 |
| AIME 2026 |
Held at the prestigious Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, the opening media event set the tone for what became the largest edition of the Asia Pacific Incentives and Meetings Event in its 33-year history.
AIME 2026 Delivered Record Growth in Buyers and Exhibitors
AIME 2026, owned by Melbourne Convention Bureau and delivered by Talk2 Media & Events, reinforced its standing as the leading business events trade show in the Asia Pacific region.Speaking at the official opening, Talk2 Media & Events CEO Matt Pearce said the 2026 edition had marked a milestone for the organisation.
“AIME 2026 was the biggest show our team had delivered to date, and the continued growth in buyers, exhibitors and international participation reflected the confidence our industry placed in the event,” he said.
The record expansion in vetted international buyers, global exhibitors and decision-makers demonstrated renewed confidence across the meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions sector. With thousands of pre-scheduled appointments taking place across the show floor, AIME once again positioned Melbourne as the gateway for global business events in Asia Pacific.
Strong Commitment to Net Zero Carbon Events
Sustainability remained a central theme of the opening press conference, reflecting the event’s long-term environmental strategy and alignment with global emissions reduction targets.Pearce confirmed that AIME had been an early signatory to the Net Zero Carbon Events initiative and was already making measurable progress.
“AIME signed up to the Net Zero Carbon Events initiative several years ago, with a milestone target of reducing emissions we could directly control by 50 percent by 2030. I’m pleased to share that we were well on the way to achieving that target,” he said.
The commitment to reducing direct emissions by 2030, and working towards net zero by 2050, highlighted how large-scale international trade shows could drive meaningful climate action. The sustainability credentials of the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre played a key role in reducing venue-related emissions, further strengthening Melbourne’s reputation as a responsible and future-focused business events destination.
Celebrating 33 Years as Asia Pacific’s Leading Trade Show
Melbourne Convention Bureau CEO Julia Swanson reflected on the longevity and continued success of AIME, which had now entered its 33rd year.“AIME was now in its 33rd year and we were thrilled by the continued growth and success of the show. We were proud to be the leading business events trade show in the region and to provide an unparalleled opportunity for buyers and exhibitors to meet and generate business together,” she said.
Her comments reinforced AIME’s role as the premier marketplace for the global meetings industry in Asia Pacific. The event consistently delivered tangible economic outcomes for destinations, venues and suppliers, while strengthening Melbourne’s status as one of the world’s most dynamic business events hubs.
Showcasing Australia on the World Stage
The opening press conference also highlighted the broader national impact of AIME, with strong support from Tourism Australia.Managing Director Robin Mack emphasised the strategic importance of hosting international decision-makers in Victoria.
“Events like AIME were so valuable for putting Victoria and Australia’s business events offering on the world stage with planners and decision makers,” he said.
He also noted the collaborative effort required to convert global interest into confirmed business.
“At Tourism Australia we were very passionate about business events and we had a vast program of work to market Australia as a world-class business events destination and convert demand with our partners like Melbourne Convention Bureau.”
The partnership between Tourism Australia and Melbourne Convention Bureau illustrated a coordinated national strategy designed to attract high-value international conferences, incentives and exhibitions.
Why AIME 2026 Mattered for the Global Meetings Industry
The opening press conference did more than launch a trade show; it signalled industry confidence, long-term sustainability leadership and global collaboration. With record attendance, expanded international representation and measurable emissions reductions, AIME 2026 strengthened its reputation as the most important business events trade exhibition in the Asia Pacific region.For event planners, corporate buyers, destination marketing organisations and venue operators, AIME continued to serve as the central meeting place where partnerships were formed, strategies were shaped and millions of dollars in future business were generated.
For further information on AIME 2026, visit https://aime.com.au
For more travel inspiration read the daily online "The Holiday and Travel Magazine" https://theholidayandtravelmagazine.blogspot.com/
No comments:
Post a Comment