IMEX Frankfurt 2026 opened at the city’s Messe, 19 May, with nearly 3,000 companies exhibiting and many regions expanding their presence. In terms of exhibitor floor space it is the biggest show to date, marking the industry’s huge display of confidence, growth and investment across the global meetings and events industry.
Africa, Latin America and Asia Pacific have all increased their footprint and have brought new exhibitors: Angola, Mauritius, São Paolo and Uzbekistan among others.
Major global hotel groups are also out in force and include Marriott, Hilton and Radisson, with Hyatt and IHG among those scaling up their booth spaces.
New research
IMEX Frankfurt 2026 is alo the platform for a series of major sector announcements, with updates from both established and emerging destinations including a new convention bureau, a new international airport and an extensive study into event legacy. Partners are also unveiling critical new industry research covering key topics such as global economic impact, legacy, sustainability and incentives.
More than 4,000 buyers from 80+ countries are registered to attend and IMEX CEO, Carina Bauer, said: “At its core, IMEX Frankfurt is about bringing people from all over the world together face-to-face – to build new relationships, nurture existing connections, learn and do business. In doing so, it also creates space for open, meaningful and trusted dialogue at a time when it’s needed more than ever.”
Surprise and inspiration
The show’s 200+ session learning programme offers global event professionals the insights, contacts and inspiration they need to enhance their own meetings. Most of the sessions take place at the Inspiration Hub, located in a re-designed Hall 9 – a revitalised space crafted to inspire attendees and where IMEX’s Design Matters Talking Point comes to life.
The majority of IMEX learning sessions confer points toward Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) or ICCASkills accreditations and CSEP (Certified Special Event Professional) Approval.
- IMEX Frankfurt runs at Messe Frankfurt, 19-21 May.
- Download the improved IMEX Events App, sponsored by Visit Monaco
