The Asia Pacific Incentives and Meetings Event (AIME) has unveiled its three keynote speakers for the eagerly awaited Knowledge Monday scheduled on February 9, 2026, at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre. The theme for this year is Expertise Matters!, focusing on the credibility and strategic influence of professionals within the business events arena.

AIME’s event director, Silke Calder, celebrated this year’s keynote lineup for epitomizing the theme’s essence and the Knowledge Monday platform’s growth. Calder stated:

“Our keynote speakers each bring a unique lens on what true expertise means today. It’s about lived experience, self-awareness, and the ability to apply knowledge with purpose. Knowledge Monday continues to be the heart of AIME’s learning experience, inspiring our community to connect, collaborate, and lead with confidence.”

Meet the speakers

Attendees will get insights from three distinctive speakers who will discuss the science and art of expertise, covering topics such as mindset, behavior, resilience, and human connection.

• Dan Haesler focuses on mindset and leadership, assisting elite teams and organizations.

  Haesler mentioned:

  “Expertise matters; however, it’s often lost in translation due to environments that dampen authentic engagement. My keynote emphasizes the environment we create for sharing expertise.”

• Milo Wilkinson, recognized for decoding human behavior, will relate expertise to neuroscience and human connection, emphasizing the psychological aspects behind effective decision-making in events.

  Wilkinson expressed:

  “True expertise transcends logistics, requiring insight into subconscious drivers of trust and engagement.”

• Kristina Karlsson, founder of kikki.K and Dream Life, will share her journey from leading a $650 million company to starting anew, highlighting resilience and innovative expertise.

  According to Karlsson:

  “Expertise isn’t just what you know; it’s what you’ve lived.”

Knowledge Monday is expected to attract over 1,500 global event professionals, launching three days of networking and learning. The overall event will host over 4,500 attendees, including 700 exhibitors and more than 20,000 pre-scheduled appointments.