Largest-ever IMEX in Frankfurt Brings Optimism
May 22, 2015
IMEX Group Chairman Ray Bloom on May 21 gave a summary of IMEX 2015 at the Frankfurt Convention Center at the conclusion of the largest-ever show.
“Feedback from exhibitors and visitors has been encouraging and positive,” said Bloom. “Plenty of business has been done and there are further promising opportunities.
“Nearly 9,000 hosted buyers and visitors who came to participate and do business at this year’s show took part in over 62,000 individual appointments, stand presentations and group appointments. More than 50 percent of appointments included an appointment profile or an RFP, increasing the effectiveness of these meetings,” he said. “In particular, hosted buyers have stayed at the show longer. An important factor in this is that, amongst the 3,900 plus hosted buyers attending, have been many new buyers from countries such as China, India, Brazil, Argentina, Egypt and Israel at IMEX for the first time, making the highest-ever number of long-haul buyers to attend the show.”
In addition, on the show floor there were 55 new stands, and 20 percent of returning exhibitors increased their space this year. Also, 70 major stands invested substantially in completely new stand designs including exhibitors such as Portugal, Dubai and Australia.
“This had a great impact in the hall and is clear testimony to their strong commitment and investment in the industry and in IMEX,” said Bloom.
Steen Jakobsen, Director, Dubai Business Events, said: “This year we invested in a new, larger stand design as the show is our best and most important platform for showcasing the Dubai brand and our partners.”
The latest developments to the IMEX education program also were well received by visitors.
Bloom reported that a feature of Be Well at IMEX, the new health and well-being initiative, was the first-ever IMEX run, which was oversubscribed with 250 people from 50 countries taking on the 5km street circuit.
At the Opening Ceremony, Bill McDermott, CEO of SAP, the world’s largest business software company, and a passionate advocate of the power and value of meetings delivered a powerful, engaging and memorable keynote speech. One of his striking comments was “Why do I think the meetings industry really matters? Not just because you get the message out, you inspire customers and drive business. You also matter because you create a network effect that is not just measured in numbers, but because of the people that you touch. You are truly changing the world.”
Exclusively Corporate@IMEX, Association Day and Evening and the Politicians Forum continue to strengthen their growing reputations. Eighty corporate buyers with a combined annual meetings and events spend of more than $270 million, together with 300 association executives and a group of 40 politicians and government officials took part in these events.
Social media activity also was at an all-time high with an increase of more than 40 percent in Twitter messages exchanged and a 17 percent increase in the number of contributors. There also was a 150 percent year-on-year increase in Facebook posts.
Bloom announced that in 2016, PCMA will launch their Business School at IMEX in Frankfurt. This signature PCMA educational program offers high-level education from business school professors and will take place on the day prior to the show.
Also in 2016, IMEX will partner with the International Special Events Society as they hold their first Global Summit on the weekend following the show. A group of senior corporate executives from the US and around the world will attend the IMEX exhibition as hosted buyers, followed by the Global Summit, which will take place in Scotland.
Bloom also announced that, for 2016 only, IMEX in Frankfurt would move its show to the month of April — April 19–21, 2016.
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 here at IMEX. There are already exciting new features in place for 2016, and we look forward to welcoming everyone back to IMEX in Frankfurt next April.”