Formerly known as the Knowledge Program, AIME’s education program will now be known as Knowledge Monday.
Organisers have announced that the theme for Knowledge Monday in 2026 will be “Expertise Matters!” following on from a theme of “We Matter!” in 2025 which concentrated on self-empowerment of the business events industry.
“The success of ‘We Matter!’ in 2025 laid the essential groundwork,” said El Kwang, founder of BEAMexperience, who is once again curating the education program for AIME with the help of an advisory committee.
“With ‘Expertise Matters!’ we evolve the conversation, because in the age of AI, being deeply human has never been more relevant,” said Kwang.
“What sets our industry apart is not just what we know, but how we express and apply that expertise.”
The advisory committee for Knowledge Monday has remained largely the same for 2026 as in 2025, with just one new member joining – Anna Patterson, founder of Sight Agency.
Ashleigh Cooper from Charter Hall, Maggie Diasinos from MCI Australia, Max Jantasuwan from Events Travel Asia Group, Ronald Lim from Think Event by Think Tank Productions, Sarah Markey-Hamm from ICMS, Denise Sorrell from the Australian Dental Industry Association and Felicity Zadro from Zadro Agency will all continue their roles from last year as members of the advisory group.
“At AIME, our mission is to provide a platform that reflects the credibility and confidence of our industry, bringing together the best minds, the most innovative ideas and the leaders who are redefining what’s possible,” said AIME show director Silke Calder.
“With the guidance of El Kwang and BEAMexperience, and the dedication of our esteemed advisory committee, we are able to shape a Knowledge Monday program that truly reflects the strength and insight of our industry.
“‘Expertise Matters!’ highlights the knowledge and insight that drive meaningful outcomes for businesses and communities worldwide.
“Knowledge Monday in 2026 will empower our attendees to step forward as leaders, confident in the impact they create.”
AIME 2026 is expected to be the largest show delivered by Talk2 Media and Events, who have been managing the show on behalf of its owner Melbourne Convention Bureau since 2019.
The 2026 event will take over 11 bays at Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre next February and is expected to see more than 700 exhibitors and over 700 hosted buyers participate, alongside day buyers, media and other industry stakeholders.
Knowledge Monday will take place on February 9, with the show floor to be open February 10 and 11.
