The Asia Pacific Incentives and Meetings Event (AIME) has announced the full agenda for its expanded 2026 Knowledge Monday programme. Opening AIME 2026 at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) on Monday 9 February, the programme is built around this year’s theme, Expertise Matters!, celebrating the credibility, clarity and strategic influence that business events professionals bring to a rapidly evolving global landscape.
Curated by AIME in collaboration with BEAMexperience founder El Kwang, and guided by an advisory committee of respected industry leaders from across Asia Pacific, Knowledge Monday will feature high-impact keynote presentations alongside an extensive series of breakout sessions designed to sharpen skills, elevate strategic thinking and strengthen industry capability.
Delegates can select from 22 breakout sessions across two 60-minute streams, each designed to build expertise across five core content categories: Business Strategy & Leadership; Event Management & Experience Design; Technology, AI & Data; Humanity, Talent & Skills Development; and Sustainability & Legacy.
Topics will address a range of contemporary industry priorities, including navigating AI-enhanced environments, designing for authentic human engagement, elevating leadership effectiveness, developing legacy-driven event strategies, mastering complexity with confidence, and translating creativity into commercial results.
Across a variety of formats – workshops, panels and presentations – more than 30 experts and specialists will deliver sessions. Speakers include Anna Glynn, Dr Danny Davis, Jess Turnbull, George Hawwa, Ian Jones, Andy Sharpe, Winitha Bonney OAM, Stephanie Tranquille, Dave Chauhan and Anna Patterson, with content partners including SITE ANZ, PCMA APAC, AIPC, AuSAE, and EarthCheck with ICCA APAC and IAPCO.
Before the breakout sessions commence, three keynote speakers will set the tone for the day’s exploration into the art and science of expertise: Dan Haesler, performance and leadership coach (presented by Saxton Group), will explore how mindset and environment shape authentic engagement and professional impact. Milo Wilkinson, behavioural scientist and futurist (presented by ICMI Speakers Bureau), will uncover the neuroscience behind decision-making, attention and trust—decoding how subconscious drivers influence strategic event design. Kristina Karlsson, founder of kikki.K and Dream Life, will share an inspiring personal story of resilience, reinvention and lived expertise, offering practical tools for purpose-driven leadership.
AIME event director Silke Calder said Knowledge Monday continues to grow in scale and significance, setting a powerful educational foundation for the three-day event. “We are thrilled to welcome an extraordinary line-up of keynote and breakout speakers who bring deep expertise, fresh ideas and real-world experience to the programme,” said Calder. “Their collective insights will challenge, uplift and equip our community with practical tools to lead with confidence and clarity in the year ahead.”
Silke CalderCalder also credited the extensive collaboration behind the programme’s development. “Congratulations to El Kwang and the Content Advisory Committee, who have curated an inspiring and highly relevant line-up that encourages delegates to think boldly, act with purpose and harness the power of their expertise.”
Knowledge-sharing will continue across the show floor on 10–11 February, with the Ideas Academy presented by Spice returning as a dynamic space for fast-paced, thought-provoking discussions throughout the event. The Knowledge Monday programme brings together AIME hosted buyers and exhibitors, with visitor buyers able to upgrade their tickets to attend.
AIME 2026 will take place from 9–11 February 2026 at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC). Returning for its biggest edition yet, AIME 2026 will welcome more than 4,500 attendees, including 700 exhibitors, 700 hosted buyers and over 20,000 pre-scheduled appointments.
For more information, visit www.aime.com.au/program