In his opening address, Matt Pearce, CEO of Talk2 Media & Events, highlighted a key milestone for AIME 2026 with the United Arab Emirates joining the show for the first time, underlining the UAE’s growing influence as a global business events and meetings hub. Its participation reflects the deepening ties between the Middle East and Asia-Pacific, and the UAE’s ambition to expand its international MiCE footprint.
Taking place over three days, AIME 2026 will welcome more than 1,500 vetted buyers, over 5,000 attendees and in excess of 750 exhibitors from across the global business events industry. This builds on strong momentum from recent editions, with more than US$400 million in business generated following AIME 2025, reinforcing the show’s position as the leading meeting place for the international business events community in Asia-Pacific.
Across the two-day tradeshow, more than 25,000 pre-scheduled meetings will take place between buyers and exhibitors. Participants from 36 countries and territories will be represented, with the UAE joining South Africa and Uganda on the show floor for the first time, alongside strong contingents from Australia, New Zealand, Asia-Pacific, Europe, the Americas and the wider Middle East. Exhibitors span convention bureaux, convention centres, hotels and resorts, unique venues, event technology providers, production and AV companies, destination management companies, airlines and cruise operators. The press conference was addressed by Matt Pearce; Julia Swanson, CEO of Melbourne Convention Bureau; and Robin Mack, Managing Director of Tourism Australia. AIME is owned by Melbourne Convention Bureau and managed by Talk2 Media & Events, with the 2026 edition marking the fifth AIME delivered by Event Director Silke Calder and her team.
