AIME Puts Human Expertise at the Centre of Knowledge Monday 2027

The Melbourne show’s opening-day programme will explore how people, business and impact can be amplified in an era of rapid technological change, introducing two industry-led formats alongside its established keynote sessions.

AIME has unveiled the theme and initial programme details for Knowledge Monday 2027, positioning the opening day of the Melbourne trade show around the value of human expertise as technology reshapes the business events industry.

Under the banner AIMEplify: People, Business and Impact, the programme will examine how professionals can build on what already works across the sector, from the relationships and judgement that underpin successful events to the business outcomes and wider impact they generate.

Curated by AIME in collaboration with El Kwang, founder of BEAMexperience, Knowledge Monday will take place on 15 February at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC). Its content will be shaped by a newly established Programme Committee, drawing on perspectives from corporate, agency and consulting businesses, as well as input from industry focus groups.

Kwang said the theme recognises the importance of human connection in a profession increasingly supported by technology.

“Business events have always been about what happens when people come together with purpose, including the relationships they build, the ideas they exchange and the opportunities they create,” he says.

“As technology takes on more of the execution, the value of our profession sits in the expertise people bring: the experience, judgement and creativity that turn a meeting into a business outcome. AIMEplify is about recognising that value and amplifying what is already working across our industry.”

The programme will follow two arcs across the day. The morning will focus on people and team development through Inspire Me, Motivate Me and Look After Me and My Team. The afternoon will turn to business and impact, with Challenge Me and My Team and Show Me What’s Possible exploring how technology can extend the industry's capabilities while human expertise remains central.

Alongside the keynote programme, two new formats will give practitioners and other industry stakeholders a more active role in the discussion. The Debate will bring clients and suppliers together to address a topical issue selected by the industry, while The Pitch will invite event professionals to present ideas that could reshape the future of business events.

AIME Event Director Silke Calder said the programme reflects the evolution of both AIME and the wider industry. “Knowledge Monday is where the AIME community comes to learn, question and think about what comes next,” she says.

“Technology is changing how events are planned and delivered, but the value is still created when people come together with purpose. The program will bring practical thinking, different perspectives and bold ideas into the room, and give our community the chance to share their own experience and shape the conversation.”

The Knowledge Monday Programme Committee comprises Ashleigh Cooper, Group Event and Engagement Manager at Charter Hall; Darren Chuckry, Founder and Managing Director of HK Initiative; Janene Wardrop, Director of Ascot Event Collective; Michelle Sargent, Managing Director of Events Beyond; Petrina Goh, Regional Account Director at BCD Meetings & Events; and Sarah Markey-Hamm, Founder of SMH – Event Industry Consulting. Working with input from curated focus groups, the committee has developed a programme around topics raised by the industry.

Business events professionals interested in speaking at Knowledge Monday 2027 can submit an expression of interest by 15 November. Successful applicants will be notified by 11 December. Hosted Buyers, Hosted Media and Exhibitors can attend Knowledge Monday, while Visitor Buyers may purchase a ticket upgrade.

AIME 2027 takes place from 15 to 17 February at MCEC. Building on five consecutive years of growth, the event expects more than 800 exhibitors and over 1,600 vetted buyers, with more than 25,000 meetings planned across the show. The trade floor will open on the second and third days, with pre-scheduled appointments, networking and experiential showcases from across the global business events sector.

For more information, visit aime.com.au.
 

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