IMEX / Kongresse: “Is there anything better than meetings?”

From 19 to 21 May the gates will once again open for the MICE industry. That is when event organisers will convene in Frankfurt for three days at IMEX.

Famous names draw attention all over the world. The organisers of IMEX have heeded this credo and have acquired a business celebrity as the drawing card for the opening ceremony of their exhibition. SAP boss Bill McDermott will hold the keynote lecture on the first day. The choice does not only have to with his renown. The executive of the software company is a passionate defender of events in the business world, according to the IMEX organisers. McDermott speaks of the brilliance and creativity connected with a meeting or event. These experiences can inspire people to achieve their targets or realise their hopes – and therefore things they would never have dreamed about in an email or in a tedious telephone conference. “That is why I always try to bring people together for a common cause and to create a movement,” explains the SAP Managing Director. “And what can be better for this than a wonderful meeting or an unforgettable event?” 

During his stay at IMEX in Frankfurt Bill McDermott will also take a tour of the exhibition’s aisles. There he can visit some of the approximately 3,500 exhibitors presenting their destinations and services. Once again the exhibiting firms will come from all five continents and from all branches of the meeting and incentive industry. These include hotels, destinations, airlines, and technology providers. On the visitor side, over 9000 professionals will fill Hall 8 of the Frankfurt exhibition centre. This year they will include 34 new hosted buyer groups – from France, Great Britain, the Middle East, and the USA, among others. Much is being done for visitors. The IMEX team is working continuously on the further development of the “Appointment System”. Buyers can now arrange their appointments with desired exhibitors at the exhibition more easily. For visitors and representatives of the media from last year there is a further small treat. The registration information input last year can be recalled for this year’s registration. This saves time during the somewhat exasperating registration process.

The concurrent IMEX education programme will likewise feature some innovations this year. For the first time, experts were allowed to submit lectures in German and thus apply as speakers. The focus this year will lie on a total of ten themes. These include new technologies/social media, marketing and communication, market research and trends. Of course, the eternally-burning issue of “sustainability”, which has become more than a trendy word, could not fail to be included. MICE organisers increasingly do not just plant a couple of trees to compensate for the CO2 emissions caused by travelling to and from the event. Instead, they are introducing specific measures and reducing consumption. Another theme is concerned with inventiveness and creativity – quite an important factor in times when there is little new under the sun. IMEX will be dedicated to an entire “Creative Thursday” of creative event planning and organisation. In several workshops and seminars participants will experience everything that can make their events more effective.

Since the exhibition’s target groups are not homogenous and have differing amounts of years in the industry, the IMEX team has consequently adjusted its accompanying conference programme. Two new formats will be aimed at the specific needs of newcomers and established pros in the MICE industry: Both “Senior Planners” as well as “Young Professionals” will have their own workshops and seminars. In addition, on two days there will be intensive workshops each morning – on the topics of “Business Networking” and “Self-confidence at the job”.

The “Association Day” will also hit the stage in 2015 too. It will be held in the new “Kap Europa” venue. The fringe event brings international association planners from all industries and continents together every year. And there is something else new: IMEX has always placed great emphasis on the “wellbeing” factor of visitors and exhibitors. This objective will now be implemented literally: For the first time the entire exhibition will be held under the motto “Be Well at IMEX”. During the entire three-day duration of the event an extra “Meditation Room” will offer meditation and yoga units – as the ideal compensation for the turbulent and busy goings-on at the exhibition, as the IMEX organisers emphasise. In addition, a “Wellness-Guide” will provide buyers and suppliers with practical health and relaxation tips (www.imex-frankfurt.com).