Continued strong interest from buyers across Europe and the emerging economies of Brazil, China, and India is fueling demand for places on the sought-after IMEX in Frankfurt hosted buyer program. Exhibitor numbers are set to match or exceed 2011, and organizers have taken a new approach to the show’s education program.

As a result of a positive knock-on effect from IMEX America, IMEX Chairman, Ray Bloom, has also confirmed that several new US intermediaries will be bringing their key clients to the Frankfurt trade show for the first time. Despite a challenging past year for many European countries, demand from European buyers also remains high. With over 20 new hosted buyer groups being added, the hosted buyer program is on target to beat all previous records.

Plans are also in place to attract more corporate buyers to the show through a new Executive Meeting Forum for C-level buyers; many of whom, although influential in buying and budgetary decisions, do not usually attend industry exhibitions and events.

Exhibitor interest has been healthy, especially among the anticipated 50 hotel groups, boosted by larger stands from many of the major groups, including Fairmont Hotels, Starwood, and Kempinski. ATA Hotels will be taking a stand for the first time, while Best Western is returning to the show with its own stand.
Demand for space from across the world is also extremely strong with a broad sweep of destinations increasing their presence at IMEX in Frankfurt including Boston, Brazil, Costa Rica, Croatia, Moscow, Paris, Slovakia, Sri Lanka, and Turkey. Meanwhile, Visit Pittsburgh makes a welcome return to the show.

This, the tenth anniversary of the award-winning trade show, will also see a reworking of its hallmark Association Day for association meeting planners. Three new education tracks – “Executive,” “Operations,” and “Meetings,” plus crowd-sourced discussion topics and “Ask the Expert” clinics have all been introduced to give participants more choice plus extra time to take part in more sessions throughout the day.