Looking to expand your network, discover new destinations, venues, and activations, and connect with event suppliers – all in one place?

The AIME 2027 Hosted Buyer Program is where it happens.

Join us from 15–17 February 2027 at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre for an unmissable three-day experience. From pre-scheduled and freeflow meetings, and vibrant trade show activations, to inspiring talks from global industry leaders, AIME brings the business events community together to spark fresh ideas, foster meaningful connections, and drive real commercial outcomes. Whether you’re seeking the latest industry insights or ready to unlock new partnerships, AIME is the place to be. 

Complete the AIME 2027 hosted buyer expression of interest form below.

 

Get more information on becoming a hosted buyer

AIME hosted buyers
 

Connect and grow your network

AIME Welcome Event
Monday 15 February 2027 

A cornerstone of the AIME experience, the Welcome Event sets the tone for a week of meaningful connection, knowledge exchange, and business opportunity.

Held in the heart of Melbourne, this vibrant evening brings together over 2,400 hosted buyers, exhibitors, VIPs, and media for a night of premium hospitality, live entertainment, and powerful networking.

More than a celebration, the Welcome Event is a strategic opportunity to forge new relationships and spark commercial conversations before the trade show opens.

AIME hosted buyers at the Welcome Event

AIME Trade Show
Tuesday 16 February 2027 | 8.30am - 6.00pm
Wednesday 17 February 2027 | 8.30am - 5.00pm 

The AIME trade show is held on days two and three of AIME and is where the pre-scheduled appointments (PSAs) between hosted buyers and exhibitors take place. 

As a hosted buyer you will get access to the Hosted Buyer Lounge, which offers refreshments, relaxation areas and the opportunity to meet with your peers.

We differentiate ourselves from other events by filling your diary with two days of high-quality, pre‑scheduled meetings. At other events, you are left to search for the right suppliers yourself. At AIME, we take that worry away.

You will get access to our state-of-the-art meetings technology, which will give you the opportunity to connect with other buyers and exhibitors of interest to you. Plus, you’ll have the flexibility to arrange additional ‘freeflow’ meetings.

Exhibitors and live activations include:

  • Leading destinations
  • Event technology companies
  • Convention bureaux & tourism offices
  • Destination Management Companies
  • Convention centres
  • Travel and tour operators
  • Hotels and resorts
  • Production and AV suppliers
  • Boutique venues
  • Airlines
  • Attractions and activities
  • Cruise companies
  • Caterers
  • Support services for events
AIME trade show
AIME trade show
AIME trade show

Learn and be inspired

Uncover Melbourne Experiences

Knowledge Monday

AIME Ideas Academy on the Floor

Sunday 14 February 

Led by the Melbourne Convention Bureau, the Uncover Melbourne Experiences are an experiential and creative showcase of  Melbourne, designed to educate, excite, and inspire. Get ready to be immersed in Melbourne’s endless possibilities for innovative and memorable business events.

Monday 15 February

Step into a world of ideas at Knowledge Monday – AIME’s flagship learning day, designed to spark new thinking and elevate your approach to business events. Held on day one of AIME, this dynamic program brings together global thought leaders and visionaries to explore the future of events.

Tuesday 16 & Wednesday 17 February

Collect even more insights from AIME Ideas Academy on the Floor, taking place at the AIME trade show over two days. These interactive sessions deliver practical insights, creative inspiration, and actionable tips you can take straight to your next event.

Uncover Melbourne Experiences Photo

AIME Knowledge Monday

AIME Ideas Academy on the Floor presented by Spice magazine

The Accelerate program for the 'Rockets' of the industry

The Accelerate Program is available to assist the more junior members of our industry – who have less than 3 years’ experience – to network, learn and grow - using AIME to accelerate their industry career path. Junior buyers – called “Rockets” – shadow their managers on their Pre-Scheduled Appointments (PSAs) with the AIME exhibitors. 

The program offers valuable relationship introductions to exhibitors and allows participants to learn from their manager on the job. The program also gives free access to Knowledge Monday, Ideas on the Floor, the AIME Welcome Event and many more learning and networking opportunities. It also offers the “Rockets” access to the Hosted Buyers Lounge, where they can meet experienced event professionals. 

Note: flights, accommodation and transfers are to be covered by the Rocket’s employer. 

