Organisers of IMEX Frankfurt, 23-25 May, say they expect to welcome almost 3,000 exhibiting companies representing over 100 countries and more than 3,500 global buyers.
With strong demand from across the world and a significant bounce back from Asia, they say the 2023 IMEX show floor will offer a snapshot of the global event industry’s growth curve, most salient trends and future developments.
One of the differences compared to 2022 is the long-awaited return of Asia. With restrictions lifted, most of Asia is clearly on a return to international form. Indonesia, Taiwan, India, and Sri Lanka are all exhibiting. They are joined by Thailand, Malaysia and Hong Kong who are also set to deliver major press announcements. Newcomer Sarawak, the largest of Malaysia’s 13 states, will have its own stand for the first time and will also be joined by the region’s tourism minister.
Destinations, venues and suppliers from all corners of the world will line up for business at the show, with strong representation from Europe, including Germany, France and Spain; North & South America – including Brand USA which is exhibiting for the first time, while Boston and Georgia have both increased their presence.
Some big hotel names have increased their presence for 2023 including Accor, IHG Hotels & Resorts, NH Hotels and Radisson.
Thousands of appointments have already been booked and buyers can now download the app, sponsored by Monaco Convention Bureau, which allows them to plan their time at the show and offers free lead scanning for buyers and exhibitors for the first time.
Education sessions rip up the rulebook
The show’s learning programme has been stepped up with fresh formats. An Encore Ideation Station will offer snappy seven-minute presentations.
The Google Experience Institute (Xi) CoLabs is a series of mini design-thinking sprints shining a light on the key topics the global Xi community is currently exploring. This is an opportunity to experience Google’s forward-thinking and highly inclusive collaboration models and techniques. Megan Henshall, global events strategic solutions lead at Google, explains: “Being champions for good in the world, using our discipline to promote cultural shifts that are going to put us all in a better place – we can do that. This is the stuff that’s going to attract the next generation.”
Headline speakers are lined up to share some solid, practical advice, designed to both power professional and personal development. Best-selling author, leadership and sales training expert Christopher Kai will deliver a session on how to be more successful in sales by building rapport through science-based storytelling.
Headliner Alex Brueckmann works at the intersection of strategy, leadership, performance and empowerment. His sessions at the show – in both English and German– focus on moving beyond purpose to impact. he explains: “For an organisation’s purpose to have meaning, it must go beyond simply making money or providing jobs. The answer lies in shifting the focus from purpose to impact.”
All these sessions form part of a free programme of 150 educational and networking events at IMEX Frankfurt. The learning journey 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. Attendees can also search and personalise education choices according to CMP/CE credits or CSEP approval.
IMEX Frankfurt takes place 23– 25 May 2023. To register click here.
