AIME 2026 opens in Melbourne with record growth in buyers, exhibitors and international participation, reinforcing its status as the leading business events trade show in the Asia Pacific region.
More than 5,000 attendees, over 1,500 vetted buyers and more than 750 exhibitors from 36 countries and territories are taking part across the three-day event. Organisers also highlight strong progress toward long-term sustainability targets under the Net Zero Carbon Events initiative.
The show is delivered by Talk2 Media & Events and is the largest edition staged under Event Director Silke Calder, building on momentum that generated more than $400 million in business following AIME 2025. New exhibitor countries this year include South Africa, the United Arab Emirates and Uganda, alongside strong representation from Australia, New Zealand, Asia Pacific, Europe, the Americas and the Middle East.
An official press conference marked the opening of the 2026 edition, featuring Matt Pearce, CEO of Talk2 Media & Events; Julia Swanson, CEO of Melbourne Convention Bureau; and Robin Mack, Managing Director of Tourism Australia. Organisers say the scale of this year’s event reflects growing confidence across the global business events industry and a renewed focus on high-value commercial outcomes.
“AIME 2026 is the biggest show our team has delivered to date, and the continued growth in buyers, exhibitors and international participation reflects the confidence our industry places in the event,” said Matt Pearce, CEO of Talk2 Media & Events.
Pearce also outlined progress on emissions reduction efforts, noting that AIME signed up to the Net Zero Carbon Events initiative several years ago with a target to cut directly controlled emissions by 50 percent by 2030. “I’m pleased to share that we are well on the way to achieving that target,” he said.
He pointed to significant reductions in venue-related emissions, driven largely by the sustainability performance of the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, which hosts the show. “Our venue emissions, which represent a significant component of what we can directly influence, have been reduced dramatically,” said Matt Pearce, CEO of Talk2 Media & Events.
Organisers say the focus will now shift from measurement to collective industry action, working with partners to support a 50 percent reduction in emissions by 2030 and the longer-term goal of reaching net zero by 2050.
Across the two-day trade show, more than 25,000 pre-scheduled meetings are taking place between buyers and exhibitors representing convention bureaux, convention centres, hotels and resorts, event technology firms, production and audiovisual companies, destination management organisations, airlines and cruise operators.
The scale of participation is intended to translate into concrete commercial results, continuing AIME’s track record as a primary deal-making platform for the international business events community in the Asia Pacific region.
The opening day also features Knowledge Monday, AIME’s professional development programme, welcoming more than 1,500 attendees for a full day of learning and industry discussion. The 2026 theme, “Expertise Matters!”, focuses on the strategic influence and credibility of business events professionals in a rapidly changing global environment.
Three keynote speakers, Dan Haesler, Milo Wilkinson and Kristina Karlsson, launch the programme, followed by 20 breakout sessions across five content streams. The Knowledge Program is curated in collaboration with El Kwang and BEAMexperience and guided by an industry advisory committee.
Festivities continue into the evening with the Welcome Event under the theme Aimagination, bringing together more than 2,000 attendees dressed in white for an entertainment and networking showcase at Evoqué in Melbourne’s central business district.
The trade show runs across Tuesday 10 and Wednesday 11 February, featuring expanded networking areas, enhanced zoning across the show floor and a larger Ideas Academy presented by Spice magazine.
AIME is complemented by a series of co-located industry events, including ICCA’s Regional Business Exchanges and Bid Workshop, the Australian Business Events Association Leaders Forum, bureau chapter meetings, young leaders sessions and networking breakfasts for regional and international associations.
The 2026 edition marks the fifth AIME delivered by Silke Calder’s team and continues the event’s ownership by Melbourne Convention Bureau and management by Talk2 Media & Events.
With record attendance, growing international reach and a strengthened sustainability agenda, organisers say AIME 2026 underscores the renewed momentum of the global business events sector and Melbourne’s role as a major hub for industry gatherings in the Asia Pacific.
