With just over two weeks to go until the 2024 edition of
IMEX Frankfurt, around 4,000 buyers are expected through the doors at Messe
Frankfurt.
With buyer, exhibitor and meeting numbers currently tracking ahead
of 2023, the demand for the show, taking place May 14 – 16, is reflective of
the sheer business momentum and confidence building in the global meetings and
events industry according to Carina Bauer, CEO of the IMEX Group.
“We know that
face to face events are where some of the most valuable business conversations
take place – according to EIC research as many as 22 per cent of new customers
are generated through in-person events”, she said. “Our show’s carefully designed to
facilitate this and, from the demand we’re currently seeing from both buyers
and suppliers, the appetite to meet and do business as we head into the second
quarter of the year is impressive.”
Global exhibitors expanding show presence
An expansive roster of suppliers representing destinations,
venues, hotels and technology are ready to do business at the show - most
regions are larger than last year with marked increases from North America, the
Caribbean, Asia and Africa.
The number of US destinations has doubled – over 20 compared
to 10 last year. Together with first time exhibitors – Savannah, Bloomington,
West Hollywood and Beverley Hills, they can all be found in the new Brand USA
pavilion.
Strong representation from Asia includes Beijing returning,
while Ho Chi Minh City - the largest city in Vietnam - is new to the show.
Indonesia and Japan are both increasing their presence with Tokyo taking its
own booth.
African destinations also continue to grow with Senegal and
Zambia among the newcomers. Tanzania is returning with its largest ever booth,
while Rwanda will celebrate 10 years since its convention bureau was launched
and first introduced to the industry at IMEX Frankfurt 2014.
Many European countries and cities are furthering their
investment too with Italy, Croatia, the Czech Republic and Istanbul among those
increasing their booth space.
The major hotel groups will all be showcasing their
portfolios including Accor, Hilton, Hyatt, Four Seasons, Marriott, Radisson and
Wyndham.
The area of the show floor devoted to technology will
showcase solutions covering payments, virtual events and content management
among others - TranslateABLE, Swoogo and OUispeak are among the new additions.
News and research launches: The show’s global reach makes it
the perfect platform for major meetings and events industry news announcements.
Expect new research and updates from exhibitors including Canada, Cvent, EIC,
Gothenberg, ICCA, Los Cabos, Net Zero Carbon Events, PCMA and Thailand.
Newcomers’ welcome package
First-timers to IMEX can make the most of a ‘welcome
package’ of activities before and during the show - an introductory meet-up on
the show’s opening day will help newbies to make new friends and get their
bearings. Expect support, advice and ideas covering everything from how to plan
meetings at the show, how to dig into education or decide what to wear, where
to eat and who to meet.
IMEX Frankfurt takes place at Messe Frankfurt from 14 - 16 May 2024.
