19, Mar 2026
AIME 2026 Generates Record $425 Million for Asia Pacific Business Events Industry
Independent post-show research following AIME 2026 has projected a record-breaking $425 million (AUD) in business transactions between exhibitors and buyers over the next 12 months, reinforcing AIME’s role as Asia Pacific’s leading business events trade show.
Designed to prioritise quality connections and meaningful business outcomes, AIME carefully matches vetted global buyers with targeted exhibitors through a combination of human expertise and advanced AI-powered scheduling. The result is a focused environment where high-value meetings take place and real business opportunities are created.
Testament to this curation, attendee satisfaction for AIME 2026 was extremely high, with the exhibitor Net Promoter Score reaching 32.6, well above the industry benchmark of 9.6, while the visitor Net Promoter Score of 59.4 significantly exceeds the benchmark score of 30.6.
Talk2 Media & Events CEO Matt Pearce said the results reflected the strength of AIME’s targeted and curated approach to meetings.
“AIME is uniquely built around the quality of the connections we create,” he said.
“Our event is carefully curated to ensure the right people are meeting each other, which leads to stronger conversations, better partnerships and real commercial outcomes.
“The projected $425 million in business shows the value of those meetings and the role AIME plays in supporting destinations, venues and suppliers across the Asia Pacific region.”
Melbourne Convention Bureau CEO Julia Swanson said:
“AIME continues to shine as the premier business events trade show in our region and MCB is incredibly proud to own such an impactful event. The ongoing success of AIME reflects the strength of our local business events industry as well as the capacity for Melbourne to host large-scale trade shows that draw exhibitors and buyers from around the world and generate record-breaking amounts of business.
“We look forward to the continued growth and success of the show as we continue to innovate and provide further opportunities for strong partnerships and excellent outcomes.”
AIME Event Director Silke Calder said the results reflected strong engagement from buyers, exhibitors and partners across the global business events sector.
“AIME continues to grow in both scale and impact, with more of the global industry coming together each year to meet, connect, learn and do business,” she said.
“The strong satisfaction scores from exhibitors and visitors show the quality of the meetings taking place and the importance of AIME as a platform for building new partnerships and future events.”
Delivered by Talk2 Media & Events, AIME 2026 was the largest show yet delivered by Calder and her team.
AIME 2026 also set records for its size, number of hosted buyers, exhibitors and attendees, reflecting strong global demand for in-person meetings and industry connection.
Held at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) from 9–11 February 2026, the event welcomed more than 1,500 vetted buyers, over 765 exhibitors from 36 countries and territories, and more than 5,000 attendees from the global business events industry.
Across the two-day trade show, more than 25,000 pre-scheduled meetings took place between buyers and exhibitors.
Asia Pacific’s largest and longest-running business events exhibition and learning platform, AIME connects a global community of business events professionals with industry suppliers through a seamless blend of human expertise and cutting-edge artificial intelligence.
AIME is owned by the Melbourne Convention Bureau (MCB) and delivered by Talk2 Media & Events and is the first tradeshow on the annual international business events calendar.
AIME 2027 will be held 15–17 February 2027 at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, with AIME 2028 scheduled for 14–16 February 2028.
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- By Neel Achary
18, Mar 2026
BWA Chairperson Commends FIU-IND Guidance on AML/CFT
New Delhi, Mar 18: The Bharat Web3 Association (BWA) organised a closed-door workshop on Operationalising the Updated AML/CFT Guidelines for Virtual Digital Asset Service Providers (VDA SPs) in New Delhi. The workshop brought together officials from the Financial Intelligence Unit–India (FIU-IND) and representatives of Virtual Digital Asset Service Providers registered as Reporting Entities under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
Shri Amit Mohan Govil, Director, Financial Intelligence Unit–India (FIU-IND), delivered the Chief Guest Address at the workshop. In his address, he emphasised the importance of effective implementation of Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) obligations by entities operating in the virtual digital asset ecosystem. He further highlighted the role of robust compliance frameworks in safeguarding the integrity of India’s financial system, stressing the importance of continued stakeholder and industry engagement in implementing them.
The workshop was organised to facilitate structured engagement between FIU-IND and industry stakeholders on the interpretation and implementation of the updated AML/CFT guidelines applicable to VDA service providers. The discussions focused on strengthening compliance preparedness, enhancing supervisory understanding, and addressing operational challenges faced by reporting entities.
