Over 3,500 buyers attended IMEX in Frankfurt and scheduled roughly 55,000 appointments with exhibitors, of which 47,000 were individual appointments; the remainder were group and stand presentations. 
A new feature introduced this year was the ability to scan each other’s badges through the IMEX app, allowing instant access to a leads report and creating more business opportunities.

According to a press release, several successful business deals were made during the event. Pablo Sismanian of the Argentina National Institute of Tourism Promotion, for example, is quoted saying: “So far, we’ve had 15 events finalised at the show, worth more than $10 million.” They’ve reportedly “received many enquiries for incentives, and some congresses”.

Claire Smith, VP Sales & Marketing at Vancouver Convention Centre, commented: “The meetings we’ve had, have really moved discussions along, including conversations about bringing medical and scientific associations in with between 1,200 and 4,000 attendees. We involve our event partners, so buyers can meet the wider team – this helps build trust, which is crucial.”

A new German language Impact Academy, organised by IMEX Brand Ambassador in the German-speaking markets, Tanja Knecht, welcomed 60 hosted buyers who share a special interest in using events and event design to achieve both environmental and community engagement goals. Its successful launch augurs well for a repeat in 2024.

Noting the importance of intentional design in both Hall 8 by the exhibitors and Hall 9 by the IMEX team and its industry partners, IMEX Group CEO Carina Bauer, remarked on the show’s visual impact and memorability factor being stronger than ever. “This year’s show demonstrated how much more we all know about designing experiences with sustainability and purpose in mind, ensuring accessibility, inclusivity, higher standards of psychological safety and wellbeing. In fact all our human needs,” she said.

Also adding to engagement and positivity at the show was the IMEX brand refresh. Giant letters in the Galleria became the Instagram hit of the week, while attendees responded positively to the IMEX logo’s ‘handshake’ motif and contemporary colour palette.

Looking ahead, IMEX America in October will feature an expanded partnership with the Google Experience Institute (XI). Attendees at the show responded well to interactive learning concepts delivered by various organizations.

IMEX aims to publish its Net Zero Strategy in the coming months and has established a dedicated project team working with Meet Green and Isla.

IMEX Frankfurt 2024 is scheduled to take place from May 14 to 16.