September 24, 2025: The Asia Pacific Incentives and Meetings Event (AIME) has today revealed the theme for the 2026 Knowledge Monday program, along with the updated Advisory Committee that will help shape the event’s highly anticipated learning platform.

In 2026, the program theme “Expertise Matters!” will shine a spotlight on the credibility, clarity and strategic importance of the business events industry. The theme champions professionals who bring deep expertise — recognising patterns before problems arise, navigating complexity with composure, and uniting people with purpose and precision.

Building on the success of 2025’s “We Matter!” theme, where the focus was on self-acknowledgement and self-leadership, “Expertise Matters!” continues the conversation by elevating the role of industry expertise in driving progress, creating impact, and transforming how people connect and grow.

Curated by BEAMexperience Founder El Kwang , Knowledge Monday will open AIME on 9 February 2026, featuring keynote speakers, thought-leaders, and industry innovators who will inspire and empower more than 1500 global event professionals.

Kwang says the new theme is a natural evolution of the journey begun in 2025.

“The success of ‘We Matter!’ in 2025 laid the essential groundwork. With ‘Expertise Matters!’ we evolve the conversation, because in the age of AI, being deeply human has never been more relevant. What sets our industry apart is not just what we know, but how we express and apply that expertise,” he says.

Guiding the development of the topics and speaker line-up is the Knowledge Monday Advisory Committee , made up of eight leaders from across the Asia Pacific business events industry. The Committee works collaboratively to ensure the program sparks interest, stirs debate, and engages all areas of the sector.

The 2026 Advisory Committee comprises:

Ashleigh Cooper, Events Manager, Charter Hall

Maggie Diasinos, Account Director, MCI Australia

Max Jantasuwan, Founder & CEO, Events Travel Asia Group

Ronald Lim, Business Events Strategist, Think Event by Think Tank Productions

Sarah Markey-Hamm, CEO, ICMS

Denise Sorrell, Director of Events, Australian Dental Industry Association

Felicity Zadro, Founder & Managing Director, Zadro

New for 2026: Anna Patterson, Founder & Chief Amazement Officer, Sight Agency

AIME Show Director Silke Calder says the theme underscores the vital role of expertise in shaping the industry’s future.

“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,” she says.

“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.”

The Knowledge Monday program is attended by Hosted Buyers, Hosted Media and Exhibitors, while Visitor Buyers may purchase a ticket upgrade to attend.

AIME 2026 will take place at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) 9–11 February 2026. Returning with its biggest edition yet delivered by Calder and her team at Talk2 Media & Events, the show will span 11 bays and host more than 700 exhibitors, 700 hosted buyers, and over 20,000 pre-scheduled appointments.

The trade show floor, open on days two and three, is where business happens, featuring a dynamic program of pre-scheduled appointments, networking opportunities, and experiential showcases from across the global events sector.