 

AIME Accelerate Program participants

Hosted buyer criteria, types, and inclusion

Hosted buyer criteria, types, and inclusion

Domestic hosted buyers

International hosted buyers
  • Experienced event planners with minimum 3 years’ experience who plan and manage business events from end-to-end (e.g., source, influence, make budgetary decisions, contract and deliver business events).
  • Experienced event planners with minimum 3 years’ experience who plan and manage business events from end-to-end (e.g., source, influence, make budgetary decisions, contract and deliver business events).
  • Event planners with less than 3 years’ experience can apply for our Accelerate Program. 
  • Experienced event planners who work in different sectors of the business events industry including associations, PCOs, DMCs, event management agencies, corporate in-house event planners, incentive planners etc.
  • Experienced event planners who work in different sectors of the business events industry including associations, PCOs, DMCs, event management agencies, corporate in-house event planners, incentive planners etc.
  • Experienced venue ‘finders’ or venue sourcing companies for business events.
  • Experienced venue ‘finders’ or venue sourcing companies for business events.
  • Experienced event planners who plan and manage business events outside of their own country – minimum number of events/delegates subject to application details.
  • Experienced event planners who plan and manage business events on a regular basis – minimum 6+ business events per annum / 50+ delegates.
  • Associations – hosting a convention, congress or annual scientific meeting in the APAC region.
  • Associations – hosting a convention, congress or annual scientific meeting in the APAC region.
  • Some business events must have been held in Australia / Asia-Pacific within the past 3 years and there are definite plans to organise business events in Australia / Asia-Pacific region.
  • Business event planners are not wedding planners or tour operators / travel agents who only organise the tour or travel component for a business event.
  • Fluent in English – to be able to correspond with the hosted buyer team and conduct meetings at the trade show without an interpreter.
  • Business event planners are not wedding planners or tour operators / travel agents who only organise the tour or travel component for a business event.


NOTE: The above criteria and final decision are subject to the Hosted Buyer Team’s discretion.  

 

FULLY HOSTED BUYER

SEMI-HOSTED BUYER

 DAY-BUYER
 

32 Pre-Scheduled Appointments (PSAs) 20 Pre-Scheduled Appointments (PSAs) 10 Pre-Scheduled Appointments (PSAs)

Like to maximise your time?

Prefer some flexibility?

Time poor?
Fully hosted buyers commit to 32 x 15-minute PSAs with exhibitors.

Semi-hosted buyers commit to 20 x 15-minute PSAs with exhibitors.

Hosted day buyers commit to 10 x 15-minute PSAs with exhibitors on Wednesday, 17 February 2027.
  • Return economy flights to Melbourne from a major city location
 x
  • Group coach transfers to/from Melbourne airport to your hotel
 x
  • Accommodation in a 4 or 5-star Hotel in Melbourne, number of nights subject to Hosted Buyer region of origin
 x x
  • Buffet breakfast each morning
 x x
  • Invitation to participate in the MCB Uncover Melbourne experience on Sunday 14 February 2027*
 x x x
  • A ticket to Knowledge Monday on Monday 15 February 2027
 x x x
  • A ticket to The AIME Welcome Event on Monday 15 February 2027
 x x x
  • Morning, afternoon tea and lunch on show days – Tuesday 16 & Wednesday 17 February 2027
 x x x
  • Tickets to ‘Invite Only’ exclusive events
 x x
  • Access to the ‘Hosted Buyers Lounge’
 x x x
  • An online meeting platform providing flexibility and control over your meetings
 x x x

  • An open diary to schedule additional appointments with exhibitors
 x x x
  • Access to the AIME Hosted Buyer Hub
 x x x

 

Note: Hosted day buyers are welcome to attend the tradeshow on Tuesday 16 or Wednesday 17 February and meet as many exhibitors as you wish, however PSAs will be scheduled on Wednesday only.

*The Uncover Melbourne Experience and Knowledge Monday are no longer mandatory events for Australian and New Zealand buyers.

The information above is subject to change.

Frequently asked questions

AIME meeting taking place

We've collated the most frequently asked questions and put them into a handy guide for you with FAQs on:

  • General Information about AIME
  • Buyer Commitments
  • Hosted Buyer Benefits & Costs
  • Application Process
  • PSAs & Meeting Matching
  • Accommodation
  • Flights & Transfers
  • Exhibitors
  • Passports & Visas
  • Terms & Conditions (T&Cs)
  • Cancellation Policy
  • Contacts & More Information
     

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