With 3,000 buyers registered so far, buyer demand for IMEX Frankfurt in May continues to track upwards. This is a clear indication of the industry’s appetite to come together at the show, taking place 23 – 25 May, to address challenges and build forwards.
Global exhibitors announce major launches
The wide variety of suppliers lined up to exhibit span the world and include: Europe – Germany, France, Spain and Croatia; North & South America – Peru along with Boston and Georgia; Asia – Hong Kong, Taiwan, Thailand and Malaysia. Sarawak, for instance, will have its own stand for the first time and will also be joined by the region’s Tourism Minister.
Despite bumpy economic headwinds, demand for in-person events is strong and many parts of the global market have responded with new investments and enhanced attendee experiences. IMEX Frankfurt will be the stage for several important news announcements including Cairns Convention Centre, which is set to re-open soon following a major refurbishment and expansion.
Evergreen meets Human Nature
Education programming centres on IMEX’s 2023 Talking Point – ‘Human Nature’ – which gives attendees the chance to learn and embrace skills such as public speaking, experiential design, emotional intelligence as a leadership skill, focused attention and more.
An extensive, free programme of 150 educational and networking events starts with education for specialist audiences the day before the show, on Monday 22 May, followed by six tracks of general learning that run Tuesday to Thursday on the show floor’s Inspiration Hub.
- Technology and innovation: Here attendees can delve into new technologies or learn how to increase their use and variety of technology to enhance, measure and improve their events.
- Trends and research: Industry-leading organizations and associations – including SITE, EIC, MMGY and AMEX – are set to release new or updated research and offer guidance on what it means for the future of events.
- People and planet: IMEX’s People & Planet Village is home to best practice, activations and advice from those at the forefront of sustainability. Education and discovery sessions include a close look at UN Sustainable Development Goal no 6: water.
- Business practices: Planners currently need fresh insights and ideas for navigating change including how to manage inflationary pressures, attract new talent and motivate remote teams. According to Eszter Mattiassich-Aszody from Siemens Healthineers and international crisis leader Thomas Lahnthaler, these leadership and life lessons can come from surprising sources, such as children.
- Experience design: Creating an enduring sense of belonging or engaging a dispersed community ranks high on list for many event planners. In his case study presentation, Brian Allan, founder of Rock Your Business, will reveal what it took to bring together Ukrainian refugee children through his Choral Singing Workshops.
- Event marketing: “We live in a neuroscience-based world where understanding the values participants bring to an event can power its success,” says David Allison. Allison will be joined by Google’s Megan Henshall and founder of Storycraft Lab, Naomi Clare, in How to measure and manifest belonging for events ; A collaboration between Valuegraphics and the Google Experience Institute (Xi).
“While doing business and powering industry growth sit at the heart of our forthcoming show, IMEX Frankfurt is designed to deliver an enriching, broad experience that ripples further than the eye can see. We recognise that creating experiences, not events, is more important than ever,” sums up Carina Bauer, CEO of the IMEX Group.
Association Focus, taking place the day before IMEX Frankfurt on Monday 22 May at KAP Europa in Frankfurt, is divided into two streams. One is designed for association leaders, the other for association event professionals.Event design, membership growth, equity and commercial strategy all top the agenda of the topical and interactive programme.
IMEX Frankfurt takes place 23 – 25 May 2023. To register, click here. Travel and accommodation details – including new hotel booking discounts – can be found here.