IMEX, the global meetings, incentive travel and events industry exhibition, will deliver more exhibitors and more buyers when it opens its doors in just a few days time in Frankfurt, predict the show’s organisers. Some 3,400 hosted buyers are forecast within an overall visitor number of 7,500 as well as more than 3,000 exhibitors.
With just a few days to go, the fourth IMEX will be held at Messe Frankfurt from the 30th May to the 1st June. But is it really worth UK organisers making the trip? A resounding yes is the unsurprising answer to that question of course, from Ray Bloom, the IMEX chairman, who told myvenues.co.uk: ‘IMEX 2006 is set to be the largest exhibition to date showcasing 3,300 meetings and incentive travel exhibitors representing 150 countries. For planners looking for new destinations and exciting ideas for their up-coming conferences and events, IMEX is an immensely time and cost efficient way to do business. In addition, a range of seminars and social events will make the three days buyers spend at IMEX educationally productive, as well as extremely enjoyable.
‘We are expecting over 14,000 trade professionals to attend - a perfect opportunity to make new contacts and renew existing friendships within the world of meetings and incentive travel.’
So let’s taker a closer look at what’s on offer at this year’s show, in particular the new developments that have been introduced for 2006.
Fact file
• 35% of exhibitors increase space year-on-year
• 3,400 hosted buyers
• New airline partnerships announced
• New culture active tool announced
• Carbon off-set programme introduced
According to the organiser’s figures, around 35% of previous exhibitors have booked larger stands than in 2005. More space has been taken by Visit London, Ireland, Spain, Malaysia, Namibia, Jordan, Dubai, Argentina, Brazil, Croatia, Boston and several eastern European countries including Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria and Poland. There is notable buoyancy among European destinations with half of them increasing their stand sizes. Some 40% of hotel exhibitors including Accor Hotels, Boscolo Hotels Spa, Conrad Hotels, Hilton International, Hyatt International, Marriott International, Movenpick Hotels & Resorts, Ritz Carlton and Starwood have decided to take bigger stands.
In addition, a host of new exhibitors right across the market, including Peru, Abu Dhabi, Kenya and Tucson (USA) together with leading brands such as SkyTeam, Rocco Forte, NH-Hotels, BMW Welt, Kuoni and Best Western Deutschland, mean that IMEX 2006 will be larger than in 2005, reflecting substantial growth for the fourth consecutive year.
IMEX continues to be endorsed by ICCA, SITE (The Society of Incentive and Travel Executives), DMAI (The Destination Marketing Association International) and is a European Partner and sponsor of MPI (Meeting Professionals International).
With just a few days to go, the fourth IMEX will be held at Messe Frankfurt from the 30th May to the 1st June. But is it really worth UK organisers making the trip? A resounding yes is the unsurprising answer to that question of course, from Ray Bloom, the IMEX chairman, who told myvenues.co.uk: ‘IMEX 2006 is set to be the largest exhibition to date showcasing 3,300 meetings and incentive travel exhibitors representing 150 countries. For planners looking for new destinations and exciting ideas for their up-coming conferences and events, IMEX is an immensely time and cost efficient way to do business. In addition, a range of seminars and social events will make the three days buyers spend at IMEX educationally productive, as well as extremely enjoyable. 
