The global business events industry gathers at IMEX in Frankfurt for business, learning and to explore the power of Nature.

IMEX in Frankfurt, taking place 12 – 14 May has a truly global feel offering suppliers, learning opportunities, networking and business opportunities from around the world. Veronique Tarasovia, a buyer from Brussel-based PATH/ Reproductive Health Supplies Coalition agrees: “I’m the only event planner in my association, so it’s incredibly valuable to meet other planners, swap stories and brainstorm.”

With 3,500 exhibitors from over 150 countries, IMEX in Frankfurt brings together all the elements that planners need to drive their business success. Business Events Sarawak, Tunisia, Hosts Global and technology providers such as Brella and Klik are just some of the exciting new exhibitors that planners can meet in 2020.  Ethiopia, Kyiv, Hyatt International, Seoul, Luxemburg and Rocco Forte, Preferred Hotels & Resorts and Ras Al Khaimah are among many exhibitors who have taken more exhibition space than in previous years.

These organisations are set for three busy days of business with several thousand hosted buyers arriving from all over the world – USA, Latin America, Middle East, South Africa, Australia and India. 

Hosted buyer Augusto Labat, Global Travel Director at US-based Eisai Inc said of last year’s show: “I’ve been able to meet suppliers that fit my exact requirements and have progressed some really useful business conversations. I’ve also made the most of the learning opportunities here. For me, it’s not just about education, it’s also about connecting with other planners and sharing challenges.”

Top name speakers deliver tailor-made learning

The many learning opportunities at the show are delivered in a variety of innovative formats, in both English and German, all designed to promote collaboration. The programme 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. Attendees can expect expert speakers, brand-new ideas and plentiful inspiration, all supported by IMEX’s partners, from industry leading associations to event tech experts. 

The learning launches with EduMonday - a programme of general education open to all, along with specialist education such as the Association Focus and Exclusively Corporate. EduMonday starts with the same keynote as She Means Business, a conference created in partnership with tw tagungswirtschaft and supported by MPI, packed full of inspiring speakers on crucial issues facing women in business today. 

FIFA’s Senior Sustainability Advocacy Manager and the Executive Director of the Interaction Design Association are among the top name speakers confirmed for Association Focus, which explores diversity, global growth, sustainability and rebranding among other topics. 

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.  

What can we do for Nature?

Nature is IMEX’s Talking Point for the next two years informing much of the content, education and activity across the show. Sustainability has long been a core value of the IMEX Group – since the launch of the first IMEX in Frankfurt in 2003 – and through the theme of Nature planners and suppliers will be able to discuss what we can do for nature and what nature can do for us exploring how to apply the principles of nature to the business events community. Dedicated learning opportunities and expert guidance at the show is designed to help event professionals to produce ‘circular events’ that celebrate the natural world. There’s a particular focus on the principles of the circular economy with the launch of the first research report from IMEX’s Nature research, supported by Marriott International.

Celebrating the power of the industry

The events industry is powered by people and their meaningful connections, and there are numerous networking and social events throughout the show to help attendees catch up with colleagues and make new contacts. These include SITE Nite Europe, cim-clubbing @IMEX, the early-morning #IMEXrun along Frankfurt’s riverside as well as the glamorous Gala Dinner celebrating outstanding achievements in the meetings industry. 

Carina Bauer, CEO of the IMEX Group, explains: “Helping the global meetings industry to make connections that matter is the ethos that underpins our shows. 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.”

IMEX in Frankfurt 2020 will take place at Messe Frankfurt from 12 – 14 May 2020, with EduMonday, its pre-show day of learning and insights on Monday 11 May. Registration for the show is free of charge and open to all who work in the meetings, events and incentive travel industry.

Read an interview with Carina Bauer, IMEX CEO, about NATURE. 

#natureworks #IMEX20