The Asia Pacific Incentives and Meetings Event (AIME)
AIME revealed that its Knowledge Monday programme will focus on the theme Expertise Matters, highlighting the strategic importance of the business events industry.
This theme was introduced on September 24, along with an updated Advisory Committee that will enhance the event’s learning platform.
Expertise Matters champions professionals who can identify patterns before issues arise, handle challenges with ease, and connect people meaningfully.
Building on the success of the 2025 theme We Matter, the 2026 theme aims to elevate the role of industry expertise in driving impact and connectivity.
Knowledge Monday is part of an agenda for hosted buyers, media, and exhibitors, with options for visitor-buyers to upgrade their tickets for attendance.
The Significance of Expertise in MICE
AIME event director Silke Calder emphasized the crucial role of expertise in the industry’s future. She pointed out AIME’s mission to create a platform that embodies the credibility of the sector, uniting innovative minds and transformative ideas.
Calder remarked, “With the guidance of El Kwang and BEAMexperience, and the efforts of our distinguished Advisory Committee, we can design a Knowledge Monday programme that truly showcases our industry’s strength. Expertise Matters! underscores the knowledge and insights that yield valuable outcomes for businesses globally. Knowledge Monday 2026 will empower our participants to emerge as leaders, confident in the impact they achieve.”
Advancing Towards Evolution
Curated by the founder of BEAMexperience El Kwang, Knowledge Monday kicks off AIME 2026 on February 9, 2026, featuring keynote speakers and industry leaders who will inspire over 1500 global event professionals.
Kwang explained that the theme’s evolution reflects the ongoing journey commenced in 2025. He stated, “The success of We Matter! in 2025 established a foundation. With Expertise Matters!, we continue the dialogue in an era where human connection is paramount. Our industry’s distinction lies not only in our knowledge but in how we utilize and convey that expertise.”
Guiding the development of topics and speakers, the Advisory Committee consists of eight industry leaders from across Asia Pacific. They collaborate to ensure the programme incites interest and engages various sector facets.
The 2026 Advisory Committee includes:
- 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
The committee welcomes Anna Patterson, the founder of the Sight Agency, as a new member.
