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. Knowledge Monday is designed to surface the forces reshaping meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions in the year ahead. 

Here are the top 5 trends the Advisory Committee sees as defining global business events in 2026.

1. Purpose-led design takes centre stage 

Maggie Diasinos, Account Director at MCI Australia, emphasises that professionals must not forget events are about people first.

“In 2026, I think expertise will be most valuable in designing programs with purpose, ones that genuinely connect people and deliver the business outcomes our clients are looking for. The ability to curate experiences that are purpose-driven, inclusive and spark different ways of thinking will really set us apart,” says Diasinos.

As competition for attention increases, relevance and emotional resonance are becoming non-negotiable. This emphasis reflects a broader industry move away from one-size-fits-all conferences and toward more intentional formats, including gatherings designed around shared values, cultural awareness and meaningful participation. 

2. Immersive tech goes strategic

Diasinos believes immersive formats, such as augmented, virtual and mixed-reality technology will play a growing role in future programs.

“I think we will see a rise in immersive reality experiences to enhance delegates’ senses and create a truly engaging environment,” she says.

Events show immersive technology increasingly blurring physical and digital boundaries, enabling deeper and more multi-sensory interaction. For business events, this translates to AR-powered exhibitor experiences and VR-enabled environments that support storytelling and engagement.

3. AI matures from tool to integrated capability

Artificial intelligence is now embedded into event planning and execution, but its value lies in thoughtful application.

Ronald Lim, Business Events Strategist at Think Event by Think Tank Productions, says the real opportunity lies in integration rather than isolated tools.

“The next big innovation won’t be a single piece of technology, but the integration of AI, data, and design to create deeper, more purposeful human connection,” says Lim.

Committee members share a cautious optimism. Lim urges planners to remain aware of its limitations, including the ability to identify inaccuracies such as hallucinations. Anna Patterson, Founder and Chief Amazement Officer at Sight Agency, highlights the rise of proactive agentic AI capable of managing multiple objectives from a single prompt. This evolution reflects a growing industry consensus that AI should streamline operations and enhance creativity, not replace human expertise.

4. ROI expectations rise 

Max Jantasuwan, Founder and CEO of Events Travel Asia Group, identifies a growing demand for clear return on investment.

“As markets become more competitive, clients expect measurable business outcomes, not just well-executed logistics,” says Jantasuwan.

“The ability to combine destination knowledge, cultural understanding, and commercial foresight will separate true experts from operators. It matters now more than ever because clients need partners who can help them navigate complexity, manage risk, and still deliver creativity and impact.”

This expectation aligns with ROI-focused planning and performance measurement. Organisers are prioritising outcomes such as learning impact and strategic partnerships, using data to connect every element of program design back to business goals.

Sarah Markey-Hamm, CEO of ICMS, reinforces this shift, stressing the importance of understanding how decisions “connect to ROI and legacy.”

5. The rise of hybrid personalisation

Jantasuwan points to hybrid personalisation as a key development, driven by responsive formats and integrated technologies.

“The next big innovation will come from hybrid personalisation, using AI and data to tailor experiences in real time while maintaining authentic, in-person connections,” says  Jantasuwan. 

“We are already seeing advancements in wearable tech, smart environments, and emotion-based analytics that enhance participation. The challenge will be integrating these seamlessly so technology enhances rather than distracts from human connection.”

 

The 2026 business events landscape is being shaped by the fusion of human expertise, thoughtful application of technology and rising expectations around purpose and measurable outcomes. 

As the industry continues to pivot toward experiences that matter, professionals who understand and apply these trends will be best positioned to deliver real value in an increasingly competitive global market.

The AIME 2026 Knowledge Monday program brings together AIME Hosted Buyers and Exhibitors, while Visitor Buyers can upgrade their tickets to attend.