Among the more than 760 exhibitors, there will be 36 countries represented on the show floor at AIME, alongside major hotel brands including Accor, IHG, Hilton, Hyatt, Marriott International and EVT, production companies, event technology offerings, exhibition builders and more.
There are things to eat, see, win and do at the exhibition at Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre. Here are a few that micenet has heard about.
An experience of New Zealand’s famous All Blacks
Tourism New Zealand has – excuse the pun – teamed up with the All Blacks Experience to bring a taste of the Auckland attraction to the AIME show floor, complete with two former All Blacks – Ian Jones and Josh Kronfeld – and a former Black Fern, Monalisa Codling.
AIME attendees will be able to experience the force of a haka and gain insight into what it takes to be part of New Zealand’s iconic national rugby team.
“The All Blacks Experience is not only a unique attraction; the team’s deep cultural roots and emotional connection to New Zealand translate into a transformational experience,” said Tourism New Zealand’s global business events manager, Penelope Ryan.
Those exploring the experience can also enter the draw to win a trip to Auckland.
New Zealand will have its biggest ever presence on AIME’s show floor in 2026, with 41 exhibitors showcasing the business events offering of Australia’s nearest neighbour.
Hong Kong to deliver lunch experience for hosted buyers
Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) is sponsoring the hosted buyer lunch on Tuesday, bringing the culinary flavours of the Asian city to AIME.
Ahead of the Chinese New Year later this month, HKTB will bring a tradition of the celebration, the Lion Dance, to the lunch too.
Hong Kong is bringing its largest contingent of exhibitors to AIME since 2013, with representatives from 29 business events products and services set to be on the Hong Kong pavilion.
The sizeable presence at AIME comes amid a significant rise in business events visitors to Hong Kong from Australia and New Zealand – there has been a 10 per cent year-on-year increase, according to HKTB.
“Our local MICE and trade team, led by Karen Prideaux in Sydney, is registering an increased number of inquiries from Australia and New Zealand,” said HKTB’s director for Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific, Karen Macmillan.
“This market recognises that Hong Kong’s state-of-the-art infrastructure, East-meets-West culture and elevated dining experiences make the destination highly desirable for meetings, conferences, events and incentives.
“The increased air connections between Hong Kong and Australia and New Zealand are supporting increased demand with direct flights to Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth, Auckland and Christchurch.”
Be Challenged bringing tennis to AIME
Hot on the heels of a record-breaking Australian Open Grad Slam in Melbourne, team building outfit Be Challenged is bringing tennis to MCEC.
Be Challenged says the tennis-inspired experience is designed to “spark conversation, sharpen focus and get a little competitive”. There will be prizes on offer too.
Fresh fish and Indigenous-inspired creative opportunities from the Northern Territory
On Tuesday, the Northern Territory will serve up fresh sashimi on its stand from Humpty Doo Barramundi, a saltwater barramundi farm in the NT.
Also on Tuesday, attendees can make earrings, brooches or keyrings on the stand from material supplied by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island arts centres in the territory.
Staying with the sashimi vein, the Japanese National Tourism Organization will be bringing a Japanese chef onto the show floor to make sushi during the Tuesday evening cocktail hour.
