Preview
IMEX Frankfurt: activating the future
CMW LOOKS FORWARD TO MAY’ S IMEX SHOW IN FRANKFURT AND A REVAMPED HIGH ENERGY LEARNING PROGRAMME
I mprovements across customer service, event design and the education offering, have enabled IMEX Frankfurt to be reimagined for the May 2025 edition, ensuring event professionals have the new skills, knowledge and contacts to respond to global and regional changes.
The team is keen to stress that one constant remains: delivering business value, with IMEX continuing to invest in its customer service team and technology, as it again brings buyers face to face with a range of international suppliers.
Impact-driven The driving force behind much of the show’ s experiential content is the Talking Point for 2025: Impact 2.0 – Activating the Future. Impact is one of nine learning tracks that form part of a revamped education programme:
• Event Logistics – The ABC of logistics from accommodation, negotiating, budgeting, contracting and everything in between
IMEX ready for impact
• Experiential Event Design – From neuro-inclusion to sobercurious events, this track showcases how innovative design can create transformational experiences
• Impact – This track embodies the renewed IMEX Talking Point – Impact 2.0 – and delves into Environmental, Social, and Governance( ESG) practices, Net Zero strategies, CSR and more
• Marketing and Engagement – In an era of short attention spans, storytelling remains essential. Marketing and Engagement will provide attendees with the latest strategies to deepen connections with audiences, drive registrations and extend event value
• Tech Innovation and AI – Sessions range from beginner level to updates for more experienced tech users, embracing both AI and other event tech applications
• Trends and Research – Big market shifts, geopolitical, economic and other pressures are covered, right down to microlearnings about event personas and generational complexity in the workplace
• Wellbeing – Wellbeing is rapidly evolving beyond running and meditation to fostering meaningful
Above: Tamara Endean
social connections in order to offset isolation and create safe spaces for rest and renewal.
Additionally, two brand new tracks for 2025 are:
• Design Matters – A new track recognising the challenges of‘ good design’, offering insights and practical examples from designers.
• Leadership and Culture – The new business era calls for a fresh understanding of what work means to different people. Experts from across global business sectors share their advice on new ways to lead.
Tahira Endean, IMEX’ s head of programming, says:“ The line-up has been shaped to respond to today’ s skillset needs as well as giving planners ideas of topics, formats and speakers they can embed across their own events.”
Specialist buyer events will take centre stage on Monday 19 May, the day before the show, with programmes dedicated to the association and corporate sectors, as well as an agency programme for senior leaders.
No impact without action Carina Bauer, CEO of the IMEX Group, offers a final word on the key theme:“ When we introduced Impact as our 2024 Talking Point, we wanted to spark change – to get the industry thinking more deeply about why we do what we do. But we quickly realised one year wasn’ t enough. The world has only become more disconnected, and the role of face-to-face events has never been more critical.
“ People are craving more social connection and longing for that special shared energy that you can only experience in person. So, we’ re evolving the conversation with Impact 2.0 – Activating the Future. It’ s about going beyond inspiration and turning values into action. Because there’ s no impact without action.”. n
ISSUE 136 / CONFERENCE & MEETINGS WORLD / 17