AIME 2026 has revealed the theme and venue for its much-anticipated Welcome Event, promising an immersive opening night experience designed to spark imagination, connection and creativity as the global business events community gathers in Melbourne.
The Asia Pacific Incentives and Meetings Event has announced that its official 2026 Welcome Event will take place on Monday 9 February at Evoqé, a multi-level experiential venue located on Queen Street in the heart of Melbourne. Titled Aimagination, the opening night celebration is positioned as an experience to be felt rather than explained. Spanning three immersive levels, the evening will blend inventive cocktails, standout cuisine and unexpected moments, setting the mood for the week ahead.
More than 2,200 global business events professionals are expected to attend the Welcome Event, which brings together Hosted Buyers, Exhibitors, Media Partners and industry VIPs. Visitor Buyers will also have the opportunity to attend by upgrading their ticket.
A white or soft neutral dress code will define the visual atmosphere of the evening, creating a striking collective aesthetic as the international AIME community comes together for the first official networking moment of the show.
The experience will build towards a surprise headliner performance at 9 pm, designed to deliver a memorable highlight and energise delegates ahead of three days of business, learning and collaboration.
According to AIME Event Director Silke Calder, the Welcome Event plays a central role in shaping the spirit of the show.
“The Welcome Event is an important opportunity to bring the AIME community together in a meaningful and fun way,” Calder said.
“Aimagination is about stepping outside the expected and opening the door to new ideas, new conversations and new possibilities. It is bold, immersive and unmistakably AIME, and we cannot wait to welcome our industry friends from around the world to experience it for themselves.”
The choice of venue plays a key role in bringing the concept to life. Evoqé Managing Director Brad Dabbs said the space was purpose-built to encourage exploration and creative thinking.
“Evoqé is named for what we set out to do, evoke curiosity, imagination and emotion,” Dabbs said.
“There’s a mischievous spirit at the heart of the venue. It’s designed to surprise, to challenge expectations and to reward those who are willing to explore.
“It’s not a static space. Evoqé unfolds as you move through it, revealing moments that feel playful, immersive and a little unexpected.”
He added that Aimagination aligns naturally with the venue’s ethos, allowing the space itself to become part of the storytelling.
“Hosting the AIME Welcome Event allows the venue to play an active role in the experience. It doesn’t take itself too seriously, but it is serious about leaving a lasting impression.”
AIME 2026 will run from 9 to 11 February at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, welcoming more than 5,000 attendees from across the global business events industry.
The upcoming edition will feature over 766 exhibitors and represents the largest AIME delivered to date under Event Director Silke Calder and the Talk2 Media and Events team, reinforcing Melbourne’s position as a leading destination for international business events.
