Responding to these evolving needs, the learning line‑up at IMEX Frankfurt, May 19–21, is now live online and is crafted to enhance professional knowledge, help build adaptability and strengthen resilience.
The program, which underpins the business and networking value at the heart of the show, is designed so that event professionals at all career levels can mix and match sessions from a choice of eleven education tracks to build the learning journey that’s right for them. There’s also specialist learning, including Association Focus, taking place on Monday, May 18.
Highlights from across the tracks
Designing for human needs: What is a Joy Meter and how can it impact the bottom line? Gathering Point’s David Adler moderates a session with Zenus CEO Panos Moutafis and Frances Vieras Blanc from Eat the Cake Studio—IMEX designed for joy: Measuring joy, proving it matters
Design matters: Sofya Abramchuk, founder of Originate Institute and former Head of Design at the Gaudí Foundation, will use her session—Design from the origins: How nature and culture transform organizational purpose—to share her nature‑inspired, human‑centered approach rooted in Gaudí’s principles and adapted to today’s global challenges
Health and well-being: In Building a global mental health standard for the events industry, we need you! a collaborative focus group, led by Grae Matta Foundation’s Dr Ferron Gray, will help to shape the draft standard ahead of its global implementation
Impact: Rajeev Kohli, Creative Travel India & Beyond, and Amanda Lampe, Business Events Sydney, will detail lessons from legacy-driven projects in Design for achievers: Become a legacy leaver
Marketing and engagement: Social media and sustainability are powerful forces that, when combined, can transform how events engage and inspire. That’s according to Elena Fis and Iva Popova from Kenes Group who’ll showcase frameworks and emerging trends in Amplifying sustainability: Social media strategies for global events
Regenerative design: With circular and regenerative design thinking transforming events, the Design Council’s Matthew Burgess moderates a session with Julia Uherek from Messe Frankfurt—Regenerative design thinking: Bridging the gaps. They’ll highlight how venues and builders integrate materials, methods and measurement planning to meet sustainability targets while elevating design. This session’s particularly timely with IMEX exploring Design Matters as its Talking Point this year, and Frankfurt RheinMain named World Design Capital 2026.
Trends and research: Planners will discover the critical data they need to support their plans in The future of B2B events: Insights from Forrester’s 2026 State of Events Survey. Conrad Mills from Forrester will examine the current rate of AI adoption for events and unveil the key trends informing event strategies for this year and beyond.
Specialist learning & connections
All professional education at IMEX Frankfurt is provided free of charge, including Association Fous, part of a series of specialist events taking place on Monday, May 18.
Organized in collaboration with ASAE and proudly sponsored by Amsterdam Convention Bureau, Association Focus will focus on purpose‑driven leadership, the transformative impact of AI and the evolving role of events in a rapidly-changing world.
- The IMEX Frankfurt education program is now live.
- Association Focus is sponsored by Amsterdam Convention Bureau with AV provided by Encore. For more information contact: laura.lewis@imexevents.com
- IMEX Frankfurt takes place May 19-21. Registration is free.