About the Show
Since 1993, AIME has been an essential knowledge-sharing platform in the Asia-Pacific region, being the industry’s biggest, boldest, and longest-running business events exhibition. From the beginning, the expo has functioned as the info nexus for a diverse audience comprising corporate, association, and agency professionals, along with destination and event service providers across the globe. It’s a world where industry experts come to spark new connections through the seamless fusion of human expertise and innovative artificial intelligence (AI).
AIME is all about creating those “aha” moments as this event is the best place to connect and share knowledge with top-tier event pros, innovators, and trendsetters. Owned by the Melbourne Convention Bureau (MCB) and managed by Talk2Media & Events, this expo encourages transformations and game-changing partnerships to keep attendees ahead of the curve, from major mergers to tech-driven upgrades.
Key Features of the Show
AIME 2026 promises a jam-packed schedule on 9-11 February, with the following sessions to take place:
Knowledge Program
Curated in partnership with BEAMexperience, the Knowledge Program commences before the two-day trade exhibition with the theme, “We Matter!” It will feature multi-stream learning sessions along with inspirational talks from keynote speakers equipping guests with the tools they need to upgrade their event experience.
Welcome Event
Kicking off the fruitful expo is the Welcome Event where AIME organisers bring together buyers and exhibitors to celebrate the vibrant event industry with good food, drinks, and entertainment. Watch out for the unique Melbourne venue where this fun starts!
Exhibition and Meetings
This is the event proper where networking between buyers and exhibitors happens. Aside from the presentations and activations, this is also where AIME’s Ideas Academy by Spice takes place. Attendees will get the chance to learn practical advice and insights and discover the latest event trends around the world.
Who Should Exhibit?
- Destinations
- Convention centres and venues
- Hotels and resorts
- Convention bureaux or tourism offices with a business events focus
- Boutique venues
- Attractions and activities relevant for groups
- Caterers – many offering unique venues as part of their portfolio
- Production and AV suppliers
- Travel and tour operators
- Event technology companies, including registration platforms, apps
- Destination management companies (DMCs)
- Airlines
- Cruise companies
- Support services for events (promotional goods, photographers, event designers, florists, recruiters, etc.)
Hosted Buyers by Nature of Business
- Agency – Marketing/Branding: 3%
- Travel Management Company – Group Travel: 4%
- Venue Finding Service: 6%
- DMC/tour Operator: 6%
- Corporate: 11%
- Incentive/Loyalty Programs: 2%
- PCO – Professional Conference Organiser: 11%
- Association or Membership-Based Organisation: 13%
- Event Management: 23%
- Travel Agency – With MICE Department: 18%
- Other: 3%
Who Attends?
Senior-Level Buyers from:
- Event Management Companies
- Large Corporates
- Membership Organisations
- Professional Conference Organisers (PCOs)
- Travel Agencies with MICE Departments
- Venue Finders
Why Should You Exhibit?
- Diverse Meetings: Get two full days of pre-scheduled appointments with 700 hosted buyers, plus the chance to network with the most relevant decision-makers in the industry.
- Freeflow Opportunities: Arrange additional ‘freeflow’ meetings with 800+ visitor buyers to maximise your reach and exposure.
- Quantifiable Returns: Gain measurable ROI on your investment while enhancing your brand positioning on the show floor.
- Strategic Networking: Connect with hosted buyers in the exclusive lounge during morning and afternoon refreshment breaks.
- Acquire Insights: Join hosted buyers, upgraded visitor buyers, and VIPs in Knowledge Monday’s educational sessions.
- Engaging Events: Attend the evening Welcome Event to meet buyers and VIPs in a relaxed, informal setting that fosters genuine connections.
Key Statistics from the Last Show
- 650 Hosted Buyers with 500 from Australia and 150 Internationally Based
- 1,000 Visitor Buyers Attending the Two-Day Trade Exhibition
- 4,500 Attendees in Total
- 600 Exhibiting Organisations from Over 25 Countries
- 20,000 Meetings Planned
- 18,452 Meetings
- 42,179 Badges Scanned
- 52,973 Connections Made
- 29,532 Chat Messages Exchanged
- $400M of Business Projected
Australia Event Awards
- Best Exhibition or Trade Show Winners: 2024, 2023
- Best Congress, Conference or Exhibition Winners: 2022
- Australian Event of the Year: 2022
