AIME 2026 is expected to generate an estimated $425 million in business deals over the next year, reinforcing its position as the leading commercial marketplace for the Asia Pacific business events sector.
The figure, released following the February event in Melbourne, reflects the projected value of business expected to be secured as a direct result of meetings held during the show. It marks a notable increase on the previous year and highlights the continued growth of AIME as a deal-driven platform for the industry.
Held at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, the event brought together thousands of global industry professionals, including more than 1,500 qualified buyers and over 700 exhibitors representing destinations, venues and suppliers from across the region and beyond.
Across the two-day trade show, more than 25,000 pre-scheduled meetings took place, underscoring AIME’s focus on facilitating targeted, high-value connections. Unlike traditional exhibitions, the event’s model centres on matching buyers with relevant suppliers based on their specific business needs, ensuring that conversations are commercially meaningful.
Organisers said the strong outcome reflects both the scale of participation and the quality of engagement between attendees. The curated format continues to resonate with exhibitors seeking efficient access to decision-makers, particularly at a time when securing face-to-face meetings has become more challenging.
Beyond the immediate activity on the show floor, the projected $425 million in deals represents future conferences, incentives and corporate events that are expected to be booked as a result of connections made during AIME. These events will take place across Australia, New Zealand and the broader Asia Pacific region over the coming months and years.