Senior officials from FIU-IND, including Smt. . Ashima Batra, Additional Director, FIU-IND, addressed the delegates and shared regulatory perspectives on supervisory expectations and compliance practices for reporting entities.
The Financial Intelligence Unit–India plays a central role in India’s financial integrity architecture and is widely respected globally for its work in strengthening the country’s anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing framework. Through its regulatory oversight, intelligence analysis, and coordination with domestic and international agencies, FIU-IND has contributed significantly to aligning India’s financial system with global AML/CFT standards. Its engagement with emerging sectors, including virtual digital assets, reflects its continued commitment to ensuring that financial innovation develops within a strong compliance and governance framework.
The workshop included a series of focused sessions addressing key aspects of AML/CFT compliance for VDA service providers. These included discussions on transaction monitoring and suspicious transaction reporting, enterprise-wide risk management frameworks, governance and oversight responsibilities of designated directors and principal officers, and institutional approaches to AML/CFT training and compliance culture. The sessions were followed by an interactive discussion between the FIU and industry participants on practical implementation challenges and operational best practices.
The workshop was attended by representatives from leading VDA service providers and members of the Bharat Web3 Association. The event provided an opportunity for regulators and industry stakeholders to exchange perspectives on strengthening compliance mechanisms and enhancing regulatory clarity for the sector.
Mr. Dilip Chenoy, Chairperson, Bharat Web3 Association, said,
“BWA remains committed to supporting a responsible and compliant digital asset ecosystem in India. The guidance provided by FIU-IND has been instrumental in strengthening AML/CFT compliance across the sector. This workshop was organised to facilitate dialogue between regulators and industry participants and to support reporting entities in operationalising the updated guidelines.”
The workshop concluded with a discussion on strengthening collaboration between regulators and industry stakeholders to further enhance compliance standards across the virtual digital asset ecosystem in India.
18, Mar 2026
ECO Mobility & Hospitality Limited reinforces trust-led leadership in employee transportation
New Delhi, March 18: ECO (India) Mobility & Hospitality Limited strengthened its commitment to responsible, people-centric mobility through a leadership engagement led by its Chief Operating Officer, Deepali DeV, in Noida. Hosted at the premises of a leading corporate partner, the session brought together over 150 women professionals, both in person and virtually, around the theme of safe daily commuting.
The interaction underscored a simple belief trust in mobility is built not just through systems, but through leadership that listens and engages directly with those who experience the service every day. By stepping onto the ground and interacting with a key user group, the session highlighted the importance of real-world perspectives in shaping more responsive mobility ecosystems.
Deepali DeV spoke about awareness, preparedness, and shared responsibility as critical to strengthening commuting confidence, reinforcing that safety is an evolving commitment anchored in both systems and human behaviour.
The session evolved into an open dialogue, with participants sharing insights and everyday experiences, reinforcing the importance of listening-led engagement in building stronger safety practices.
A focused L&D interaction followed, covering practical scenarios and key safety protocols, and reinforcing a layered approach where awareness, processes, and accountability together enable reliable commuting.
The engagement reflects ECO Mobility & Hospitality Limited’s continued focus on trust-led mobility and its commitment to strengthening responsible transportation practices. By encouraging dialogue and demonstrating on-ground leadership, the Company continues to contribute towards safer and more confident commuting experiences for professionals across India.
18, Mar 2026
CDK Hosts Convergence 2026 to Celebrate Employees and Indian Familial Values
Mar 18: CDK recently organised Convergence 2026 in Hyderabad and Pune, where the company operates offices in India—bringing employees and their families together for celebrations, reflecting warmth and organizational success, with special emphasis on Indian culture-inspired entertainment and values. This year’s theme, “Going Back to Our Indian Roots”, focused on the richness of Indian cultural and familial values.
With its strong people-first culture, CDK has been consistently recognised as a Great Place to Work-CertifiedTM company (GPTW), having earned the prestigious certification in India since 2019 and one of the Top 100 IT & ITES Workplaces in India for 2025 by Great Place to Work®. The spirit of Convergence 2026 also mirrored this sustained recognition of a workplace, where employees feel valued, supported, and inspired every day, and where their family members play an integral part in their purposeful journeys.
Culturally inspired performances and experiences
From colourful ethnic attires and themed décor to culturally-inspired performances and experiences, Convergence 2026 saw attendees immersing in the richness of Indian culture, while creating cherished memories together. The programme featured a vibrant line-up of activities, including traditional dance performances, vocal acts, a themed fashion walk, and interactive segments that brought the attendees on stage.
