The Asia Pacific Incentives and Meetings Event (AIME) has released the full agenda for its expanded 2026 Knowledge Monday program, set to open the show on 9 February at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC).
Built around the theme Expertise Matters!, the program has been designed to highlight the strategic influence, clarity and credibility that business events professionals bring to an increasingly complex global landscape.
Curated in collaboration with BEAMexperience Founder El Kwang and guided by an advisory committee of industry leaders, Knowledge Monday will offer an extensive program of keynote sessions and practical breakouts aimed at sharpening skills and elevating strategic thinking across the region.
A strengthened program shaped for industry needs
Delegates can choose from 22 breakout sessions across two 60-minute streams, with content structured around five core categories:
- Business Strategy and Leadership
- Event Management and Experience Design
- Technology, AI and Data
- Humanity, Talent and Skills Development
- Sustainability and Legacy
Topics will explore everything from AI-enabled environments and authentic human engagement to leadership effectiveness, legacy-led event design, managing complexity and translating creativity into measurable commercial outcomes.
More than 30 specialists will contribute to the program, including Anna Glynn, Dr Danny Davis, Jess Turnbull, George Hawwa, Ian Jones, Andy Sharpe, Winitha Bonney OAM, Stephanie Tranquille, Dave Chauhan and Anna Patterson, supported by content partners such as SITE ANZ, PCMA APAC, AIPC, AuSAE, EarthCheck with ICCA APAC and IAPCO.
High-impact keynotes to set the tone
Before breakouts begin, three keynote speakers will frame the day’s focus on the art and science of expertise:
- Dan Haesler, Performance and Leadership Coach (presented by Saxton Group), on mindset, environment and authentic engagement.
- Milo Wilkinson, Behavioural Scientist and Futurist (presented by ICMI Speakers Bureau), exploring neuroscience, decision-making and how subconscious drivers inform event strategy.
- Kristina Karlsson, Founder of kikki.K and Dream Life, offering insights into resilience, reinvention and purpose-driven leadership.
AIME Event Director Silke Calder said the program has grown in scale and importance, reflecting deep collaboration across advisory partners and content specialists.
Strong momentum ahead of AIME 2026
Knowledge-sharing will continue on the show floor on 10 and 11 February with the return of the Ideas Academy presented by Spice, hosting fast-paced discussions throughout the event.
AIME 2026 is expected to be the largest edition to date, welcoming more than 4,500 attendees, including 700 exhibitors, 700 hosted buyers and upwards of 20,000 pre-scheduled appointments. Knowledge Monday is open to Hosted Buyers and Exhibitors, with Visitor Buyers able to upgrade their tickets to attend.
