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IMEX Frankfurt set to power planners in creating experiences
O rganisers reported that 3,000 buyers from over 60 countries were registered for IMEX Frankfurt , 23-25 May , just a few weeks out from the show . Buyer demand was tracking upwards , they said – a clear indication of the industry ’ s appetite to come together at this time and to address challenges and build forwards .
Sarawak , the largest of Malaysia ’ s 13 states , will have its own stand for the first time and will bring the region ’ s tourism minister to the show .
Hotel groups Accor , IHG Hotels & Resorts , NH Hotels and Radisson are among the exhibitors expanding their presence this year , along with destinations – Boston , Georgia , Los Cabos and Morocco .
Despite bumpy economic headwinds , demand for in-person events is strong and many parts of the global market , IMEX notes , are responding with investment in refurbishments , new properties , product innovations and enhanced attendee experiences .
IMEX Frankfurt will be the stage for news announcements , including from Cairns Convention Centre , which is set to re-open this spring following a major refurbishment and expansion . The Asia Convention Alliance will hold its inaugural event during IMEX , while Cvent is among the suppliers presenting new research .
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 and emotional intelligence as a leadership skill .
There will also be sessions on contract negotiations , talent acquisition and management , incentive programming and food and beverage planning .
The free programme of 150 educational and networking events starts with education for specialist audiences the day before the show , on Monday 22 May . This is followed by six tracks of general learning that run Tuesday to Thursday on the show floor ’ s Inspiration Hub : Event Marketing is a new addition , while Technology and Innovation ; Trends and Research and Experience Design are always in demand . A new Business Practices track
IMEX Frankfurt takes place 23 – 25 May 2023 . will include the ever-popular Meeting Planner Toolkit , while a People and Planet track will specifically address Equity , Diversity and Inclusion ( EDI ), Professional and Personal Development , Leadership , Culture and Engagement , Wellbeing and Sustainability .
“ 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 and that people in our global industry also want to feel connected , revived and re-inspire ,” says Carina Bauer , CEO of the IMEX Group .
IMEX Frankfurt attendees can expect a few surprises , too , with IMEX Group set for change . Details to be revealed on site .
And get ready for some ‘ uncomfortable conversations ’ as wishing thinking and the ‘ comfortable consensus ’ are set to be challenged at the IMEX Policy Forum taking place on 23 May . The Forum will again bring together policy makers , destination representatives , business events association executives and other thought-leaders for a half-day of intensive discussion .
“ It ’ s crucial that these conversations take place and that key decision makers experience first-hand the full breadth and clout of our marketplace ,” says Natasha Richards , head of advocacy and industry relations at the IMEX Group . She adds : “ To ensure future success for our sector , we need to chart a path where we can survive and thrive . To do this , we need to start holding uncomfortable conversations , not only with the usual suspects , our industry colleagues and clients , but with sceptical policy makers and with experts who will challenge our assumptions and stretch us to find unexpected solutions !”
ISSUE 124 / CONFERENCE & MEETINGS WORLD / 19