The Asia Pacific Incentives and Meetings Event (AIME) is now accepting applications for its 2026 hosted buyer program.

The show will take place at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) from February 9 to 11. Talk2 Media & Events, which manages the show on behalf of the Melbourne Convention Bureau (MCB), reports that the 2026 edition will have an expanded footprint across its 177,600+ square feet of space. It will accommodate more than 700 exhibitors, 700 hosted buyers, and more than 20,000 pre-scheduled appointments, making it the biggest edition of the show to date.

​The AIME 2026 Hosted Buyer Program is open to both international and domestic planners. The three-day experience included a curated appointment schedule of meetings, access to the Hosted Buyer Lounge, flexible free-flow meeting options, and immersive live activations across the trade show floor.

Prior to AIME, hosted buyers will also take part in the Uncover Melbourne Experience on Sunday, February 8 — 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.

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. More than 80 percent of exhibition space is already sold or reserved. ​

“AIME 2025 was an incredible success, and we’re confident 2026 will raise the bar even higher,” says Silke Calder, event director, AIME. “The early demand from exhibitors highlights the essential role AIME plays in driving business outcomes across Asia Pacific.”

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.”

For more information and hosted buyer applications, visit aime.com.au