AIPC @ AIME 2026: The Unmissable Summit Shaping the Future of Convention and Exhibition Centres

AIME and AIPC Unite Again for 2026

After the strong success of the inaugural AIPC @ AIME program in 2025, the Asia Pacific Incentive & Meetings Event (AIME) and the International Association of Convention Centres (AIPC) are once again joining forces to deliver a powerful, knowledge-rich summit dedicated to convention and exhibition centres. Set for Wednesday 11 February 2026 at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC), this focused forum is open to all centres, with no AIPC membership required.

Built around connection, community, commerce, and knowledge sharing, AIPC @ AIME 2026 is designed to offer meaningful insights, practical tools, and peer-led exchanges that address the evolving needs of the global venue landscape.

A Summit Designed for the Evolving Venue Sector

The 2026 edition will bring together venue leaders, operators, and future professionals to explore shared challenges and emerging opportunities across the APAC region. Attendees can expect deep discussions on rapidly shifting customer behaviours, the acceleration of new technologies, and strategies for attracting and retaining top-tier talent in an increasingly competitive market.

The forum is free for all convention centres. By completing the registration form, participants will also gain access to the wider AIME 2026 trade show, taking place on Tuesday 10 February from 8.30am to 6pm and Wednesday 11 February from 8.30am to 5pm.

A Program Built for Collaboration, Insight and Action

The AIPC @ AIME 2026 program offers a dynamic mix of presentations, group exercises, and cross-generational debates, ensuring every attendee contributes and gains valuable knowledge.

Program Highlights Include:

1:00–1:10pm: Welcome and Introduction
Ross Steele, CEO of Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre, opens the summit.

1:10–1:50pm: The Q1 Global Outlook
Sven Bossu, CEO of AIPC, presents global industry trends using the PESTEL framework, providing guidance on how centres can prepare for the forces shaping the Business Events landscape.

1:50–2:30pm: Strategic Adaptation Exercise
Participants work in small groups to identify the most impactful industry changes and develop actionable roadmaps for addressing them. This structured exercise is designed to be replicated with in-house leadership teams.

2:30–2:45pm: Coffee Break

2:45–3:15pm: The Voice of the New Generation
Three emerging industry talents share their perspectives on the future of events and what makes an event a must-attend experience for younger audiences.

3:15–4:00pm: CEOs vs Students Debate
A lively and unconventional debate between industry leaders and students including Natalie O’Brien (MCEC), John Burke (KLCC), and Gabor Ganczer (HUNGEXPO). This engaging session promises fresh thinking and bold perspectives.

4:00–4:45pm: Closing Keynote
A final keynote speaker will be announced, offering forward-looking insights on business events and venue innovation.

4:45–4:50pm: Closing Remarks
Ross Steele returns for the official close of the summit.

4:50–6:00pm: Networking Cocktails
The day concludes with a relaxed networking session, giving participants the chance to build new relationships and continue conversations sparked throughout the program.

Why AIPC @ AIME 2026 Matters

AIPC @ AIME 2026 is more than a forum. It is a collaborative environment where venue leaders and future professionals come together to share knowledge, prepare for industry change, and build practical strategies for the future. With its mix of global insights, hands-on exercises, and cross-generational discussion, the summit is poised to become a cornerstone event for the APAC venue community.

AIME – Asia Pacific Incentive & Meetings Event

Website: aime.com.au
Email: info@aime.com.au
Location: Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre

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