Australia

AIME (Asia Pacific Meetings Event) – Melbourne 2026

by Richard December 19, 2025

AIME — the Asia Pacific Incentives & Meetings Event — returns to Melbourne in February 2026, bringing together event planners, corporate travel buyers, destination representatives and global hospitality partners from more than 40 countries. Hosted at the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre (MCEC), AIME is one of the most influential business events gatherings in the Southern Hemisphere, and a landmark moment for organisations that rely on meetings, incentives, conferences and events (MICE) for commercial growth.

For delegates travelling from across Australia, organising a cohesive team itinerary can be a challenge. With back-to-back appointments, networking sessions and evening functions, precision logistics make an enormous difference. This is where professional coach hire becomes a competitive advantage for organisations attending AIME.

Why AIME matters for Australian businesses

AIME’s success is built on what every modern organisation needs most: connection. Whether you’re an event agency securing clients, a corporate travel buyer seeking vendors, or a destination team showcasing your region, the event concentrates decision-makers into one space over three high-impact business days.

Industry data shows consistent outcomes for exhibitors and delegates:

AIME Value Theme	Benefit for Attendees
Pre-scheduled meetings	Higher conversion & measurable ROI
Hosted buyer programme	Meaningful prospect engagement
Global exhibitor network	Partnerships & expansion opportunities
Cross-sector attendance	Conferences, tourism, hospitality, corporates
Evening networking events	Client & partner relationship building

For organisations investing in delegate attendance, maximising productive time on the ground is key — and that begins with transport.

Why coach hire makes sense for AIME delegates

Transport is often overlooked when attending exhibitions — until it becomes a problem. Traffic delays, multiple taxi receipts, split arrivals, and missed sessions reduce productivity and professionalism. In contrast, coordinated coach and minibus travel delivers tangible advantages:

Single arrival & departure times

Your entire team arrives at the venue together — not scattered across multiple taxis or rideshares.

Brand presentation

Executive coaches make a professional statement, especially when transporting VIP clients or partners.

Cost control

One vehicle is more cost-efficient than 15–20 separate return journeys.

Built-in productivity

Delegates can prepare for meetings, review schedules and hold quick briefings while on the move.

ESG benefits

Lower carbon footprint than individual car travel — aligns with corporate sustainability goals.

Example AIME itinerary using CoachHire transport

Day	Travel Activity	Venue & Notes
Day 1	Airport arrivals → hotel transfers	Delegation lands in waves, shuttles coordinated
Day 2	Hotel pick-up → AIME exhibition	MCEC for a full day of meetings
Day 2 PM	Transfer to the networking function	Post-show event at South Wharf
Day 3	Hotel pick-up → AIME day two	Shuttle windows for meetings across the day
Day 3 PM	Dinner transfer → hotel return	On-time pick-up for the end of the evening
Day 4	Optional workshops or site visits	Coaches available for familiarisation tours
Day 5	Return transfers to the airport	Final coordination before departures

Fleet sizes can be scaled to group needs — from 13-seat corporate minibuses to 57-seat luxury coaches.

Who is AIME perfect for?

Role	Benefit
Event & incentive agencies	Meet new suppliers and secure global partnerships
Corporations & industry associationse	Source venues, hotels, DMCs and group travel solutions
Government & tourism bodies	Showcase destinations to international buyers
Hotels & convention centres	Build buyer pipelines and brand visibility
Travel management companies	Strengthen partner networks across APAC

Corporate social groups can also use CoachHire for client hosting and VIP hospitality.

ESG & sustainability: why transport matters more than ever

The business events industry is increasingly evaluated through sustainability metrics. Centralising travel through coach hire contributes to smarter ESG reporting:

• lower emissions per passenger
• fewer rideshare and taxi journeys
• fuel-efficient, modern vehicles
• documented CO₂ savings for annual reports

This strengthens tender responses and corporate sustainability statements.

FAQs

• Do you offer airport transfers for AIME?
  Yes — for domestic and international arrivals across multiple terminals.
• Can we brand the coach for corporate groups?
  Yes — custom signage and executive-style fleet available.
• What if group members return at different times?
  Staggered shuttle scheduling can be arranged.
• Do you support accessibility requirements?
  Fully accessible vehicles are available upon request.
• How early should we book?
  A minimum of 8–12 weeks before AIME is strongly recommended.

Conclusion & Call to Action

AIME Melbourne isn’t just another exhibition — it’s where the business of events happens. Delegates need to move efficiently, safely and professionally across multiple days, venues and time-sensitive sessions. When travel is seamless, your team performs at its best.

If you’re planning attendance for AIME 2026:
➡ ensure transport is secured early
➡ lock in a vehicle size that matches the group and luggage volumes
➡ consider scheduled shuttles for multi-day attendance

Your team focuses on meetings. CoachHire handles the movement. Start planning today at https://coachhire.com.au/.

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