A special highlight of the evening was a dedicated zone for children, with activities designed to help them participate in pottery, games, and engaging competitions. A formal Rewards & Recognition segment honoured outstanding contributions of employees, across roles and teams, reinforcing the CDK culture of celebrating employees who demonstrate the company’s values every day.
Mr. Sandeep Kumar Jain, Managing Director, CDK, India, highlighted the importance of family members in shaping the organization’s journey and values.
“Family Day is a heartfelt reminder that our success extends beyond the workplace. Families are the true catalysts in our journey — their support, encouragement, and belief empower us to strive for excellence every day. We strongly believe that smart families nurture smart individuals; smart individuals build smart teams; and smart teams transform a company into a truly great organization. That is the success formula we proudly live by at CDK.”
Mr. Ashish Saxena, Senior Director & Head of Human Resources, CDK, India, added,
“This is who we are at our core—a community that grows stronger when we stand together as one family. Through Convergence, beyond our culture and tradition, we also celebrate the values that bind us—respect, gratitude, and togetherness. The event reflects the inclusive and people-first culture that we are proud to nurture every day.”
18, Mar 2026
UP Road Infrastructure Boost: 4 Lane Highway Approved
New Delhi, March 18: The Union Cabinet has approved a Rs 6,969 crore project to upgrade the Barabanki–Bahraich highway in Uttar Pradesh into a four-lane corridor. The project aims to improve connectivity, reduce travel time, and support regional economic growth.
The upgraded highway will benefit commuters, transporters, and local businesses by easing congestion and enhancing road safety. It will also strengthen access to remote areas, boost trade, and create employment opportunities during construction.
This initiative forms part of the government’s broader push to modernize road infrastructure across India, enhancing connectivity and fostering industrial and regional development.
18, Mar 2026
Leading US university reinforces commitment to sustainability with installation of 21 Philips Tableaux ePaper displays for instant energy and waste paper reductions
Amsterdam, Mar 18: PPDS, the exclusive global provider of Philips Professional Displays and complementary solutions, is excited to announce the successful installation of 21 Philips Tableaux ePaper signage displays at Duquesne University, with the range bringing instant energy savings and waste cutting benefits, as well as delivering on a more informed and sustainable campus.
Founded in 1887, Duquesne is among the top 15% educational institutions in the United States. A top ranked private Catholic university in Pittsburgh, it caters for 8,000 students from 80 countries and over 3,000 faculty and staff.
As the university continues to experience exponential growth, both in appeal and in size, its scenic 49 acre (198,300 m2) campus overlooking downtown Pittsburgh continues to evolve, with the university placing a growing focus on enabling students with the latest technologies both in and outside of the classrooms.
Aligned with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals and with a commitment to sustainable ecologies – which saw them recently named on the Princeton Review List of Green Colleges – the team researched the global ePaper market and turned to PPDS to seize the opportunities of the technology to replace the tired paper directories used around its campus.
Concluding the in depth analysis, Philips Tableaux ePaper displays were selected as the standout choice to achieve the team’s ambitions, with a fleet of 21x 32” 5150 and 25” 4050 Philips Tableaux installed in classrooms, study areas, and hallways.
As with other installations of Philips Tableaux ePaper displays – most recently inside the Institut Pasteur’s HQ in Paris – the Philips Tableaux range provides Duquesne University with incredible levels of flexibility and adaptability, interchangeable for a wide range of uses – from wayfinding and safety notices, cafeteria menus and event information, and many more. This includes in areas with limited power sources.
Light in weight and fully portable, Philips Tableaux models used on campus are capable of displaying full colour imagery for days, weeks, months, or even years without using a single kilowatt of energy, only requiring a small amount of electricity (0.0025 kWh for the 25” model) during content changes.
Instant benefits
Running on an Android SoC, Philips Tableaux displays can be managed and updated remotely via a content management or remote display management system such as Philips Wave or as chosen by the team at Duquesne, content can be updated manually via a USB drive.
The project has been deemed a major success, and a second rollout phase is set to include Philips Tableaux displays in other buildings around the campus, including the School of Nursing, the School of Liberal Arts, and the College of Medicine.
