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.
Carina Bauer, CEO of the IMEX Group, says: “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. 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 one of its largest ever booths, 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!
