Pulling together

IMEX returned to Frankfurt, 31 May to 2 June, and encouraging discourse from the Policy Forum has set an optimistic tone

Last month CMW returned to IMEX Frankfurt for the first time since 2019, and what an occasion it was. To the uninitiated, it was just another trade show, but to many eventprofs around the world, it was the first major industry event for which they could attend. There were absentees, such as Russia and China; the latter continuing to lock itself away from the world. By and large, the globe was well represented. Of course, such occasions lend themselves to reacquaintance with industry peers, but also facilitates the forming of new relationships, and on this basis IMEX did not disappoint. While fewer hosted buyers were roaming the halls than in previous years, there was little question about their quality and desire to do business. If only politicians and policymakers could have experienced this hub of business and knowledge exchange… Well as a matter of fact some did. Top of the content billing was IMEX’s Policy Forum, and this provided an ideal opportunity to engage policymakers in a live event setting. A critical task for an industry that suffers globally from a lack of measurable identity. Thirty-five policy makers from 19 countries gathered at the forum, which takes place annually to provide a collaborative, global discussion platform to encourage policy creation that directly benefits the global meetings and business events industry. The aim of this year’s forum was to help set the agenda for future, high-level discussions and build better partnerships and understanding between policymakers and the industry. The session was a combination of roundtable discussions and ‘provocation panels’ designed to ask the moment’s most pressing questions. Topics included the post-pandemic landscape and the role of the meetings industry in fuelling global business recovery. Measurement and data – which is vital on a global scale -, effective storytelling, diversity and inclusion, sustainability, and greater collaboration between industry and government stakeholders were cited as ways to create better partnerships and mutual understanding. This is critical content. For all too long the events industry has spoken to itself inwardly, but not often outwardly, and from here is born a whole raft of problems about identity and true value. It is something experienced globally, but this year’s Policy Forum felt somewhat different, with a new renewed energy to work with policymakers.

A change to the venue landscape

IMEX provided the ideal platform for a raft of new venue announcements and updates. The global brand reveal of the Middle East’s newest exhibition and convention centre was launched on 31 May, including confirmation that it will be operated by ASM Global. Opening in late 2022, Exhibition World Bahrain is set to become a catalyst for economic growth, socio-development, and job creation, generating a long-term legacy for the Kingdom of Bahrain. According to Dr Nasser Qaedi, CEO of Bahrain Tourism & Exhibitions Authority (BTEA), the brand identity of the new Exhibition World Bahrain in Sakhir, which he claims is set to become the largest exhibition and convention centre in the Global Cooperation Council (GCC) region, is a key element in the authority’s work to promote it regionally and internationally. “This exceptional achievement is planned to attract business tourism in the region and is considered a key pillar in implementing the ambitious objectives of Bahrain Tourism Strategy 2022-2026,” Dr Qaedi said. Exhibition World Bahrain will offer 95,000sqm of exhibition space, a Grand Hall to seat capacity from 400-4,000, 95 meeting rooms, 14 organiser’s offices, 3 Majlis, supported by 25 restaurants, cafes and retail outlets. Back in Europe, the Grimaldi Forum Monaco revealed details of the extension to its building increasing its event capacity by 50% with an additional 6,000sqm of indoor space. A further 2,000sqm of outdoor space, with views of the Mediterranean from the Ravel Terrace, was also showcased. The development project includes the neighbouring eco-area of six hectares that is being currently built by the State of Monaco. The entire landscape of the Grimaldi Forum will be refreshed, with green areas around and a fully renovated Larvotto’s beach and district nearby. Operational from 2025, this extension will make it possible to host larger events, have more events going on simultaneously, and make the Grimaldi Forum more flexible for increasingly original event formats. An update on Thailand’s newest venue was also announced at IMEX. The Queen Sirikit National Convention Center (QSNCC), the largest convention centre in Bangkok’s Central Business District is scheduled to open this September. Thirteen million visitors are expected to visit in the first year. Major events already scheduled include the APEC Summit 2022 (Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation) on 14-19 November when country leaders and delegates from all the 21 economies and beyond will be hosted at QSNCC, while Informa Markets, the world’s largest trade fair organiser, has already booked six major prestigious events. More than 130 show and national events are being confirmed at present. The venue will has 300,000sqm of total event space and multiple settings for conferences, meetings, and exhibitions. Sutichai Bunditvorapoom, executive vice-president of marketing and sales, N.C.C. Management and Development Co., Ltd. , the operator of QSNCC said: “Following the reopening of Thailand and now that international border restrictions have been lifted, the last quarter of 2022 will be an exciting time for QSNCC to start with this brand new venue. The response of major international event organisers in booking so many conferences and events before we open is tremendous and a wonderful testimonial to the venue. “International visitors will not only enjoy exciting events in world-class facilities, they will also experience superb shopping and lifestyle opportunities and a taste of Thai culture – all under one roof.”