August 21, 2025: AIME 2026 is already shaping up to be a standout event, with more than 80% of exhibition space sold or reserved and hosted buyer applications now officially open for Asia Pacific’s premier business events trade show.
Taking place at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) from 9–11 February 2026 , AIME will return with an expanded footprint across 16,500 sq m to accommodate more than 700 exhibitors, 700 hosted buyers, and more than 20,000 pre-scheduled appointments—marking what will be the biggest edition yet delivered by Event Director Silke Calder and her team at Talk2 Media & Events.
Applications are now open for both international and domestic hosted buyers to take part in the AIME 2026 Hosted Buyer Program —a three-day experience designed to spark commercial connections, uncover new destinations and suppliers, and deliver real business outcomes. Participants will benefit from a curated appointment schedule of high-value meetings, access to the Hosted Buyer Lounge, flexible free-flow meeting options, and immersive live activations across the trade show floor.
The AIME Hosted Buyer Program is renowned for its industry-leading approach to business matching , offering buyers cutting-edge technology to connect with exhibitors that best meet their event needs—from leading destinations and venues to AV providers, boutique spaces, caterers, airlines, tour operators, and more.
Prior to AIME, hosted buyers will also take part in the Uncover Melbourne Experience on Sunday 8 February — an inspiring, experiential showcase led by the Melbourne Convention Bureau, designed to immerse guests in the city’s unique potential for creative and memorable business events. While optional for domestic buyers, the experience offers valuable insight into what makes Melbourne a standout destination for business events. Places in the program are limited and early applications are advised.
AIME continues to set the benchmark in the region, connecting the global business events community with best-in-class suppliers through a curated program of pre-scheduled meetings, high-impact networking, and innovative event experiences.
“AIME 2025 was an incredible success, and we’re confident 2026 will raise the bar even higher,” says Silke Calder. “The early demand from exhibitors highlights the essential role AIME plays in driving business outcomes across Asia Pacific.”
Managed by Talk2 Media & Events on behalf of the Melbourne Convention Bureau (MCB), AIME is the longest-running and most influential business events trade show in the region . AIME combines human connection with cutting-edge event tech that delivers measurable ROI for buyers and exhibitors alike.
Julia Swanson, CEO of the Melbourne Convention Bureau says: “We are incredibly proud of the ongoing success of AIME, which has become a key event for the global business events community. AIME brings people together from around the world to our amazing city of Melbourne, and as always we look forward to the new partnerships, connections and opportunities that will come out of the 2026 event.”
Held on days two and three, the AIME trade show floor is where the business happens, featuring a dynamic program of pre-scheduled appointments (PSAs), networking opportunities, and experiential showcases from across the global events sector.