Lauren Turin, Director of Classroom Technologies, Duquesne University, commented: “We have eliminated the need for complicated installation, and we are saving on the cost of paper, printing, and time. So, the cost per department is more economical in the long run. When our directories need an update, we use a USB drive with the content and an extension cord for power. The time it takes to update the directory is quicker than the time it takes to walk to the building.”
PPDS Director of Education, Patrick VanTreese, added: “With sustainability now an important focus for businesses and in education, ePaper has become a real game changer, opening new opportunities to reduce wastage, save on costs, and create new opportunities to communicate. We’re delighted to have supported Duquesne University, delivering on their ambitions with our Philips Tableaux range.”
18, Mar 2026
India on Track to Become Third Largest Economy by 2030, Manufacturing Holds the Key
New Delhi, March 18: India is steadily moving toward becoming the world’s third-largest economy by 2030, driven by strong growth, rising investments, and a large domestic market. However, experts believe that expanding the country’s manufacturing sector will be crucial to sustaining this momentum and achieving long-term economic strength.
India’s economy has shown consistent growth in recent years, supported by increasing consumer demand, digital expansion, and infrastructure development. While the services sector continues to play a dominant role, the next phase of growth is expected to depend more on industrial development and production capacity.
Why Manufacturing Matters
A stronger manufacturing base can significantly boost the economy by creating jobs, increasing exports, and reducing dependence on imports. It also supports other sectors such as logistics, trade, and services, creating a multiplier effect across the economy.
At present, manufacturing contributes a smaller share to India’s overall economy compared to leading industrial nations. Expanding this sector will help India move up the global economic ladder and compete more effectively on the world stage.
Growth Drivers and Opportunities
India has several advantages that can support manufacturing growth:
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A large and young workforce
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Expanding infrastructure and industrial corridors
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Rising demand for goods both domestically and globally
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Increasing focus on technology and innovation
Key sectors such as electronics, automobiles, renewable energy, and semiconductors are expected to play a major role in this transformation.
Government Efforts and Policy Support
The government has introduced various measures to encourage manufacturing, including incentives for production, improvements in ease of doing business, and investments in infrastructure. These steps are aimed at attracting both domestic and foreign investment and building a stronger industrial ecosystem.
Efforts to improve logistics, reduce costs, and simplify regulations are also helping businesses expand more easily.
The Road Ahead
As India continues to grow, the focus is gradually shifting toward building a more balanced economy that combines strong consumption with robust industrial output. Scaling up manufacturing will be essential to creating jobs, boosting exports, and maintaining high growth rates.
With continued policy support and investment, India is well positioned to strengthen its manufacturing sector and achieve its goal of becoming one of the world’s largest economies.
18, Mar 2026
Centre Clears Mega Rs 33,660 Crore Industrial Park Scheme to Boost Manufacturing and Jobs
New Delhi, March 18: In a major push to strengthen India’s manufacturing ecosystem, the Union Cabinet has approved the BHAVYA scheme with a total outlay of Rs 33,660 crore to develop 100 industrial parks across the country. The initiative is expected to generate large-scale employment opportunities while enhancing industrial infrastructure.
The scheme aims to create world-class industrial clusters equipped with modern facilities, improved logistics, and better connectivity. By providing ready-to-use infrastructure, the government seeks to attract both domestic and global investors, making it easier for businesses to set up and expand operations.
Officials said the proposed industrial parks will be strategically located to support key sectors such as manufacturing, logistics, and export-oriented industries. The focus will be on ensuring efficient land use, seamless connectivity, and access to essential services, which are often critical for industrial growth.
A major objective of the BHAVYA scheme is job creation, particularly in semi-urban and rural areas. By developing industrial hubs beyond major cities, the initiative is expected to promote balanced regional development and reduce migration pressures on urban centres.
The scheme also aligns with the government’s broader vision of boosting domestic manufacturing and strengthening India’s position in global supply chains. With improved infrastructure and policy support, the initiative is likely to enhance competitiveness and attract long-term investments.
Industry experts believe that the development of integrated industrial parks will not only improve ease of doing business but also create opportunities for ancillary industries, small businesses, and startups.
The approval of the BHAVYA scheme marks another step in India’s ongoing efforts to build a robust industrial base, support economic growth, and generate employment at scale. As implementation begins, the initiative is expected to play a key role in shaping the country’s manufacturing future.
