AIME 2026 Buyer Applications Open as Asia Pacific’s Premier Trade Show Expands Again

AIME

The Asia Pacific Incentives and Meetings Event is once again gathering momentum, with hosted buyer applications now officially open for AIME 2026. Already shaping up to be the largest edition in its history, the event has confirmed that more than 80 percent of exhibition space is sold or reserved, signalling strong industry confidence and demand well ahead of opening day.

Returning to the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre from 9–11 February 2026, AIME continues to strengthen its position as the most influential business events trade show in the Asia Pacific region.

Record Growth for AIME 2026

AIME 2026 will expand across an impressive 16,500 square metres, welcoming more than 700 exhibitors and 700 hosted buyers from Australia and around the world. With over 20,000 pre-scheduled appointments planned, the scale of the event reflects its vital role in driving commercial outcomes across the global business events sector.

Delivered by Event Director Silke Calder and her experienced team at Talk2 Media & Events, the expanded footprint allows for greater diversity in exhibitors, enhanced networking zones and immersive activations across the show floor.

Buyer Program Applications Now Open

Melbourne

Applications are now open for both international and domestic participants to join the AIME 2026 Hosted Buyer Program, a curated three-day experience designed to connect decision-makers with best-in-class suppliers. The program is tailored to maximise return on time, offering a structured yet flexible approach to meaningful business meetings.

Hosted buyers benefit from a personalised schedule of high-value appointments, access to the exclusive Hosted Buyer Lounge, free-flow meeting options and live experiences designed to encourage discovery and collaboration throughout the trade show.

Smart Business Matching and Event Technology

The AIME Hosted Buyer Program is widely regarded for its industry-leading business matching technology. Buyers are intelligently connected with exhibitors that align with their specific event requirements, from global destinations and convention bureaux to venues, AV specialists, boutique suppliers, caterers, airlines and tour operators.

This technology-driven approach ensures meetings are relevant, efficient and commercially focused, reinforcing AIME’s reputation for delivering measurable return on investment for both buyers and exhibitors.

Uncover Melbourne Experience Adds Destination Insight

Melbourne

Ahead of the trade show, hosted buyers will be invited to participate in the Uncover Melbourne Experience on Sunday 8 February. Led by the Melbourne Convention Bureau, this immersive program showcases the city’s creative potential for memorable and innovative business events.

While optional for domestic buyers, the experience provides valuable destination insight and highlights why Melbourne continues to be a leading global hub for meetings, incentives and conferences. Places are limited, and early applications are strongly encouraged.

Asia Pacific’s Benchmark Business Events Trade Show

AIME continues to set the standard for business events in the region, combining curated appointments, high-impact networking and experiential showcases that reflect the evolving needs of the industry. According to Event Director Silke Calder, early demand from exhibitors confirms the show’s essential role in generating real business outcomes across Asia Pacific.

Managed by Talk2 Media & Events on behalf of the Melbourne Convention Bureau, AIME remains the longest-running and most influential business events trade show in the region, blending human connection with cutting-edge event technology.

Where Global Business Events Come Together

Held across days two and three, the AIME trade show floor is where business takes centre stage. Pre-scheduled appointments, networking opportunities and experiential showcases create an environment where ideas are exchanged, partnerships are formed and future events take shape.

With hosted buyer applications now open and exhibitor demand already high, AIME 2026 is firmly on track to be a landmark event for the global business events community.

Asia Pacific Incentives and Meetings Event
https://aime.com.au

Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre
https://www.mcec.com.au

Melbourne Convention Bureau
https://www.melbournecb.com.au

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