The 2020 edition of IMEX Frankfurt will offer a full slate of cutting-edge MICE-focused education, a robust exhibitor list and plenty of opportunities for planners and suppliers to connect.
The show, which runs May 12-14, 2020 at Messe Frankfurt, will host 3,500 exhibitors from more than 150 countries, who will, in turn, welcome several thousand hosted buyers from around the world.
“Helping the global meetings industry to make connections that matter is the ethos that underpins our shows,” says Carina Bauer, CEO, IMEX Group. “These connections are made through business meetings, learning opportunities and networking opportunities across the show floor and beyond. We strive to go beyond a trade show to deliver a compelling and unforgettable experience for all our audiences.”
Making connections
Planners, who attended the show in 2019, reported that it provided the opportunities to meet the people they needed to meet to grow their business and deliver great events for their clients.
“I’m the only event planner in my association, so it’s incredibly valuable to meet other planners, swap stories and brainstorm,” said Veronique Tarasovia, a buyer from Brussel-based PATH/Reproductive Health Supplies Coalition.
Hosted buyer Augusto Labat, global travel director at US-based Eisai Inc., concurred: “I’ve been able to meet suppliers that fit my exact requirements and have made some really useful business connections. I’ve also made the most of the learning opportunities here. For me, it’s not just about education, it’s about connecting with other planners and sharing challenges.”
According to the show organizer, new exhibitors this year include Business Events Sarawak, Tunisia, Hosts Global and technology providers such as Brella and Klik. Exhibitors increasing their footprint on the show floor include Ethiopia, Kyiv, Hyatt International, Seoul, Luxemburg, Rocco Forte Hotels, Preferred Hotels & Resorts and the Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah.
Tailor-made learning
The show’s program of 250-plus educational and networking events evolves each year to meet the changing needs of event professionals and to address current business issues, challenges and trends.
EduMonday, held the day prior to the opening of the show, kicks off the learning program. It includes specialist education such as the Association Focus and Exclusively Corporate. This year’s EduMonday line-up will start with the same keynote as She Means Business, a conference created in partnership with tw tagungswirtschaft and supported by MPI, which is packed full of inspiring speakers on crucial issues facing women in business today.
Association Focus explores a wide range of topics including diversity, global growth, sustainability and rebranding. Its speaker line-up will include FIFA’s senior sustainability advocacy manager and the executive director of the Interaction Design Association.
Speakers from IBM, Bayer, Barclays and PwC will address current challenges including reducing the environmental impact of an event and how to harness experiential marketing at Exclusively Corporate, the IMEX event dedicated to in-house event planners and directors.
“Nature,” IMEX’s talking point for the next two years, will inform much of the content, education and activity across the show. Dedicated learning opportunities and expert guidance slated for the show are designed to help event professionals produce “circular events” that celebrate the natural world. The first report from IMEX’s Nature research, supported by Marriott International, will also be presented at the show.
Chances to mix ‘n mingle
The show has also partnered with industry associations to deliver a wealth of networking opportunities. These include SITE Nite Europe, cim-clubbing @ IMEX, the early morning #IMEXrun along Frankfurt’s riverside as well as the glamourous Gala Dinner celebrating outstanding achievements in the MICE industry.