IMEX Frankfurt 2015 attracts 9,000 visitors

EUROPE – This year’s edition of IMEX in Frankfurt attracted just under 9,000 visitors, including hosted buyers, said group chairman Ray Bloom at the show’s closing press conference at Frankfurt Messe. He said any loss in attendance from the rail strike in Germany during the week had been “minimal” due to the determination of visitors to attend. The show, Bloom said, had seen 62,000 individual appointments made with exhibitors, more than half of them including a RFP (request for proposal). Hosted buyer numbers were put at 3,900, with new groups coming from the BRICS countries, Argentina, Egypt and Israel. The show saw 55 new stands and 20% of returning exhibitors had increased their space, Bloom said. Highlights, said Bloom, included the largest Politicians Forum ever at the show; Exclusively Corporate@IMEX, Association Day & Evening. Social media activity was also at an all-time high with an increase of 40% in Twitter messages exchanged and a 17% in the number of contributors. There was a 150% year-on-year increase in Facebook posts. Looking forward to 2016, Bloom announced that PCMA would be launched their Business School at IMEX in Frankfurt. IMEX will also partner with the International Special Events Society (ISES), who will hold their first Global Summit in Scotland on the weekend following the show. Bloom concluded: “This has been another inspiring and productive week for thousands of buyers and exhibitors who have come to do business, network and learn. There are already exciting new features in place for 2016 and we look forward to welcoming everyone back to IMEX in Frankfurt next April.” Next year’s show moves back into April for one year, taking place 19-21.