IMEX Frankfurt: A week full of “firsts”

IMEX Frankfurt: A week full of “firsts”

FRANKFURT — True to its reputation, Frankfurt’s IMEX trade show served as a springboard for new ideas and initiatives. Held May 14-16, the show attracted 12,000 visitors, including 4,000 buyers. Organizers estimate that 60,000 meetings took place on the show grounds.

The show, known for its firsts, once again delivered on its promises. These included the introduction of courses taught entirely in German – the widest range of German-language courses ever offered – as part of its MICE Impact Academy. A new partnership with Cloverly enabled attendees to contribute to climate change by balancing their travel; in their individual IMEX accounts, attendees could see their estimated carbon footprint and choose to offset by investing in a selection of carbon credit projects from around the world.

“We had many other great initiatives including Wonder Walks, where we explored the power of nature and the use of biophila in trade shows, a daily guided tour led by the inimitable Robert Dunsmore,” said Tahira Endean, Head of Programming. “Our Tough Talks series covered men, mental health and suicide with Rob Hosking and Darren Edwards, social anxiety with Melva LaJoy Legrand and menopause with Ciara Feeley, all leading open discussions that allowed participants to truly connect, within the Chatham House rules.”

Industry associations also launched new research at the show, including the International Congress and Convention Association’s (ICCA) “Partnering for Success 2024,” which provides regional insights into the global association meetings industry, including a ranking of the most popular meeting destinations. Also announced at the show was the launch of the Events Industry Council’s new Future Landscapes Survey, a year-long project examining the emerging issues and supporting trends most likely to shape the events industry in the coming years. The project will culminate in a full report in the fourth quarter of this year.

Related. PCMA and SANCBE announce Convene 4 Climate event

Industry groups also used the show to announce new partnerships, including ICCA’s partnership with the Exhibitions & Conferences Alliance (ECA), which will allow ICCA to strengthen its member outreach efforts in North America. The Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA) also announced a partnership with the Strategic Alliance of the National Convention Bureaux of Europe (SANCBE) for Convene 4 Climate, a new event for sustainability leaders to be held October 2-3 in Barcelona.

IMEX also serves as a barometer to measure the health of the business events industry, and this year was no different.

“I am delighted to see the return of the Asian market,” said Ray Bloom, Chairman of IMEX. “Japan, which hosted its largest ever representation, used the show to showcase the preparedness of regions affected by the recent earthquake.” He also noted that Africa is growing, with Uganda reporting that the tourism sector (which includes business events) is now its dominant sector.

IMEX Frankfurt will take place next year from May 20 to 22, 2025.

Contact Tahira Endean at tahira.endean@imexevents.com ; Ray Bloom at ray.bloom@imexevents.com

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