowned for their ability to inspire and push the envelope on topics related to expertise, performance, and leadership.
With the event expected to
attract 700 hosted buyers and more than 20,000 pre-scheduled appointments, AIME 2026 is guaranteed to be the most important event in the business meetings
and incentives calendar.
Melbourne:
The Global Hub for Events Professionals in 2026
Melbourne is not just hosting
AIME 2026—it’s becoming the world’s most coveted
destination for events professionals.
The Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) will
provide the ideal venue for this prestigious event,
located in the heart of Melbourne, Australia’s cultural capital. AIME 2026 will
showcase Melbourne’s status as the leading destination for
business meetings, networking, and incentive travel.
With Melbourne’s tourism sector continuing to
thrive, AIME 2026 adds a significant milestone to the
city’s already impressive track record of hosting high-profile global events. This year’s edition will be
the perfect opportunity for event planners to
experience the city’s cutting-edge venues and
top-tier infrastructure, while also enjoying the local culture and hospitality.
AIME 2026:
The Ultimate Platform for Global Networking
In addition to the Knowledge Monday program, AIME 2026 will provide an unrivaled platform
for global networking. The event will host more than 4,500 attendees from across the world,
including buyers, exhibitors, and key industry figures. It’s the ultimate
opportunity for businesses to showcase their products and services, while connecting with influential
decision-makers from across the globe.
With 700 exhibitors and more than
20,000 pre-scheduled appointments, AIME 2026 will
set the stage for business deals, collaborations, and innovations that
will shape the future of the events industry.
AIME 2026 is more than just an event; it’s a game-changing opportunity for
businesses in the events and meetings sector to
thrive under pressure and raise their performance to unprecedented levels.
Tags: Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre business events, AIME 2026
