IMEX is always evolving, so you’ll find brand-new ideas, exhibitors, educational sessions, and networking programs every year. It has once again proven to be a resounding success, showcasing the latest innovations and trends in the meetings and events industry. The event brought together professionals from around the globe, fostering valuable networking opportunities and knowledge sharing.
Loved the IMEX Vision: be inspired and explore the IMEX Vision initiatives to help build your business and stimulate fresh ideas. The show also introduced its new brand, evolving with new colors and shapes.
Framed by a fresh new contemporary brand look, IMEX 2023 saw over 3,500 buyers make 55,000 appointments with IMEX exhibitors, of which 47,000 were individual appointments; the remainder were group and stand presentations.
Reflecting business confidence on the show floor, Pablo Sismanian, Argentina National Institute of Tourism Promotion, said: “So far, we’ve had 15 events finalized at the show, worth more than $10m – and this is just the tip of the iceberg. We’ve received many inquiries for incentives, and some congresses.”
“The 2023 edition clearly reflected an industry pride and renewed confidence among exhibitors and, of course, a strong desire to do business with thousands of buyers,” said IMEX Chairman, Ray Bloom.
New this year and free for all exhibitors and buyers was the ability to scan each other’s badges through the IMEX app, delivering instant access to a leads report and resulting in more business opportunities.
Claire Smith, VP Sales & Marketing at Vancouver Convention Centre, commented: “The meetings we’ve had have really moved discussions along, including conversations about bringing medical and scientific associations in with between 1,200 and 4,000 attendees. We involve our event partners so buyers can meet the wider team – this helps build trust, which is crucial.”
A new German language Impact Academy, organized by IMEX Brand Ambassador in the German-speaking markets, Tanja Knecht, welcomed 60 hosted buyers who share a special interest in using events and event design to achieve both environmental and community engagement goals. Its successful launch augurs well for a repeat in 2024.
Noting the importance of intentional design in both Hall 8 by the exhibitors and Hall 9 by the IMEX team and its industry partners, IMEX Group CEO Carina Bauer remarked on the show’s visual impact and memorability factor being stronger than ever. “This year’s show demonstrated how much more we all know about designing experiences with sustainability and purpose in mind, ensuring accessibility, inclusivity, higher standards of psychological safety and wellbeing… in fact, all our human needs,” she said. Bauer noted that, although IMEX pioneered elements such as the Be Well Lounge many years ago, this year many more people had used it and appreciated its calming atmosphere. A choice of high-quality, locally sourced, low carbon food, plenty of comfortable and innovative places to rest and work together with low-level lighting in Hall 9 made the whole event experience more enjoyable and ultimately extended its value as a business and learning platform for everyone attending.
Also adding to engagement and positivity at the show was the IMEX brand refresh. Giant letters in the Galleria became the Instagram hit of the week, while attendees responded positively to the IMEX logo’s ‘handshake’ motif and contemporary color palette.
The show floor was buzzing with people, and as one visitor rightly put it, it was an electrifying atmosphere. Spread over three days, it can be a challenge to connect with everybody, but a scheduled meeting plan can help manage your time. IMEX, though relatively a compact show, some faced challenges in navigating, as for some buyers, their next appointments were on the other end of the hall. But the best part was that hall layout on the floor of each hall guided visitors as well as exhibitors.
Next year’s IMEX Frankfurt will take place 14 – 16 May 2024.
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