Set to be held next Monday evening, the event carries the theme Aimagination with attendees guided to wear white or soft neutrals.
Similar to 2025, the event will be held at a city centre venue, Evoqé Events – formerly known as Q Events – on Queen St between Collins St and Little Collins St.
“Evoqé is named for what we set out to do – evoke curiosity, imagination and emotion,” said the venue’s managing director, Brad Dabbs, who is no stranger to Melbourne’s large-scale venue scene, or to AIME, as the previous GM for Showtime Event Group.
“There’s a mischievous spirit at the heart of the venue; it’s designed to surprise, to challenge expectations and to reward those who are willing to explore,” said Dabbs.
“It’s not a static space. Evoqé unfolds as you move through it, revealing moments that feel playful, immersive and a little unexpected.
“Aimagination celebrates bold ideas and creative thinking and hosting it at Evoqé allows the venue itself to become part of the story.
“We can’t wait to welcome the global events community and invite them into an experience that doesn’t take itself too seriously, but is serious about leaving a lasting impression.”
The venue, opened by Metropolis Events in 2021, will host 2,200 attendees from AIME across three levels, with a special performance promised at 9pm.
“The Welcome Event is an important opportunity to bring the AIME community together in a meaningful and fun way,” said AIME’s event director, Silke Calder.
“Aimagination is about stepping outside the expected and opening the door to new ideas, new conversations and new possibilities.
“It is bold, immersive and unmistakably AIME, and we cannot wait to welcome our industry friends from around the world to experience it for themselves.”
The opening event is attended by AIME’s hosted buyers, hosted media, exhibitors and VIPs. Visitor buyers are also able to buy a ticket to gain access to the event.
Talk2 Media and Events, who organise AIME on behalf of the show’s owners, Melbourne Convention Bureau, are expecting 5,000 people to participate in AIME 2026, including more than 760 exhibitors and 700 hosted buyers.
