Tell us about the programme for IMEX Frankfurt 2026 and the thinking behind the Design Matters Talking Point? Our new Talking Point, Design Matters, examines the power of design as a core business discipline – one the events sector can use to inspire human connection and joy, build brand differentiation and advance sustainability and impact.

The Talking Point is woven into year-round activity, including in our new report – Why design matters – and will be brought to life at IMEX Frankfurt through activations( keep a look out for a digital graffiti activity among others), the education programme and our own design

approach to the show. This focus is particularly timely as the Frankfurt region has been named World Design Capital 2026.

What is new for 2026 and what lessons were drawn and changes implemented from feedback from the 2025 show? We know from our post show survey that first time attendees place a high level of importance on learning about the industry through formal education sessions and networking, so we’ ve continued our first-timer programme with meet ups on the show’ s opening day. Bo Krüger, a Danish meeting designer, will share practical tips for navigating the show and getting the

Below: The IMEXrun will again help get things moving in Frankfurt

Carina Bauer

most out of the experience. It’ s also a great chance for newbies to meet each other so they have some familiar faces to hand right from the outset.

We’ ve rolled out a series of improvements to our app, making wayfinding and schedule planning easier and more intuitive. Each attendee type now gets a tailored view, spotlighting the features that matter most to them – for example, badge scanning for exhibitors and buyers. Buyers can also bookmark the exhibitors they want to meet directly on the app’ s floorplan. Combined with the blue dot navigation, this makes it much easier to plan time on the show floor and get around on site.

The app has also been brought to life with refreshed daily graphics, spotlighting key highlights not to miss. These highlights are driven by the most common questions our team usually receives at the Information Counter, so attendees can quickly see what’ s top of the agenda each day.

What are some of the speaker highlights and key topics for discussion? Our Talking Point, Design Matters, is elevated at the show through our 200 + session education programme. Four of the show’ s 11 education