Power chats and puppetry - all part of IMEX Talking Points for letting imagination fly in Frankfurt

“Children are able to think of more than 60 new solutions per day in response to a problem. As we get older, this reduces to about six a day. Why not learn to think creatively again?” This is the question posed by Gebert Janssen, founder and CEO of the Party and Eventarchitect, and a key speaker at IMEX in Frankfurt later this month. He uses the analogy to summarise the challenge meeting planners face in generating fresh content. Many of the learning sessions at IMEX in Frankfurt, taking place 21–23 May (with EduMonday, 20 May), focus on the topic of imagination, IMEX’s Talking Point for this year. This year insights will be delivered by experts from both within and outside the global business events industry. Some examples of the disruptive thinking on display include: the team behind DUNDU, the giant puppet and previous playful addition to the show, who will share their expertise on how to use art to boost playfulness in Puppet-thinking: where puppetry and design thinking collide; Sam McNeill, Song Division’s UK/Europe General Manager, will also explain the benefits of song writing as a route to problem-solving in Creating a culture of innovation. The topic of imagination will be expanded in a series of ‘Power chats’ delivered by some members of the IMEX Team. Based on first-hand experience, these interactive insights into the different facets of the show’s Imagination Talking Point will cover diversity and inclusion, imagination in action, and sustainability. New for 2019 is PCMA’s #iamremarkable workshop on EduMonday. Designed to tackle ‘gender-related modesty norms and glass ceilings’, this session will empower everyone taking part to speak openly about their accomplishments, in the workplace and beyond. It will be led by Katarzyna Seidl, Strategic Partner Manager in Global Partnerships Team at Google and Florian Ahle, global Brand Evangelist and Auto brand marketing expert who also teaches for the Google Digital Academy in London. Many new experiences and activities introduced at this year’s show can be found at the show’s new Discovery Zone which is home to holograms, robots, illusionists, music and art. EduMonday on May 20 at Kap Europa will showcase its own ‘Imagination Zone’ where attendees can tap into their artistic streak at a painting party or unleash some fancy moves at a silent disco. Carina Bauer, CEO of the IMEX Group, says: “With over 250 educational events over four days, we have designed this year’s programme to supercharge the skills of planners and exhibitors alike. This year’s focus – imagination – takes learning to a new level with advice, stories and direction from boundary breaking experts from inside and outside of our industry. “It’s been wonderful to see so many partners, one being MPI, leveraging our Talking Point and using it to rethink their engagement and education delivery at the show.” IMEX in Frankfurt takes place 21-23 May 2019. Registration for the show is free of charge and open to all who work in the meetings, events and incentive travel industry. EduMonday takes place the day before the show, on Monday 20 May, and is free to enter following registration for IMEX in Frankfurt. Do also visit the CMW/Mash Media stand at the show, G410.