The 2025 edition of IMEX Frankfurt closed, 22 May, having welcomed more than 13,000 global attendees, of which, organisers reported, over 4,000 were meetings and events buyers. The show, which ran 20-22 May at Messe Frankfurt, meant more footwork for attendees as it was the largest ever in terms of exhibitor floor space, generating over 67,000 pre-scheduled meetings across three days. Organisers said one-to-one meetings increased by 10% compared to last year.
The 21st edition of the show reflected both current sentiment within the worldwide events sector, with robust business pipelines evident. Heledd Williams, head of business events at Meet In Wales, said: “Meeting people in person is priceless. Nothing can replace it. Being here makes you feel things, it sparks unique ideas, you feel part of a community. We collaborate and share our challenges. In that way, our industry is very unique.”
Tracy Halliwell MBE, director of tourism and conventions at the London Convention Bureau, said: “IMEX Frankfurt 2025 was a tremendous success for us. Our stand attracted more interest than ever, with more than 750 pre-scheduled meetings – not including those arranged on the day.”
Claudia Kliem, senior manager group sales-worldwide sales at BWH Hotel Group, said: “MICE business is people business… the personal touch is what makes the difference. To tell our story face to face is even better… if the customer has a question, you can share your story in a way that’s relevant to them. This gives us the personal touch.”
At the Inspiration Hub, home to the show’s education programming, several themes arose time and again – the importance of trust, transparency, experiential design combined with emotional journey planning, psychological safety and leadership. In a panel session exploring how agencies and planners can work together more successfully, Alexandra Howar, director of business development at InVision Communications, highlighted that “transparency is the currency of trust.” She encouraged planners to collaborate across the supply chain to drive efficiencies and elevate the audience experience.
Looking ahead, Carina Bauer, IMEX Group CEO, noted that Frankfurt has been designated World Design Capital 2026, which offers the show multiple opportunities to extend its partnerships across the city and promote the importance of strong design principles as the bedrock of successful events and experiences.
Gala Dinner Awards
The traditional IMEX Frankfurt Gala Dinner Awards were held this year at the Alte Oper during a ceremony that honoured some of the great and the good, as well as upcoming industry stars making a positive impact on the industry and wider world.
The 2025 awards roll call: Destinations International – Global Ambassador Award: Lyn Lewis-Smith, CEO of Business Events Sydney
International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE) –International Excellence Award: IAAPA Expo Europe 2024
American Society of Association Executives (ASAE) – Global Association Visionary Award: Mike Dominguez. As president & CEO of Associated Luxury Hotels International (ALHI)
International Association of Professional Congress Organisers (IAPCO) Driving Excellence – Innovation Award, supported by IMEX: Núria Fernandez, online education specialist at Kenes Group
International Congress & Convention Association (ICCA) – Global Influencer Award: Mohamed Mezghani, secretary general & chair of the International Association of Public Transport (UITP) and also president of the European Society of Association Executives (ESAE)
Joint Meetings Industry Council (JMIC) – Unity Award: Industry consultant Kai Hattendorf, former JMIC chair and former UFI CEO
Meeting Professionals International (MPI) – Foundation Student Scholarship Award: Viktoriia Yushkaliuk from Vistula University in Poland
Society for Incentive Travel Excellence (SITE) – Jane E. Schuldt Master Motivator Award: Lisa Xu, managing director of East Star Event Management and president of SITE China
IMEX-Events Industry Council (EIC) – Innovation in Sustainability Award: Workday in partnership with George P. Johnson
Paul Flackett—IMEX Academy Awards: Aneta Książek, head of Poland Convention Bureau; Lyn Lewis-Smith, CEO of Business Events Sydney; Nikki Walker, global vice-president at MCI-Group, and Kai Hattendorf.