18, Mar 2026
Cabinet Approves Rs 2,584 Crore Scheme to Boost Small Hydro Projects
New Delhi, March 18: The Union Cabinet has approved a new scheme aimed at promoting small hydro power projects across the country, with a total financial outlay of Rs 2,584.60 crore. The initiative is expected to strengthen India’s renewable energy capacity while supporting sustainable and decentralized power generation.
The scheme focuses on the development, modernization, and revival of small hydro projects, which are typically defined as plants with a capacity of up to 25 MW. These projects are considered environmentally friendly and play a crucial role in providing reliable electricity, especially in remote and hilly regions.
According to official sources, the programme will support both new and existing projects. It includes provisions for upgrading old plants to improve efficiency, as well as incentives to encourage fresh investments in the sector. By addressing issues such as ageing infrastructure and financial viability, the scheme aims to unlock the untapped potential of small hydro energy in India.
Small hydro projects are particularly significant for states with abundant water resources, including those in the Himalayan and northeastern regions. These projects not only contribute to clean energy generation but also help in local employment and regional development.
The government’s decision comes at a time when India is accelerating its push toward renewable energy to meet its climate goals and reduce dependence on fossil fuels. By promoting small hydro alongside solar and wind energy, the country is adopting a more diversified approach to clean power generation.
Industry experts believe that the scheme could revive investor interest in the sector, which has faced challenges in recent years due to high initial costs and regulatory hurdles. With financial support and policy backing, small hydro projects are expected to play a more prominent role in India’s renewable energy mix.
The initiative also aligns with the broader objective of ensuring energy access in underserved areas while maintaining environmental sustainability. As implementation begins, the scheme is likely to contribute to both green energy expansion and rural development, reinforcing India’s long-term energy strategy.
18, Mar 2026
BimaPay Wins ‘Rising Star Company of the Year’ at India Insurance Summit and Awards 2026
Mumbai, Mar 18: BimaPay Finsure Private Limited, a fast-growing digital lending and insurance financing platform backed by Mufin Green Finance, has been awarded the prestigious “Rising Star Company of the Year” title at the India Insurance Summit and Awards 2026. The recognition underscores BimaPay’s emergence as a high-impact player driving innovation, affordability, and accessibility in India’s evolving insurance ecosystem.
The India Insurance Summit and Awards 2026 brings together key stakeholders across the insurance value chain to celebrate innovation, leadership, and transformative growth. BimaPay was recognised for its differentiated model of enabling insurance through flexible premium financing, seamless digital journeys, and deep integration with enterprise and partner ecosystems—helping unlock access to insurance for a wider customer base.
BimaPay has rapidly scaled its presence by enabling seamless digital insurance journeys, offering flexible premium financing, and embedding insurance solutions across enterprise and partner ecosystems. Its platform continues to empower salaried individuals, businesses, and the gig workforce with accessible and affordable protection solutions.
“Our vision has always been to simplify and democratise access to insurance through technology,” said Hanut Mehta, Co-Founder & CEO at BimaPay. “Being recognised as the Rising Star Company of the Year at the India Insurance Summit and Awards 2026 is a strong validation of the progress we’ve made and the impact we are creating. This milestone reflects the trust of our partners and customers, and the dedication of our team to reimagine insurance for modern India.”
Also commenting on the achievement, Mohit Gupta, Co-Founder at BimaPay, said,
“This recognition marks an important step in our journey and reinforces our commitment to building meaningful, customer-first insurance solutions. As we continue to grow, our focus remains on leveraging technology to make insurance more accessible, transparent, and flexible for individuals and organisations alike. We are excited about the road ahead as we continue to innovate and scale responsibly.”
Adding to this, Kapil Garg, Co-founder and Group Promoter at BimaPay, said,
“This recognition is a testament to BimaPay’s strong foundation and its ability to scale with purpose. We believe the future of insurance lies in accessibility, innovation, and customer-centricity, and BimaPay is well-positioned to drive this transformation. We remain committed to building a robust and inclusive insurance ecosystem that caters to the evolving needs of modern India.”
With this achievement, BimaPay further strengthens its position as a key enabler in India’s insurtech ecosystem, driven by its mission to make insurance more inclusive and financially accessible. The company is actively working towards bridging the protection gap by offering innovative premium financing solutions, simplifying insurance distribution through digital integrations, and catering to underserved segments including salaried individuals and the gig workforce. Going forward, BimaPay aims to expand its product offerings, deepen strategic partnerships, and scale technology-driven solutions that address the evolving protection and affordability needs of a diverse customer base.
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