Independent post-show research following AIME 2026 in Melbourne has projected a record-breaking AUD$425m in business transactions between exhibitors and buyers over the next 12 months.
AIME matches vetted global buyers with targeted exhibitors through a combination of human expertise and advanced AI-powered scheduling, resulting, organisers say, in a focused environment where high-value meetings take place and real business opportunities are created.
Attendee satisfaction for AIME 2026 was high, with the exhibitor Net Promoter Score reaching 32.6, well above the industry benchmark of 9.6, organisers report, while the visitor Net Promoter Score of 59.4 significantly exceeds the benchmark score of 30.6.
Organiser Talk2 Media & Events CEO Matt Pearce said of the results: “AIME is uniquely built around the quality of the connections we created. Our event is carefully curated to ensure the right people are meeting each other, which leads to stronger conversations, better partnerships and real commercial outcomes.
“The projected $425m in business shows the value of those meetings and the role AIME plays in supporting destinations, venues and suppliers across the Asia Pacific region.”
Melbourne Convention Bureau CEO Julia Swanson added: “AIME continues to shine as the premier business events trade show in our region and MCB is incredibly proud to own such an impactful event. The ongoing success of AIME reflects the strength of our local business events industry as well as the capacity for Melbourne to host large-scale trade shows that draw exhibitors and buyers from around the world and generate record-breaking amounts of business.
“We look forward to the continued growth and success of the show.”
The 2026 edition in February was the largest show yet delivered by the Talk2 Media & Events team, in terms of number of hosted buyers, exhibitors and attendees. The event welcomed 1,500 vetted buyers, 765 exhibitors from 36 countries and territories, and more than 5,000 attendees from the global business events industry.
Other statistics included more than 25,000 pre-scheduled meetings taking place between buyers and exhibitors.
AIME 2027 will be held 15–17 February 2027 at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, with AIME 2028 scheduled for 14–16 February 2028.
For more information, visit aime.com.au
