The 2024 edition of IMEX Frankfurt marked a notable sure of confidence and business certainty in the global events industry.

IMEX Group, the show’s organizer, reports that growth across exhibitor markets and thousands of buyers bringing a steady, long-term pipeline of RFPs all pointed to an industry thriving on solid foundations once again.

The show, which took place May 14-16, welcomed 12,000 event professionals through the doors of Messe Frankfurt, of which more than 4,000 were buyers. In excess of 60,000 meetings were pre-booked with thousands more taking place on the show floor.

IMEX chairman Ray Bloom said: “I’m delighted to see the return of the Asian market. I’ve heard that one of our exhibitors, Japan, which had its largest ever representation, has used the show to communicate the business readiness of those areas affected by the recent earthquake.”

He also observed that Africa is experiencing growth and maturity within the sector with Uganda stating that tourism, which includes business events, has now officially overtaken coffee as its dominant market.

Encouraging the next generation

IMEX CEO Carina Bauer says that encouraging the next generation of event planners entering the sector was the focus of many conversations at the show.

One initiative that was announced is ICCA’s new partnership with universities to provide scholarships, mentorships and networking opportunities for students and young event planners.

“We’ve been really pleased with the number of young people attending our Rising Talent program for those with up to three years’ experience,” said Carina Bauer, CEO, IMEX. “It was also great to see the launch of a complementary program – Young Stars – part of our broadest ever range of German language education and an integral part of the highly successful MICE Impact Academy.”

In addition, the IMEX-MPI-MCI Future Leaders Forum marked its 22nd year.

Bauer also explained that many senior leaders had remarked on the variety of content on offer this year, with several appreciating having the time and space to go deeper into important workplace topics such as burnout and mental health.

Equally, at the planner level, there was a positive response to sessions covering topics in a practical way, such as sustainability and especially AI.

“It’s clear that this blend of strategic leadership sessions and practicality is giving everyone the choice they want and the personalization they need,” she said.

Bauer also explained that Monday’s specialist education programs received widespread credit, with many participants valuing the new program design that offered more time for breakout conversations and for networking.

Impact Talking Point makes an impact

“Impact,” IMEX’s Talking Point for the next two years, was embraced by partners and exhibitors with Sarawak’s vibrant, multi-sensory activations at the show entrances striking a friendly, welcoming note and others such as Singapore, Houston and Glasgow launching different impact projects during the week.

New this year and a notable success was the dedicated Impact Zone in Hall 9, led by MICE Impact, a co-creative area that united partners, suppliers, and partners with a range of workshops, panels, and stakeholder discussions.

The Google Xi CoLaboratory made a popular return to IMEX while others offering both tailored education and a variety of activations included Maritz, Encore and industry associations.

Finally, as part of its drive towards net zero, for the first time all IMEX attendees had the chance to make a personal and positive climate contribution by “balancing” their travel to and from Frankfurt thanks to a new partnership with Cloverly.

The next edition of IMEX Frankfurt will take place May 20-22, 2025.